Fresh ideas | Free thinking 1

Fresh Ideas | Free Thinking is a regular round-up of stories we’ve come across – some our own, some that have caught our eye elsewhere – told through articles, podcasts, short films, and blogs.

Fresh ideas | Free thinking 1

Published —
04.19.16
Writer —

A Fashion Revolution

It is time for the fashion industry to be a force for good. On 24 April 2013 the world was left stunned after the deaths of 1,134 garment factory workers when the Rana Plaza complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In response, Fashion Revolution was born. Fashion Revolution wants us to use the power we have as consumers, makers, designers, retailers, brands, policymakers, business leaders, and fashion lovers to move the industry towards more transparent and sustainable practices. One thing we can all do this week, from 18 to 24 April, is turn our clothes inside-out, show that tag, post a selfie on social media with #whomademyclothes, and get the conversation rolling. Visit fashionrevolution.org for other ways of getting involved.

Fashion Revolution

Fashion Revolution

Tackling Homelessness

The Anchorage Trust – an organisation dedicated to offering unique, innovative, and forward thinking services to meet the needs of young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness – have put together this lovely film showcasing the people, and their stories, behind the Anchorage Trust’s projects.

The Foundations of a Doer

David and Clare Hieatt founded the Do Lectures 8 years ago at their farm in Cardigan, Wales. Inspiring thousands over the years, Do has now expanded into the USA, offers regular workshops throughout the year, and has a series of motivational books ranging from Do Story to Do Disrupt. In this podcast, The Foundations of a Doer, David is interviewed by Mark Shayler at Do USA 2015. After listening, grab yourself a copy of A Manifesto of a Doer. We absolutely love ours!

David Hieatt

David Hieatt Photo: Hiut Denim

IABR 2016 – The Next Economy

There’s no doubt about it, the way we do business, live in our societies, and interact with our environment has to change. So how will we live, work, and produce? IABR (International Architecture Biennial Rotterdam) will be having a broad conversation about The Next Economy from April 23 to July 10 and ask ‘what will it look like?’ An extensive programme of conferences, lectures, meet-ups, workshops, and debates will take place at former coffee warehouse Fenixloods II in the Rotterdam neighbourhood of Katendrecht. An exhibition of over 60 projects will also be shown throughout the 10 weeks, detailing a range of solutions to issues such as housing, energy systems, development and health care.

A joint municipal solar energy project has a positive impact on social progress in the informal settlement of Enkanini in Stellenbosch. Photo: Megan King

Africa What’s Next: iShack2, Cape Town, South Africa. A joint municipal solar energy project has a positive impact on social progress in the informal settlement of Enkanini in Stellenbosch. Photo: Megan King

The Seas Will Save Us – How an Army of Ocean Farmers are Starting an Economic Revolution

Sometimes it takes someone to show us what is possible before we can believe it can be done. The fishing industry is well known for its unsustainable practices. Having had his fair share of working within the darker side of fishing (and loving the experience) Bren Smith writes about a new way of tackling the issues within the industry and moving away from hunting towards a sustainable form of farming within our oceans.

Photo: Ron Gautreau

Photo: Ron Gautreau