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8 Things to Know in Sustainable Fashion This August

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05 Aug, 2024

This post was originally published on Good on You

Every month, the Good On You team scours the internet to find you the ethical and sustainable fashion news that matters. Here’s everything you need to know in August 2024—from SHEIN’s questionable “circularity fund” to Lululemon’s greenwashing lawsuit and more.

Campaigners Urge UK Government to Block Shein’s London IPO (Reuters)

Last month we shared news that SHEIN had filed papers to kickstart an IPO listing on London’s Stock Exchange. Now, Reuters reports that there’s an online petition calling on the UK government to block the retailer from doing so. Launched by fair fashion campaigner Venetia La Manna, the “Say No to SHEIN” petition is backed by retail consultant Mary Portas and had over 40,000 signatures at the time of writing.

Can a 250-Million-Euro ‘Circularity Fund’ Make SHEIN Circular? (FashionUnited)

Yes, more SHEIN news, because the retailer has just launched a “circularity fund” to invest in initiatives throughout Europe and the UK that are developing circular solutions. “The fund barely disguises what SHEIN is aiming for: To further tap the lucrative European and UK market and its design talent pool,” says Fashion United. “Instead of cutting back on production and ceasing to drive consumption with ever more readily available styles, the clothing giant wants to ease consumer conscience by having them believe they are buying items made from circular materials.”

Bangladesh Garment Sector Rocked by Protest Crackdown (Financial Times)

“Bangladesh’s garments industry is reeling after authorities imposed a curfew and communications blackout as part of a deadly crackdown on student protesters,” reports the Financial Times. The restrictions—which have now been partially lifted—have had a major impact on the garment sector, forcing factories to close, impacting shipping costs, and causing supplier delays.

What Fashion Can Learn From Other Industries’ Supply Chains (Vogue Business)

In a fascinating article for Vogue Business, Maliha Shoaib argues that supply chains in other sectors are no less complex than fashion’s, but that there are some important differences in how they’re managed and integrated. Shoaib shares three key lessons that fashion can learn from the transport, food, and beauty industries.

Is Luxury Finally Set for a Sustainability Reckoning? (Business of Fashion)

Business of Fashion suggests that big questions over the luxury sector’s sustainability are imminent as Dior and Giorgio Armani have recently been linked to sweatshop labour. More issues are expected to be highlighted when Italy’s Competition Authority reveals the results of its current investigation into “whether the brands misled consumers with commitments to ethics and craftsmanship”.

Lululemon Accused of ‘Global Greenwashing’ Effort in New Lawsuit (The Fashion Law)

Lululemon is the subject of a new greenwashing lawsuit in Florida. The Fashion Law reports that the lawsuit alleges the retailer’s marketing campaigns and sustainability claims contradicted its true practices and business model, misleading customers into believing the brand is more sustainable than it really is.

PFAS-Busting Bacteria Discovered By California Environmental Engineers (Sourcing Journal)

Researchers from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have found a bacterial species that can destroy some of the PFAS “forever chemicals” usually found in waterproofing agents for outerwear and footwear, according to Sourcing Journal. It’s still early days in the research process, but the findings are interesting.

 

‘Good’ and ‘Great’ news

Every month we publish news and product highlights from highly rated brands that have been assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Using our codes and links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.

Workers at Dawn Denim's garment factory in Vietnam

Workers at Dawn Denim’s garment factory in Vietnam

Dawn Denim Collaborates With Tip Me to Help ‘Empower Craftsmanship’

In the spirit of gratitude, Dawn Denim has partnered with Tip Me to offer shoppers the opportunity to send a tip to the makers of its jeans in Vietnam. The brand highlights that it is not a salary substitute scheme and emphasises its commitment to paying living wages and ensuring workers are treated fairly. “Imagine purchasing a pair of jeans and having the unique ability to directly tip the person who made them, halfway across the world in Vietnam,” says the brand. “And on top of that, it’s a great sign of solidarity. Only together can we make the world a better place.”

The post 8 Things to Know in Sustainable Fashion This August appeared first on Good On You.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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