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Forbes
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Your Ultimate Guide To A Stylish, Tech Smart, And Sustainable Summer
Summer Fashion in organic fashion brand Reistor Reistor Contributed Photo Summer will officially kick off on June 20 and whether you are ready or not, it will be here for 93 glorious days. For many of us, summer is a time to unwind, enjoy warm weather, eat well, bask in good company, and maybe even get lost in a new city or beach town. The question is how do we elevate that experience without leaving a trail of plastic, fast fashion, and emissions behind? This article will show you how to keep your summer fun and fresh while staying kind to the planet. From what you wear to how you cool off and stay connected, here are the top eco-essential swaps you can make this season: Hemp Short Dress with Back Embroidered Lace Detail Reistor The fashion industry contributes to roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and is responsible for 20% of global wastewater, according to Coupled with that, fast fashion's allure often fades with the season, but its impact lingers for decades. ethical fashion options that prioritize the planet and people. For this summer opt for natural fibers like linen, hemp, and organic cotton, which are more breathable and less taxing on the environment than synthetics like polyester which sheds microplastics when washed. Before buying anything new, start by shopping your own closet. You might be surprised by what you already have that can be reimagined, restyled, or repaired. If you still need something fresh, thrifting is the next best move as it extends the life of garments and keeps clothing out of landfills. REISTOR is an India-based label which produces minimal, comfortable clothing using organic fabrics and AZO-free dyes, meaning their fabrics are colored without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals that can release carcinogenic amines when broken down, especially under sweat or UV exposure. These dyes are banned in several countries due to their potential health and environmental risks. REISTOR partners with organizations that support women's employment and empowerment. Their breathable cotton dresses and linen tops are perfect for staying stylish in the heat while reducing your environmental footprint. Additionally the Pact brand which creates everyday essentials from organic cotton with water-saving techniques. is another option with its Certified Fair Trade and Global Organic Textile Standard. Cooling off with a desk fan getty As global temperatures rise, so do energy bills and carbon emissions from cooling systems. According to a 2024 Our World in Data report, air conditioning accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. There are alternative methods to beat the heat and keep cool without overloading the grid. Invest in a good fan instead of blasting the AC or a personal favorite is using the AC on timer while the fan circulates the cool air. Next, you have to block out the heat by using thermal blackout curtains or bamboo shades to reduce indoor heat gain. Heat-blocking shades reduce indoor temperatures by limiting the amount of sunlight and heat that enters a room, easing the load on air conditioning systems. They also offer added benefits like UV protection, improved light control, and increased indoor comfort. Additionally, while you are outdoors, you can benefit from handheld fans, neck fans or even portable solar fans to keep cool. While outdoors, you can reach for a wide-brimmed hat made of raffia or organic cotton, and layer up with UPF-rated clothing for extra sun protection. For context, a UPF 50 garment blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, allowing only 1/50th to reach your skin. Tech is an essential part of our lives and you do not have to ditch tech to live sustainably, you just have to choose wisely. When used correctly, tech can actually help reduce waste and energy. Here are a few gadgets that can help you in these 93 summer days and beyond. Solar-powered gadgets are a smart way to enjoy your summer without relying on the grid. You have options to stream music through the Reveal Solar Speaker or charging your phone with solar charges like the the Anker 21W PowerPort. The beauty of it is that solar tech allows you to stay connected while reducing your carbon footprint. Smart plugs and energy monitors, such as the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, help you manage your electricity usage by tracking and scheduling appliances. These actively reduce phantom power draw which is the energy consumed by electronics even when they are turned off. Typically, residential energy use accounts for about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and any small tweaks in how we use tech can make a measurable difference. Summer is what you make it, and this year, you can make it count for both your joy and the sustainability of the planet. Whether you are trying to put together a summer wardrobe, staying cool with low-impact habits, or choosing gadgets that give more than they take, your decision to choose sustainable brands matter. So as the sun rises on these 93 days, choose what lasts, what aligns, and what truly reflect a sustainable summer.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ESG Outlook: GOTS' Claudia Kersten on Catalyzing Systemic Change
