Larry Rowbs Foundation

*Africans have been the Kings and Queens of Clothes Upcycling/Sustainable fashion * Gone are the days when clothes were as valuable as precious stones, used to secure loans or trade by barter and can be passed from generation to another generation. The introduction of various charity donations from Western and developed countries into Africa and other developing nations has played a major role and paved ways for fast fashion brands to get away with their atrocities,also delaying our realization of the harms, costs, and hidden impacts of fast fashion on our environment. Most developing countries accepting these used clothes have been voiceless for years. Now, we are beginning to see the consequences, as these clothes can no longer be contained. Good News: This article is not intended to dwell on the past but to focus on finding the best solutions to make the fashion industry more sustainable. We are delighted to see exceptional African upcyclers like NAKIMULI and SANVURA showcase their powerful skills by creating beautiful crafts from carefully selected used materials in the last KWENTU KANZA exhibition . This demonstrates that Africa’s fashion industry is experiencing a revival. At Larry Rowbs Foundation , the pressing question is: How can we support these talented individuals and make the fashion industry more sustainable? Our mission to achieve this includes the following strategies: 1. Create a robust platform where upcyclers and sustainable brand owners can sell their products. 2. Educate Western countries on the importance of buying less and embracing sustainable or biodegradable materials. 3. Empower more upcyclers and invest in advanced recycling solutions to prevent donated clothes from ending up in landfills. By working together as one, and with access to the resources needed to implement these strategies, we can: - Compel fast fashion brands to reduce production and adopt sustainable materials, as more people become aware of the differences and environmental impacts. - Make it easier for Africans and other developing countries to manage donated clothes and transform them into new products, thereby preventing them from polluting landfills. Would you like to see more great initiatives and designs showcased at festivals, events, fashion shows, and runways by talented minds and upcyclers? If so, it’s time to join Larry Rowbs Foundation’s sustainable fashion initiative. Share or support us through the link below to help bring this project to life. Support Link : https://gofund.me/1cd98470 Website :https://lnkd.in/dqTC9Egd Look at for:Nakimuli Crochets,Sanvura and IGC/ KWENTU kanza team #sustainablefashion##larryrowbsfoundation##fashionrevolution#British Council My Jewellery BESTSELLER CCILU International Inc.##upcyclers B-Line Sustainable Urban Delivery ##Africanfashion# Lindsay Stovall Lisa Goldsand Matt Chalmers Bas Slootman Flora Isabel Bennis Lisa Bate, ICD.D Lin Sheppard Jack Dalrymple Patagonia

THE STORY OF A RECYCLER.. My clothes are my style and my pride. That is why I invest in quality-ensured and long-lasting outfits. At the back of my mind, I know nothing lasts forever. When my clothes get torn and old, who do I turn to? Disposing my clothes is like peeling my skin off and throwing my resources in the trash. I don’t want to mismanage my resources that would take me years to recover. I don’t want to waste hundreds and thousands of liters of water that I could survive on for years. I don’t want to pollute my plants, rivers and environment. I don’t want to support cheap labor and child labor just to produce my new clothes. So I turn unto you for help. Help us clean our environment, Help to solve the problem you and I are facing, Help to oversee our next generations so they don't face the same issue, Help to save our Mother Nature, Help to prevent unseen diseases from affecting the both of us. You turned me down and called me names. You called me a liar, selfish being and told me to get a job. You told me to stop disturbing you about clothes that have no impact in your life. You told me to throw my clothes away and produce more. You convinced me to become a capitalist like you. I gave up and hung up my precious cloth. I followed your foolish advice because of my lack of resources. We both made tons of money. We polluted the environment and wasted our resources. Every time I see my clothes, I feel guilty for giving up on them. I wish I could do better but couldn’t do it all alone. Years went by and we got sick from an unknown illness. We got sick from our sins. Our profit and money became useless and couldn’t save us. The new generation pointed at us for depriving them from good water, food and life. Our late years were filled with miserable nights and tears. You came to me and told me how sorry you were for not listening to me. I turned to my precious clothes to plead for my life. But my clothes turned their back at me in tears because only Mother Nature can forgive me. Follow Larry Rowbs Foundation for more updates and great articles donation link: https://lnkd.in/d6WGX5iS #recycler##zerowaste##LarryrowbsFoundation##poem##slowfashion##clean environment##clothes##sustainablefashion##Environment##water##soil##generation##

