The awareness around “Fast Fashion” and its impact on the environment is rising. Is this a positive and marketable opportunity for small businesses and artisan makers to make a positive impact while also improving their market share?

In difficult economic times for retail how can we best leverage a good balance of sustainability, community good and staying alive in the market so we can continue in planet-friendly commerce?

We will talk to leading local and grassroots businesses and sector specialists about the pros and cons of being on the front line.

By the end of the session, attendees will understand:

Understand current trends on in clothing and retail trade and counter approaches fast fashion
Approaches and opportunities, in reuse, upcycling, repurposing, slow fashion and repair
Current finding from the fashion industry in Australia and pending regulations on product stewardship
Challenges for retail in covering “shades of green” approaches to sustainability

Guest Speakers:

Caitlyn Touzell – Boomerang Labs

Yvonne Scott – Aware Social Design Project. Board Member – Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand

Emma Simcox – The Conscious Exchange