Style, Sustainability, Positive change
I’m Nina Gbor. Being someone with a lifetime of lived experiences in sustainability and the circular economy areas across four continents, my passion for style, sustainability and positive change organically morphed into a purpose-driven career. I teach, write, give talks and run courses, workshops and programs about sustainable fashion, waste reduction and the circular economy.
I’m often asked what style has to do with sustainability and furthermore, positive change and the truth is that they’re all very interconnected! Here’s why.
Style
The power of style is not to be underestimated. Its ability to attract, inspire and also help people look and feel beautiful can build self-confidence, change lives and achieve goals. It’s empowering. This talismanic power is in part why fashion has become a highly sought, trillion-dollar industry.
Sustainability
It’s common knowledge that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It’s also laden with an enormous level of social injustice, exploitation and human rights abuses, particularly in the treatment of garment workers, of which the majority are women in the global South. It’s also a major contributor to the climate crisis.
Positive Change
This is where they all tie in together. I harness the influence of style to bring attention to the issues of and around the fashion industry. Fashion contributes to 10% of climate change through emissions. The majority of fashion consumers are women, and 80% of garment workers are women. Sustainability in fashion is, therefore, a feminine issue. Positive changes happen when consumers, industry and governments use their agency to make conditions better for workers and the environment.
Born, raised and having lived on four continents, I consider myself a woman of the world and a global citizen. I have a Masters degree in International Development with a focus on gender & development.
Eco Styles is a platform for style, sustainability and international development.
♥ Nina Gbor