ESG Outlook is Sourcing Journal's discussion series with industry executives to get their take on their company's latest environmental, social and governance initiatives and their own personal efforts toward sustainability. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading worldwide standard for the processing of organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile value chain. As a Voluntary Sustainability Standard (VSS) setter, GOTS defines what sustainability should look like in practice and provides a framework others can follow. The company sets stringent, but achievable, environmental and social criteria that drive meaningful change. Here, Claudia Kersten, manager director of GOTS, discusses the organization's role to make sure that claims of sustainability are credible, consistent and grounded in third-party verification. More from Sourcing Journal ESG Outlook: Reistor's Mehma Singh on Democratizing Conscious Fashion Catherine Chiu of Crystal Int'l Group on Unlocking Potential for Female Employees ESG Outlook: Rachel Molina of Another Tomorrow on Farm-Level Data and Digital IDs Name: Claudia KerstenTitle: Managing DirectorCompany: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) What do you consider your company's best ESG-related achievement over the last 5 years? Strengthening the integrity and influence of sustainable textile production globally. As an organization that sets VSS, we help others achieve their ESG goals through a robust standard that covers environmental protection, human rights and responsible business practices along the entire value chain. We achieve this by continuously strengthening our resources and regularly revising our standard to stay aligned with evolving science and policy. This gives companies the assurance that they are always equipped to meet and exceed regulatory compliance, irrespective of how legal standards evolve. We're also proud of our partnership with the European Space Agency which, when it was launched, was the first project of its kind to use AI and satellite imagery to detect organic versus non-organic cotton fields. This enables us to enhance the integrity of organic cotton and prevent fraud across the value chain. What is your company's latest ESG-related initiative? We recently launched a new vision and mission, shaped by the evolving needs of the industry and the growing urgency for climate and social action. This transformation is about going beyond product-level certification to help catalyze systemic change. It's reflected in the development of our latest standard update, which includes enhanced criteria on environmental protection, labor rights and accountability. We're addressing issues like carbon intensity and worker agency more directly, ensuring our standard remains a strong driver of progress in a complex global landscape. What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion? A common misconception is that sustainability is just about the product—what it's made of, whether it's organic or recycled. But sustainability isn't just about materials; it's about systems. That includes how fast we produce, how we treat workers, and whether we internalize the full environmental and social costs. We play a key role in helping shift the focus from surface-level fixes to systemic transformation. If products carried their true cost, including environmental degradation and labor exploitation, many of today's problems could be addressed more effectively. As consumers become more aware of worker conditions and how clothing is produced, how can the industry best spread the word on progress? The best way to communicate progress is through credible, third-party certification like ours. They provide evidence—not just marketing claims—that a product meets verified sustainability criteria. Brands should use them not only to prove their efforts but also to talk about them transparently. As standard setters, we also need to do our part by making sustainability achievements more visible and accessible to both brands and consumers. What do you consider to be the apparel industry's biggest missed opportunity related to securing meaningful change? The Covid-19 crisis presented a unique opportunity to rethink how fashion operates. In 2020 and 2021, we saw a surge in ESG pledges, but many of them weren't backed by concrete action. When value chains shut down, millions of garment workers were left without protection, severance, or income. Brands had the chance to rebuild around fairness, resilience and shared responsibility—but instead, many reverted to business-as-usual, prioritizing cost-cutting over long-term change. That moment could have been a turning point. Unfortunately, it wasn't. What was your company's biggest takeaway from the Covid crisis that is still relevant today? We were already a fully virtual organization before the pandemic, so operationally, we were well-prepared. The real test came in the audit process, where independent, on-site inspections are critical for credibility. During the pandemic, we had to innovate. Virtual audits became necessary, and while they were never a full substitute for physical visits, they demonstrated how adaptable and creative systems can be without sacrificing integrity. It taught us that flexibility and trust can go hand in hand, especially when supported by strong frameworks and oversight. On a personal level, what is your philosophy on shopping and caring for your clothes? I buy less but better. When I do shop, I look for GOTS-certified or other credible certifications, or I choose second-hand. I also repair my clothes and encourage swapping or sharing instead of constantly buying new. For me, it's about consuming more consciously, extending product life, minimizing waste and encouraging others to do the same. How much do you look into a brand's social or environmental practices before shopping? I always research a brand's practices before buying. As someone leading a sustainability standard, it's not just a job, it's a deeply held value. I've seen the best and worst of textile production, so I seek out brands with credible commitments and avoid those that fall short. In fact, I filter my product searches to prioritize sustainable options and don't even consider conventional ones. Anything new you are doing to boost sustainability beyond the fashion industry? In my personal life, it's nothing extravagant—just consistent. I try to reduce my CO₂ footprint, eat organic and regional food, and choose sustainable alternatives in everyday purchases, whether that's cleaning products or home goods. I also try to engage in discussions and education with people of all ages to raise awareness. Any final thoughts? ESG isn't a checklist. It's a mindset. It requires a shift in how we think, make decisions and define success—not only in business, but also in daily life. If we adopt this mindset collectively, we can drive the systemic changes that sustainability demands. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
