November 2024: Does Trump's Return Make solarpunk Obsolete?
The 2024 election, the consumer economy, and local events.
Does Trump’s return halt a solarpunk future?
#CommunityBasedGovernance
No, but it certainly is at risk. With industry experts reporting that under a Trump presidency, the world is highly unlikely to reach the Paris Agreement limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius. In fact, the U.S. might pull out of the Agreement…again.
While we will see major changes at the federal level, I’m hopeful that the Trump Administration’s empowerment of states’ rights will lead to greater community engagement on local issues, like our solarpunk dc pillars: Green urban spaces, future-ready transit, a just energy transition, a circular economy, and community-based governance.
Sandlot D.C. revitalizes abandoned buildings for the community
#CommunityBasedGovernance #CircularEconomy
Sandlot D.C. remodels vacant facilities for community events like concerts and art galleries. Sandlot Uptown is the latest addition to this initiative. Founder Ian Callendar wants to revitalize the deserted lot into an event space that serves the Howard University community. Howard University has owned several properties off campus for multiple decades, including the land where Sandlot Uptown will be.
Callendar has plans to continue the theme of his brand in catering to the neighborhood in which It opens. In Sandlot Southwest, he describes a more sporty theme, while Sandlot Georgetown is more fashion forward, and Sandlot Anacostia hosts live music, gogo, and an overall 1000+ personal festival experience.
Overall, he hopes for Sandlot Uptown to encourage students and multi-generational people to make the space what they want and how it can best serve everyone.
The disconnect between consumer values and consumer behaviors
#CircularEconomy
According to a 2023 survey by The New Consumer, 52% of Shein buyers said they considered “caring for the environment" to be a key part of their personal identity compared to 47% of overall respondents. 67% of Shein shoppers said they were willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable goods, versus 53% overall.
We know that most of Shein products are made of plastic, making the company the highest emitting company in the fashion industry. The big issue here is that clothes from Shein, and other fast fashion retailers, are often thrown away after just a few uses because they are made from poor quality materials and are designed to quickly meet trends and, therefore, be disposable.
Apparently, Shein is working to lower their environmental impact by using materials that meet high quality and safety standards to help protect people and the planet. In 2022, SHEIN launched “evoluSHEIN by Design” to use preferred materials like recycled polyester, rescued deadstock fabrics and responsible manufacturing process. SHEIN also claims to be testing new, more sustainable materials, technologies, and production processes, and promoting sustainable product innovation and education. Now, I have no idea how effective these efforts are. But, I’m glad the company recognizes that they must do something if they want to stay relevant in this market. I just hope this isn’t a bunch of greenwashing. I look forward to see reports on their progress in the coming year.
h/t to commonsearth
Opportunities
♻️ $50k in funding to pitch your circular fashion innovation
Whatever your thoughts are on e-commerce and big retail shops, eBay has championed the circular economy for almost as long as I’ve been alive (I know, I’m aging myself), and it remains a destination for pre-loved fashion and vintage collection pieces.
In partnership with The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), eBay is highlighting for-profit ideas that are changing the way people consume and think about the customer experience, the circular economy, and social commerce in the digital age.
Apply to the Circular Fashion Fund, using the link in the article’s title, if you’re a forward-thinking business that uses technology and services to change customer behavior within the fashion industry (so solarpunk) and want to win up to $50,00 in funding to expand your business, a chance to gain a $300,000 investment, and participate in a bespoke mentorship program with industry experts.
💡 What is circular fashion?
eBay offered a nice little synopsis of what is actually a complex definition:
Imagine fashion as a cycle, where pieces are continuously rehomed, repurposed, and recycled rather than going to landfill. Circular fashion is about addressing each phase of an item’s life cycle and thinking about the most sustainable way that items can continue being of use.
Join a Board!
#CommunityBasedGovernance
DC Ecowomen (DCEW) are accepting applications on a rolling basis to join their board for the 2024-2025 year. There are currently open board roles for the VP of Community Outreach and the Programs Committee. To apply, please send your resume to Alexandra Kroger at alexandra@dc.ecowomen and let DC Ecowomen know you were led to apply via solarpunk dc!
🎧 What we are listening to
Cities 1.5 podcast by c40cities.
In their recent episode, the hosts discuss the Right to Housing and disaster-resilient housing in climate-vulnerable cities of low- and middle-income countries.
Cities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press with the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy.
Why is this solarpunk? Resilient housing and city design can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global heating, and mitigate some of the worst extreme weather conditions like floods and wildfires that displace millions of people. By promoting more innovative and future-ready designs for human living, we can more effectively dismantle systems that are no longer serving as and promote systems that ensure ample green spaces, community governance, inclusive infrastructure, and more solar punk ideals!
🔖Upcoming Calendar Events!
