Giving back by companies can involve allocating part of their profits to community involvement and environmental efforts. In fact, many conscious companies conduct such initiatives throughout the year. This means that as a customer, with every...
Denim is a fashion staple that many people keep in their closets; however, it’s also one of the most resource-intensive garments. Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO launched the sustainable denim project BlueCycle Jeans to overcome this issue...
Kimonos are typically made from silk, one of the most durable natural fibers. With their beautiful patterns and luxurious style, kimonos can be upcycled into many fashion items. For example, Kyoto-based retailer Relier81 makes women’s shoes...
Rename is a Japanese brand that is motivated to reduce excess inventory in the apparel industry. In Japan, 94,000 tons of unsold clothing are discarded each year. One of the reasons for this inventory waste is that fashion brands can’t sell...
The quest for a cruelty-free alternative to animal leather has been a hot topic in the fashion industry. Some examples include H&M’s pineapple leather and Stella McCartney’s vegetarian leather. A new addition to the cruelty-free...
Cravatta by Renacnatta is a tie brand that upcycles kimonos. The kimono is a traditional Japanese dress that was once a staple of Japanese fashion. Now, it is mostly worn on special occasions, such as weddings, festivals and funerals. The brand is...
Phone cases are essential accessories not just for expressing your individuality but also to keep your gadget protected from unwanted scratches or cracks. However, a little-known fact is that 1.5 billion non-biodegradable plastic phone cases are...
Smart infrastructure is an emerging field that invests in artificial intelligence and big data to improve the quality of service, such as transportation. Associate professor Luna Lu from Purdue University is working in this field with the idea of...
The benefits of walking in green spaces are not limited to physical health. Studies show that access to green space enables an enhanced opportunity to connect with nature, improving one’s mental health. This is especially the case during the...
Single-use containers are one of the fundamental causes of waste, and yet we still find them everywhere in our daily life. American company Loop is addressing waste through collaboration with retailers and manufacturers by promoting packaging day-to...