Sustainable Fashion – Good for the Planet and Your Wallet

It’s not hard to believe that eco-friendly clothing is good for the planet, but many people believe that as a general rule, eco-friendly clothing is also much more expensive than the less sustainable alternatives. But this is not necessarily the case! Although most people understand that the fashion industry is a major polluter, and that […]
Bank & Vogue is a ‘True Blue’ Business

Until recently, one of the best compliments you could pay a company or organization was that they upheld values that are key to a ‘green economy’. But the concept has evolved and given rise to a new term, ‘blue economy’. But what’s the difference? A green economy was one of the first proposed solutions to […]
New to the idea of recycled fashion? Here’s What You Need to Know

Textile waste has been an often overlooked polluter and component of landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average North American throws away 68 lbs of clothing yearly. In 2008 approximately 12.4 million tonnes of textiles were created, and this number keeps growing. Without improving sustainability practices, textile recycling, and turning towards more eco-friendly […]
What to Avoid Buying at the Thrift Store

Thrift shopping is a great option for those wishing to expand their wardrobes on a budget. However it’s important to keep in mind that not all secondhand items are worth buying. Fabrics and other materials wear differently over time, and since most thrift store items have been worn it’s important to keep in mind that […]
The Textile Recycling Industry is Setting New Standards

Multinational product manufacturers are coming to the realization that effective sustainability strategies are needed. While the world today still emphasizes making a profit, recent analyses of consumer trends say that a “green shift” is a necessity. While all industries are dealing with this change, the textile industry is known for being unsustainable. Manufacturing new textile […]
Ten Brands Doing Sustainable Cotton Right

Every year 85 countries worldwide produce more than 25 million tons of cotton. While cotton is important to many economies, it can also have a harsh impact on the environment. For instance, about 10% of all agricultural chemicals used go to the cotton sector. Currently organic cotton only makes up 1% of the total global […]
Fast Fashion’s Rapid Growth is Slowing Down

Fast fashion, which has been gaining momentum for many years, has recently appeared to be slowing down. It’s surprising how little we know about where our clothes come from, who made them, and what they’re made of. Just because something is cheap doesn’t necessarily mean it has good value. In many countries where fast fashion […]
Understanding the Circular Economy – the Design Stage

The circular economy is the backbone of the used goods industry, and a source of opportunity for the textiles sector. By adopting circular thinking, studies by UK organization WRAP show global economic opportunity worth $700 billion for the consumer goods sector as a whole. So what exactly is the circular economy? Essentially, a circular economy […]
Questions You Should be Asking About Sustainable Fashion

Great news for fashion loving environmentalists! It’s possible to uphold eco-friendly values and still look fashionable. Most people believe that the best way to get runway styles in their closet is to buy fast fashion, but fast fashion generates a cycle of waste and consumption that strains the environment. Fast fashion is also harmful for […]
The Karuna Orphanage needs a study hall

The Karuna Orphanage provides food, shelter, clothing and basic education for 50 girls and is supported by the local community. Bank and Vogue, an Ottawa based company, up-cycles clothing in a factory nearby and has committed to supporting Karuna to offer better quality education and increase the number of girls they can serve. Bank and Vogue provides English lessons one day per week, as well […]