More than the September Issue

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 09/25/2019 09:00 AM EDT

SEPTEMBER 2019

Each September Vogue Magazine puts out their biggest issue of the year setting the stage for that year’s trends. Being in the September issue is an honor - as well as an opportunity - to shape the fashion industry. Fashion is a nearly $300 billion global industry according to Coresight Research. How we design, produce, care for, and dispose of clothing has massive climate and sustainability impacts (The World Resources Institute did a great visual piece on this in 2017). The importance of the fashion industry’s effect on sustainability was recognized this year at the G7 Summit, at which French president Emmanuel Macron introduced the Fashion Pact.

The Pact is a set of shared objectives the fashion industry can work toward. In a historic move, a coalition of 32 leading companies from the fashion and textile industry have developed a set of shared objectives intended to reduce their industry’s environmental impact. Learn more about the coalition and environmental strategies here.

The District is also finding new ways to be sustainable as it pertains to fashion and textiles. On Saturday, September 28, the DC Sustainable Fashion Collective hosted by the GW Corcoran School of the Arts and Design will hold the second annual Unveiling Fashion: Textiles, Design and the New Circular Economy summit. Building on last year’s conversation around sustainability, this one-day conference will examine fashion’s broken make-buy-throw model and unpack new models of success that value both human and natural resources.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Textiles, including clothing, shoes, bed linens, and towels, make up more than five percent of the District’s annual waste stream. That means the District is spending more than a quarter of a million dollars annually for the unnecessary disposal of unwanted clothing and other textiles. How do we solve this problem while creating economic opportunity for DC residents? This year’s Climathon Challenge is seeking innovative solutions for the end-of-life management of clothing and other textiles.

OCTOBER IS GROWING HEALTHY SCHOOLS MONTH!

Growing Healthy Schools Month celebrates the health of students in public schools throughout the District. During the annual celebration, public schools collaborate with local community-based organizations, District Government agencies, farmers, athletes, and chefs to coordinate activities aimed at engaging students about nutrition, the environment, and being physically active.

FALL BIRD MIGRATION SEASON HAS STARTED!

Bird strikes kill up to one billion birds each year in the United States. Migrating birds can’t see window glass so to a weary bird, the large plant next to your window looks like a great place to rest. Help save a bird’s life! Make sure you turn off office lights, move plants away from windows, and lower blinds.

JOBS

Sustainability Education Internship – US Green Building Council
USGBC is seeking a Sustainability Education Intern to join the Education Solutions team to curate and create educational content for K-12 teachers related to green building and sustainability. The intern will work develop and enhance instructional content included in the Building Learners program. Apply here.

Sustainability Project Manager -- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Metro is seeking a project manager to support development and implementation of their Energy Action Plan’s recommended projects, manage consultant support, and ensure sustained incorporation of energy efficiency and sustainability within planning, project development and implementation of our capital program. Apply here.

Sustainability Analyst – Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking a sustainability analyst to provide analytical and reporting support to an Army National Guard program. Review and validate modernization and construction projects focused on energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, energy security, energy resiliency and utilities or infrastructure projects. Apply here.

EVENTS

Unveiling Fashion: Textiles, Design and the New Circular Economy
September 28, 8 am – 8 pm
500 17th Street, NW

Building on last year’s conversation around sustainability and fashion, this second annual one-day conference will examine fashion’s broken make-buy-throw model and explore new successful models that value both human and natural resources. Learn more and register here.

Taste of Harvest
October 19, 4-8pm
1901 Mississippi Ave. SE

Join the 11^th Street Bridge Park for a beautiful evening at THEARC to celebrate the harvest from the Bridge Park Plots and THEARC Farms. Dine with your family and neighbors at the king’s table. Learn more and register here.

VOLUNTEER

Martha's Market (The Commons at Stanton Square)
Friday, September 27, 2:30 – 6:30pm
2375 Elvans Rd. SE

As a market volunteer, you’ll assist with curating a vibrant and joyful space for shopping, support demostrations of healthy, market-inspired recipes, and assist children and families with choosing and learning about fruits and vegetables. Learn more and sign up here.