Latest news with #Seamless
Sydney Morning Herald
20 hours ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
New French laws have put ultra-fast fashion companies on notice. Should we follow suit?
Loading Some environmental advocates have criticised the legislation's relatively light approach to 'classic' fast fashion retailers like Zara compared to Shein or Temu. Maguire says shielding domestically owned corporations is partly spurred by a global political trend towards protectionism. Professor Justine Nolan, director of the Australian Human Rights Institute at the University of New South Wales, acknowledges the scope of the law is narrow, but says it's a step in the right direction. '[The law] sends a signal to all fashion labels that their business models need to mainstream environmental considerations as they are in the sight of regulators,' she says. Both Shein and Temu say they operate ethically and are not fast fashion brands. What's happening in Australia? The Australian government has been slow to regulate the fast fashion industry, but some action is taking shape. In 2024, clothing stewardship scheme Seamless was launched by the federal government, with the aim of reducing our local fashion industry's carbon footprint. The stewardship is funded by a levy of 4 cents per sale paid for by participating brands, including David Jones, Country Road and M.J. Bale. Yet some experts say initiatives like Seamless are not enough. 'There's lots of evidence to suggest you need a mandatory scheme to actually drive change,' says Maguire. 'Otherwise, you get free riders – a few good brands and retailers having to cover the costs of everybody else's recycling.' She also thinks the levy of 4 cents should be closer to France's tax of up to $9 if it is to meaningfully influence consumer behaviour. In 2024, then environment minister Tanya Plibersek said Seamless would introduce mandates if not enough brands signed on. Around 60 brands and retailers are currently partners. Danielle Kent, general manager of industry transformation at Seamless, says while the scheme is still in its nascency, they have established a circular design training program and are starting to look at what collecting, sorting and recycling clothing at scale might look like. 'The French scheme started in 2007, so they're 18 years ahead.' 'We do not want to find ourselves in another soft plastics debacle where we are collecting and there's nowhere to go. It's really important we are measured in the way that we go forward.' She says Seamless is aiming for a regulatory framework but will remain voluntary for now. Australia also has a National Waste Policy Action Plan, aimed at transitioning to a circular economy. But it does not include specific guidelines or targets for textile waste, despite the fact that around 60 per cent of modern clothing is made from synthetic fibres and more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing go to landfill each year. A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says they 'support the fashion industry in Australia to be more responsible for the environmental impacts of clothing,' such as through funding Seamless. What would similar laws look like here? So, why does Australia lag so far behind countries like France in holding the fashion industry to account? 'Australia has tended to be a follower in developing legislation to regulate human rights and environmental impacts,' says Nolan, adding that Australians are some of the top consumers of new apparel globally. Jaana Quintance-James, CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, praises the French legislation but is unsure whether similar laws would be suitable in Australia at this point, given the current lack of environment and ethical reporting capabilities that would be used to inform legislation. She first wants to see greater government investment in Australian manufacturing to support our local textile, clothing and footwear industries. 'The Australian government is not recognising the powerhouse that our industry is. We employ 500,000 people. It's $28 billion worth of value added into the economy,' she says. 'About 97 per cent of what is sold in Australia is made offshore. The tariffs are the latest example of when we are at the mercy of international supply chains, and we need to build greater resilience.' In 2024, The Australia Institute called on the federal government to support programs for waste repair and recycling and develop a French-style tax on fast fashion. Loading Nina Gbor, director of the institute's Circular Economy and Waste Program, says while 'everyone has a responsibility' to shop sustainably, it is time for regulation to come into force. 'We've passed the stage of what individuals can do. There's too much focus on individual action. Right now, we need to all be screaming at the government to do something.' Her policy recommendations include investment in on-shore recycling, expanded education programs, tax incentives, and supporting Australian brands with capital and marketing. The Australian Retailers Association has called on the government to take similar action, with CEO Chris Rodwell, saying: 'The rise of ultra-cheap global online retailers, like Temu and Shein, is changing the retail landscape at pace.' 'The ARA is advocating for government action to close tax loopholes, enforce compliance with Australian consumer protection laws, and level the playing field across sustainability, safety, and modern slavery requirements.' Neither the Australia Institute nor the ARA has submitted formal proposals to the government yet. While Australia instituted a Modern Slavery Act in 2019, Nolan says: 'It has not substantially addressed the problem or facilitated significant changes in business practices.'
