The Green Stitch Blog
How Cuteness Became a Commodity: The Dark Side of Collectibles and the TikTok Trend Cycle
One minute you’re buying a plush avocado “just for fun,” and the next your shelf looks like a toy store exploded. The rise of collectibles like Jellycats and Labubus isn’t just a trend, it’s a window into how comfort, nostalgia, and social status collide. Behind every blind box and limited-edition drop is a deeper story about emotional spending, viral hype, and the growing mountain of cute-but-disposable clutter we’re left with.
The Future is Youth: Threading Change at the 2025 ChangeNOW Summit
At the 2025 ChangeNOW Summit in Paris, Threading Change spotlighted the urgent need for a just and sustainable fashion future. Amid global challenges, we hosted the official Ethical Fashion Meetup and engaged youth in creative, solution-driven dialogue. From textile circularity to supply chain transparency and policy reform, we also emphasized youth leadership and cross-sector collaboration as vital forces for industry transformation. As the world approaches 2030 climate goals, our presence at ChangeNOW affirmed that meaningful progress begins with inclusive, collective action.
Fashion or ‘Trash’ion?
As secondhand fashion surges in popularity, driven by Gen Z values, economic shifts, and sustainability concerns, the resale market is facing a new challenge: fast fashion. How is the influx of low-quality, trend-driven garments complicating the promise of resale as a circular, eco-friendly solution? Can the secondhand market maintain its integrity, or is it being undermined by the very industry it aims to counterbalance?
Putting the Fashion Industry Under the Stethoscope: A Comprehensive Look at The Fashion Industry and Its Impact on Human Health
While the fashion industry’s environmental damage is well-known, its devastating effects on human health often fly under the radar. From toxic chemicals harming factory workers to microplastics entering our food chain — and even the mental health toll of fast fashion — this article uncovers the alarming ways our clothes impact our well-being. Discover how the industry is tied to the Sustainable Development Goals — and what needs to change to protect people and the planet.
Fashion Influencers and Sustainability: Can They Drive Change in 2025?
With brands set to pour even more money into influencer marketing in 2025, the power of content creators to shape consumer behavior has never been greater. But with that power comes responsibility—can the very influencers who fuel trends and consumption also be the ones to challenge the status quo and champion sustainability?
From the rise of secondhand fashion advocates to the ethical dilemmas faced by influencers caught between brand deals and conscious consumption, this article unpacks the shifting landscape of digital influence. Can social media’s biggest trendsetters truly rewrite the rules, or are they trapped in an unsustainable cycle? Read on to find out.
GenZ Wants To Shop Sustainably, But Are They Actually Doing It?
In a world where convenience often supersedes sustainability, a new generation is rising to challenge fast fashion's grip on our wardrobes. Gen Z is demanding more eco-conscious choices, and with social media at their fingertips, they are redefining what it means to shop responsibly—changing the fashion industry for good.
Stitched in Tradition: Tales of Lunar New Year Attire
Lunar New Year is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful link between past and present, woven through generations. From the flowing elegance of the hanbok in Korea to the intricate embroidery of the áo dài in Vietnam, clothing plays a vital role in marking this special occasion. Each garment tells a story of heritage, resilience, and renewal, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and cultural pride.
Discover how different communities around the world celebrate through fashion, blending history with modernity in a vibrant display of tradition. Read the full article to explore the stories behind Lunar New Year’s most iconic attire!
A Roundup of 2024’s Good News in Ethical Fashion, Climate, and Social Justice
Discover some uplifting milestones of 2024 in ethical fashion, climate action, and social justice! From groundbreaking legislation like California's Responsible Textile Recovery Act to London Fashion Week’s ban on animal skins, this year has been filled with transformative progress. Explore how communities worldwide are restoring ecosystems, protecting children's rights, and championing gender equality—all while building a greener, more equitable future.
New Year, Real Change.
Feeling the pressure to transform overnight? Popular culture tells us that a “happy new year” requires a total life overhaul, but what if real change doesn’t happen that way? In her latest blog, Rebekah challenges the “New Year, New Me” narrative and explores why meaningful growth—whether in our lives or in sustainable fashion—is all about taking small, intentional steps. Discover how embracing your past and making gradual shifts can lead to lasting impact. Ready to start your year with purpose? Read on for a refreshing perspective on resolutions, sustainability, and real change.