The Age
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
New French laws have put ultra-fast fashion companies on notice. Should we follow suit?
Loading Some environmental advocates have criticised the legislation's relatively light approach to 'classic' fast fashion retailers like Zara compared to Shein or Temu. Maguire says shielding domestically owned corporations is partly spurred by a global political trend towards protectionism. Professor Justine Nolan, director of the Australian Human Rights Institute at the University of New South Wales, acknowledges the scope of the law is narrow, but says it's a step in the right direction. '[The law] sends a signal to all fashion labels that their business models need to mainstream environmental considerations as they are in the sight of regulators,' she says. Both Shein and Temu say they operate ethically and are not fast fashion brands. What's happening in Australia? The Australian government has been slow to regulate the fast fashion industry, but some action is taking shape. In 2024, clothing stewardship scheme Seamless was launched by the federal government, with the aim of reducing our local fashion industry's carbon footprint. The stewardship is funded by a levy of 4 cents per sale paid for by participating brands, including David Jones, Country Road and M.J. Bale. Yet some experts say initiatives like Seamless are not enough. 'There's lots of evidence to suggest you need a mandatory scheme to actually drive change,' says Maguire. 'Otherwise, you get free riders – a few good brands and retailers having to cover the costs of everybody else's recycling.' She also thinks the levy of 4 cents should be closer to France's tax of up to $9 if it is to meaningfully influence consumer behaviour. In 2024, then environment minister Tanya Plibersek said Seamless would introduce mandates if not enough brands signed on. Around 60 brands and retailers are currently partners. Danielle Kent, general manager of industry transformation at Seamless, says while the scheme is still in its nascency, they have established a circular design training program and are starting to look at what collecting, sorting and recycling clothing at scale might look like. 'The French scheme started in 2007, so they're 18 years ahead.' 'We do not want to find ourselves in another soft plastics debacle where we are collecting and there's nowhere to go. It's really important we are measured in the way that we go forward.' She says Seamless is aiming for a regulatory framework but will remain voluntary for now. Australia also has a National Waste Policy Action Plan, aimed at transitioning to a circular economy. But it does not include specific guidelines or targets for textile waste, despite the fact that around 60 per cent of modern clothing is made from synthetic fibres and more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing go to landfill each year. A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says they 'support the fashion industry in Australia to be more responsible for the environmental impacts of clothing,' such as through funding Seamless. What would similar laws look like here? So, why does Australia lag so far behind countries like France in holding the fashion industry to account? 'Australia has tended to be a follower in developing legislation to regulate human rights and environmental impacts,' says Nolan, adding that Australians are some of the top consumers of new apparel globally. Jaana Quintance-James, CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, praises the French legislation but is unsure whether similar laws would be suitable in Australia at this point, given the current lack of environment and ethical reporting capabilities that would be used to inform legislation. She first wants to see greater government investment in Australian manufacturing to support our local textile, clothing and footwear industries. 'The Australian government is not recognising the powerhouse that our industry is. We employ 500,000 people. It's $28 billion worth of value added into the economy,' she says. 'About 97 per cent of what is sold in Australia is made offshore. The tariffs are the latest example of when we are at the mercy of international supply chains, and we need to build greater resilience.' In 2024, The Australia Institute called on the federal government to support programs for waste repair and recycling and develop a French-style tax on fast fashion. Loading Nina Gbor, director of the institute's Circular Economy and Waste Program, says while 'everyone has a responsibility' to shop sustainably, it is time for regulation to come into force. 'We've passed the stage of what individuals can do. There's too much focus on individual action. Right now, we need to all be screaming at the government to do something.' Her policy recommendations include investment in on-shore recycling, expanded education programs, tax incentives, and supporting Australian brands with capital and marketing. The Australian Retailers Association has called on the government to take similar action, with CEO Chris Rodwell, saying: 'The rise of ultra-cheap global online retailers, like Temu and Shein, is changing the retail landscape at pace.' 'The ARA is advocating for government action to close tax loopholes, enforce compliance with Australian consumer protection laws, and level the playing field across sustainability, safety, and modern slavery requirements.' Neither the Australia Institute nor the ARA has submitted formal proposals to the government yet. While Australia instituted a Modern Slavery Act in 2019, Nolan says: 'It has not substantially addressed the problem or facilitated significant changes in business practices.'
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Hot Fellas Bakery Pop-Up Is Coming To New York This Weekend
Outside Hot Fellas Bakery in New York City And just like that, one of the most irreverent details from the Sex and the City reboot is popping up in real life. Hot Fellas Bakery, Anthony's fictional food business staffed by modelesque men pushing carbs, will make it's real life debut this weekend, in honor of Hot Fellas Bakery finally opening its brick-and-mortar on the most recent episode of Max's And Just Like That. Opening on Saturday, June 14th in the East Village at 35 Cooper Square, the IRL Hot Fellas will offer fresh baked goods, exclusive merch, and maybe even a Hot Fella or two – all for free. The pop-up will run on Saturday from 10am – 6pm and Sunday, June 15 from 9am to 6pm, while supplies last. Those who can't make it to the location can also take advantage of Grubhub and Seamless's snack-and-stream pairing, the limited edition Hot Fellas Bakery Bundle. Grubhub's Hot Fellas bundle includes three types of baked goods, plus merch The complimentary drop will be available exclusively this weekend throughout New York City, plus Los Angeles in Chicago. The free package includes a butter croissant, lemon ginger biscuits, and rosemary garlic sourdough, plus an exclusive Hot Fellas tote bag and a stylish bread towel, for proofing dough or keeping your bread soft and fresh post-bake. Standard delivery people will be dropping off the orders, so don't expect Hot Fellas in their blue uniforms, a Grubhub spokesperson confirmed. Still, the package is perfect for a streaming party, perhaps with a Carrie Bradshaw-inspired cosmopolitan in hand too. And Just Like That has been a controversial addition to the Sex and the City canon as a 2020s era follow up to the original six seasons plus two movies. Data shows that viewership continues to drop in the third season of the series, which follows three of the original main characters – Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York Goldenblatt, and Miranda Hobbs– plus secondary characters, including stylist Anthony in his new career as a bakery entrepreneur – and new additions to the cast as well. Those who want to continue their immersive experience of And Just Like That beyond Hot Fellas can visit the exterior of Carrie's new townhouse at 3 Gramercy Park West. Additional Manhattan shooting locations in the third season include Little Sister Lounge (112 E 11th St.), where Charlotte and Harry try to stay cool with the art crowd; Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.), the Harlem restaurant where Herbert hosts a fundraiser for his city comptroller campaign; and Motel No Tell (210 Avenue A.), the fictionalize lesbian bar were Miranda picks up a nun played by Rosie O'Donnell.
Buzz Feed
24-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
30 Genius Products You'll Wish You'd Thought Of First
A portable digital luggage scale, because it's time we put an end to that gut-wrenching moment when the airline counter tells you your suitcase is a few pounds over the weight limit. Being forced to transfer your things from your suitcase into your carry-on in the middle of the terminal for everyone to see is dreadful. A veggie chopper for those who wanna cook homemade meals but are so daunted by the thought of prepping the ingredients, they're already ordering Seamless a fourth night in a row. A wooden page holder to save your spot mid-read when you need to take a break for the bathroom, to get a snack, or check any phone notifs you missed while you were off in a land far, far away. Not to mention, this handy lil' pyramid features slots to hold your glasses and phone. All the essentials you need for a night of working your way through your TBR will be right within reach. A winged eyeliner stamp so you don't have to waste time during your makeup routine trying to nail the perfect cat eye. Just stamp it on and go, go, gooooo! A pack of ceiling fan filters that'll capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and more airborne irritants just by turning on your ceiling fan. It's like having an air purifier without having to spend the money (or make space) for an air purifier. Plus, all you have to do is just stick 'em on your fan. A grocery bag carrier because your commitment to making only one trip from the car to your home with all of your grocery bags is STRONG, and this handy little device will make it possible AND easy. This is also really great if you live in a city and have no choice but to carry numerous bags from the market to your apartment. A snot-sucking aspirator that, yes, sounds super gross, but will provide your sweet bb with some much-needed relief from their stuffy nose. Don't worry; it's formulated with booger-blocking filters, so you won't be ingesting anything. A CrunchCup portable cereal cup perfect for anyone who loves eating cereal for breakfast but doesn't quite have time to sit down and eat in the morning. Now you can bring it on the go without worrying it'll get soggy in transit. A shoe stretch spray, because few things are worse than finding an adorable pair of footwear, excitedly opening the package, and