Renting Fashion: Is It Really Sustainable?
Rental fashion is reshaping the industry by offering a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to fast fashion. While it promises to reduce waste and extend the life of garments, the practice still faces challenges — can it truly be the perfect solution for a more eco-friendly wardrobe?
The Flaxmobile Project: Sowing Seeds of Change Across Atlantic Canada
Introducing Dr. Jennifer Green, an Associate Professor in the Textiles/Fashion Department of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD). Dr. Green’s passion for textiles and handicrafts inspired her to begin the Flaxmobile Project: a van that travels across Atlantic Canada reviving the once-drying flax and linen industry. Dr. Green’s project is connecting farmers and artisans, stimulating creativity connecting communities. Read more.
From Algorithm to Aesthetics: How AI Is Shaping the Fashion Industry
From devastating floods in Spain to the unrelenting drought in South America, the escalating climate crisis is reshaping industries worldwide—including fashion. As AI revolutionizes supply chains and design, it offers potential solutions but also raises new environmental and ethical concerns, making thoughtful regulation crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for both the planet and the people working within the fashion industry.
Breaking into Sustainable Fashion: Insights from Circularity Textiles Expert Charlotte Genge
“Circular fashion is about more than recycling.” Reuse and circularity expert Charlotte Genge dives into the importance of reuse, the role of policy, and practical tips for young professionals breaking into the sustainable fashion industry.
Fashion with Purpose: 5 Books That Challenge How We Consume
Looking to broaden your knowledge of sustainable fashion or learn how to become a more ethical consumer? We’ve gathered 5 books that are sure to inspire you and deepen your understanding of sustainable fashion. These selections cover a range of topics, from the history and production of textiles to practical tips for making more conscious purchasing decisions. Dive in and discover how you can make a positive impact while expanding your awareness!
The Cost of Style: Fashion's Hidden Victims Across History and Today
Fashion has always been an art form that blends creativity, identity, and expression. But beneath the glamour lies a chilling history marred by exploitation and human suffering. From the toxic work environments of mercury hatters to modern sweatshop conditions and child labor, the true cost of style has been devastating. Dive into the historical and present-day stories that reveal the unseen victims of fashion's relentless pursuit of profit and learn why advocating for a more ethical future is more urgent than ever.
Recap of New York Climate Week 2024: Innovation, Collaboration, and Mobilization
New York Climate Week 2024 is likely the biggest climate gathering in 2024, bringing together leaders, innovators, and activists to confront today’s most pressing climate challenges. This was Threading Change’s first time attending NY Climate Week as a delegation, and it was a big success! We look forward to future activations and engagement opportunities in New York Climate Weeks to come. Read on to see a detailed recap of what we got up to!
Shifting The Thrifting Mindset: Addressing Consumption
Can we really shop our way out of the climate crisis? Thrifting is often hailed as a sustainable solution, but can it truly combat overconsumption? In this article, we explore the reality behind secondhand shopping, its potential pitfalls, and how a shift in mindset could make thrifting a powerful tool for long-term change. Discover how your wardrobe can become a force for a better future.
FFF Toronto and Halifax Recap
Discover how the Fair Fashion Festival in Halifax and Toronto brought sustainable style to life! From vibrant second-hand markets to thought-provoking panels, the event showcased innovative ways to embrace ethical fashion. With highlights like eco-conscious brands, sustainable fashion talks, and exclusive photos capturing the buzz, this recap will inspire you to rethink your wardrobe choices and join the movement toward a more responsible fashion future. Dive into the festival's unforgettable moments and see how it's shaping the future of conscious fashion!
Second-hand September: How The Gikomba Market Keeps Fashion Circular
Have you ever wondered how the vibrant world of second-hand fashion sustains itself? In Kenya, Gikomba Market is a hub where preloved clothes find new life. From the history of mitumba to the pulse of today’s thrift culture, our Africa Regional Manager, Chemitei Janet, dives into the circular economy that Secondhand September champions. This piece goes beyond the bales, exploring how shopping second-hand empowers communities and helps the planet.
Intergenerational Mending: Restoring Our Relationship with Clothes
Thoughts from the Khatsahlano Street Festival. The sun is out, a scorching 30 degrees and the cooling tent up the street from our booth is by far one of the most popular stops for the 150,000 people milling up and down West 4th St, enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival. In this heat, it only makes sense that our booth activity is… a blanket?