then struggling to get the shoes on your feet because they're just a tad too tight. Those boots were made for walking, and that's just what you'll DO! A genius faucet splash catcher if you're sick and tired of your counter looking like a miniature swimming pool after cleaning the dishes. Let's be real, once you're done with that chore, you wanna sit on your couch and watch The dry all the water that's pooled around your sink. A jewelry cleaning pen to get your precious gems looking brand-new with a quick pen swipe. Let's be real, the last thing you feel like doing is putting on real clothes, driving to a jewelry store, and paying triple the amount of what this pen costs. A pet hair remover you simply swipe over surfaces covered in hair from your furry bestie. It saves more time (and is a heck of a lot easier) than fussing around with a vacuum and lint rollers! A genius sandwich bread dispenser reviewers say helps keep loaves of sandwich bread fresher longer (think: weeks) because it's time we finally put an end to that annoying moment of discovering green spots a few days after grocery shopping and having to throw away half the loaf. Lock Laces to turn your lace-up shoes into slip-ons because being interrupted mid-run by your shoelaces coming undone and trying to trip you is SUCH a vibe to mention a major safety hazard. A faucet extender that'll come in handy if your current faucet is so old it barely extends to a normal length, OR if you live with kiddos who need easier access to the water when it's time to wash their hands and brush their teeth. A SnuggleBack office chair blanket because the weather getting warmer outside means your office air conditioner is cranking up inside. Rather than having to lug a chunky cardigan/sweater to work (and show up all sweaty), keep this bb on the back of your desk chair when you need to cozy up! A butter stick holder for spreading butter onto a pan, a slice of toast, or wherever else your heart desires. Goodbye, greasy fingers, shaking the skillet around in an attempt to evenly distribute, and trying (and failing) miserably to spread it on your bread with nothing but a knife and a dream. A set of heel protectors — a must-have during warm weather szn, aka the start of outdoor events like weddings, graduations, and parties galore. No matter the occasion, you're gonna want these babies so you can rock your favorite heels without worry of them sinking into grass or breaking on rough surfaces. An electric brush cleaner because your cosmetic brushes are filled with built-up powders and creams, which need to be periodically cleaned. This baby allows you to wash and dry them in less than a minute, all without scrubbing. An oil solidifier powder that works like this: Simply sprinkle it over hot oil (do it dramatically like you're a fairy godmother and it's magic dust), let it solidify, and then safely get rid of the now hardened leftover oil in the pot/pan. If you love frying food (it's delicious, who doesn't?!), but hate the process of disposing of oil, then you need to get this immediately. A world of homemade chicken tenders and fries awaits!!! A magnetic laundry pad to instantly transform the top of your washer/dryer into an ironing board. If you're someone who is lucky enough to live in an apartment with in-unit laundry, but you're tight on space everywhere else, this thing is a MUST. An adorable cushion backpack so your little one, who is new to the whole crawling/walking thing and is very much susceptible to taking tumbles and falls, has some head protection, and you can have some peace of mind. A shaking alarm clock ideal for those who need a real jolt to get them out of bed in the morning, those who don't like waking up to the sound of music or annoying ringtones, or those who have hearing loss and need a solution that doesn't rely on sounds to alert them when it's time to rise and shiiiine. A pack of UV-detection stickers that'll alert you (aka turn purple) when it's time to reapply sunscreen. Because let's be real — when you're having a fun time at the beach, the water park, or a pool party, it's easy to forget to reapply, and going home with a painful sunburn is not so slay. A wide-brim sun visor reviewers LOVE for summer days spent out by the pool/beach or even bringing on a tropical vacay! Thanks to the brim, it helps provide some extra coverage to your face. Plus, the open top is ideal for those who prefer to wear their hair piled high up on their head or simply prefer not to wear a full-on hat. Water storing crystals you can think of as magic fairy dust for your plants because it helps to prevent over- and underwatering your flora bb's. Like Goldilocks, they prefer their water consumption level to be *juuuuuust riiiiiight*. A thaw claw that'll help thaw frozen meat up to seven times quicker (depending on which meat you're thawing, some reviewers say it only takes minutes). If only this product had been around when I was in high school, when my mom would ask me to take the chicken out of the freezer when I got home (which I almost always forgot to do until she got home from work, oops). A sand-removal bag to make cleaning yourself off after a beach day v quick and easy! Feeling like a sand magnet after a fun day under the suck is ICKY! Wanna know what's even worse? Finding little grains of sand hidden in crevices around your car months after beach season has already concluded!!! The absolute mess!!! A pair of stove gaps so you can finally put an end to the annoyance that is grains of rice, tiny produce seeds, and other crumbs falling into the space between your oven and your countertops. It's too small a space to vacuum things that do fall there, but somehow plenty big enough for them to fall there in the first place. UGH! A cut-to-size aloe wrap, because there's just something really humbling about coming home from a fun day at the beach and resembling a human-sized lobster. Bonus points if you wore sunglasses and looked like a raccoon to boot. It's usually followed by days of your friends, family, and colleagues pointing out how red you got, as if you don't FEEL the pain. Karen — I KNOW! Anyway, this wrap is less messy to apply than traditional aloe gel and helps provide some nice relief.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The NYC $1 Pizza Slice Is Back. Why That Means More Than You Think
Many New Yorkers still believe there's nothing better than a hot dollar slice, folded and eaten ... More curbside—Seamless is reviving New York's most iconic food ritual for a limited time. New York's most iconic food ritual—the hot, foldable $1 cheese slice—is making a comeback. For a limited time, Seamless is bringing back the once-ubiquitous deal through a campaign that runs April 22 through May 20, giving city dwellers a shot at five cheese slices for a buck each per day at over 40 participating shops across the boroughs. It's a digital-only pickup promotion, but it's a physical kind of comfort: grab a slice from local spots like Luigi's, 2 Bros., or Rocco Pizza, and you're right back in that memory—eating curbside, slice folded, grease on the napkin. And that's the point. Once considered a daily staple and a symbol of the city's democratic deliciousness, the $1 slice had largely vanished by 2022. Pandemic-era rent hikes, inflation, and supply chain chaos forced most pizzerias to raise prices or shut down entirely. The 'dollar slice' didn't just go away—it became shorthand for everything we lost when costs rose, and the simple, small joys got edged out. Seamless, which started in New York, is playing directly into that nostalgia. 'The $1 slice is more than just pizza—it's part of the city's DNA,' said Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal in the announcement. The campaign isn't just about affordability—it's an emotional calibration. It's a reminder of what we miss and maybe what we still want to believe is possible. There's a cleverness to how it's packaged—digital access only, one redemption per day, five slices max—designed to nudge us into pickup routines while softly rebranding Seamless as the place to go back to basics. Here's how to score five $1 slices a day—no delivery, no gimmicks, just classic NYC comfort. From April 22 through May 20, Seamless is bringing back New York's legendary $1 cheese slice as part of a limited-time promotion across all five boroughs. With tomato prices set to rise and cheap eats disappearing, the return of the dollar slice hits ... More deeper than nostalgia. The return of the $1 slice isn't just a marketing stunt. It lands in a moment when food prices still feel unstable—where even the most basic ingredients are increasingly politicized and priced out. Since 2022, pizza slices have quietly become a barometer for broader economic strain in New York. What used to be a $1 staple is now closer to $3 or $4 in most neighborhoods, and that jump didn't happen because of better cheese or sourdough crust—it was inflation, rent, labor, and supply chain shocks, all stacked on top of each other. And this summer, the tension isn't letting up. On April 14, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its intent to withdraw from the 2019 Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico, meaning that starting July 14, most imported tomatoes will face a 20.91% duty. It's a move designed to protect U.S. growers from dumping, but the ripple effect is likely to be felt on every pizza slice, salad bar, and fast-casual bowl where tomatoes show up. So when a cheese slice goes back to $1—even temporarily—it hits a deeper nerve. It's not just about price; it's about predictability. A way to reestablish trust with consumers who've spent the last few years watching their grocery bills fluctuate, their cheap meals vanish, and their eating habits evolve out of necessity—not choice. In a time when even burger passes can be seen as an affordability tool and fast food rumors spark viral meltdowns, the $1 slice hits different. It's not just a product—it's a promise. The $1 slice promotion feels like something solid. Something remembered. And in this economy, that's more than a deal—it's a kind of relief. Because in a city where everything costs more, the return of something that once felt automatic—cheap, hot, enough—isn't just a deal. It's a moment of collective memory. And right now, that's worth at least a dollar.