Building Awareness Against Fast Fashion ??? Our sustainable fashion journey began in 2019 when we aimed to establish a clothing factory in Africa. During our research across six African countries, we witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of fast fashion. Once-thriving textile industries that could have provided jobs for our youth had vanished. The environmental and economic damages caused by fast fashion in Africa are staggering. We were left asking ourselves: How did we get here, and how can we solve this problem before it worsens? The pandemic in 2020 forced us to pause our plans for two years. During this time, we saw many non-profits in Uganda close, leaving children without support. This lack of sustainable charity organisations contributed to a significant rise in teenage pregnancies—25% of girls aged 11 to 19 became pregnant and couldn't return to school. When we asked 100 girls what they would study if given the chance, 80 of them wanted to pursue fashion-related courses. This period gave us a clear picture of how to address the fast fashion crisis in Africa. Given that Africa is burdened with discarded clothing, we can turn this waste into valuable resources. Here’s how we aim to build more awareness against fast fashion among the new generations: 1. Education and Empowerment: Aid fashion and textile education to equip the next generation with the skills needed for a sustainable future. 2. Promote Sustainable Choices: Raise awareness about the environmental and economic impacts of fast fashion, encouraging conscious consumerism. 3. Engage with Communities: Collaborate with schools, colleges, and community organisations to spread the message of sustainable fashion. 4. Inspire Action: Showcase success stories and the positive impact of sustainable fashion to motivate others to join the movement. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for Africa and beyond. Let’s empower the next generation to make informed, eco-friendly fashion choices. Donate : https://lnkd.in/dkhERFnB Website: https://lnkd.in/dS87wxTx #SustainableFashion #EcoFriendly #GreenEarth #FashionRevolution #EnvironmentalProtection #EconomicEmpowerment #EducationForAll #Empowerment #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste #Recycling #Sustainability #LarryRowbsFoundation #FashionIndustry #AfricaRising #YouthEmpowerment #PandemicRecovery #ConsciousConsumerism

The fashion industry is at a crossroads. While trends change rapidly, the environmental impact of fast fashion remains a pressing concern. At the Larry Rowbs Foundation, we're on a mission to create a more sustainable future for fashion, and we want you to be part of the journey. Our website is a treasure trove of information on sustainable fashion practices, the latest advancements in textile recycling, and the inspiring stories of the communities we empower.?Subscribe to our newsletter?(https://lnkd.in/d8cEjjAB) and receive insightful articles, exclusive updates on our projects, and invitations to upcoming events directly in your inbox. Here's what you can expect: Articles:?Explore thought-provoking pieces on sustainable fashion trends, the environmental impact of clothing, and ethical consumerism. Project updates:?Stay informed about the latest developments at our recycling facility in Africa and the positive change we're creating. Inspiring stories:?Meet the passionate individuals driving change within the fashion industry and the communities we support. Join the conversation!?Subscribe to our newsletter today and help us rewrite the narrative of fashion. Together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable industry for generations to come. Support link:https://lnkd.in/dtHTm4wS Website: https://lnkd.in/dwS_mcSi #SustainableFashion #FashionRevolution #CircularEconomy #TextileWaste #NGO #LarryRowbsFoundation #Newsletter #Empowerment #FutureofFashion

Fast Fashion's Dirty Laundry: A Look at the Environmental Impact At Larry Rowbs Foundation, we're passionate about sustainable fashion, and today, we want to talk about the environmental cost of fast fashion. Did you know: The fashion industry is the second largest polluter of clean water globally, thanks to textile dyeing! Just imagine the rivers and streams choked with harmful chemicals. A single cotton t-shirt requires around 700 gallons of water to produce – that's enough to fill your bathtub three times! In a world facing water scarcity, this is simply unsustainable. The industry is responsible for a whopping 10% of global carbon emissions! That's more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined! This is a major contributor to climate change. Our throwaway culture is creating mountains of textile waste. An estimated 85% of textiles end up in landfills each year, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. These are just some of the sobering statistics that highlight the environmental damage caused by fast fashion. It's time to break the cycle! ?? Let's choose sustainable brands, invest in quality pieces that last, and embrace second-hand clothing. There's a way to look good and feel good for the planet. Support us by clicking this link: https://lnkd.in/dtHTm4wS Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dVVQSjP7 #SustainableFashion #FastFashionFacts #ProtectOurPlanet #LarryRowbsFoundation

A post on the importance of fair wages in the fashion industry Beyond the Label: The Human Cost of Cheap Clothes The perfect outfit shouldn't come at the expense of someone else's well-being. Fast fashion's rock-bottom prices often hide a dark secret: unfair wages for garment workers. These individuals, who bring our clothing visions to life, deserve better. Millions of people, largely women, toil in garment factories around the world for meager wages that barely meet basic needs. This not only traps them in a cycle of poverty, but also raises ethical concerns about exploitation within the fashion industry. At the Larry Rowbs Foundation, we believe fair wages are fundamental to sustainable fashion. Here's why: Empowered Workers, Empowered Communities: Fair wages lift garment workers out of poverty, enabling them to invest in education, healthcare, and a better future for their families. This creates a ripple effect, strengthening communities and economies. Ethical Production: When workers are treated fairly and valued, they are more likely to take pride in their craft, leading to better quality clothing production. Sustainable Transformation: Fair wages are an investment in the future. They incentivize ethical practices throughout the supply chain, contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry overall. Join us in demanding change! Support brands committed to fair labor practices, advocate for transparency in supply chains, and raise awareness about the human cost of cheap clothing. Together, we can build a fashion industry that values both style and social responsibility. Support link: https://lnkd.in/dtHTm4wS Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dVVQSjP7 #FairWages #SustainableFashion #FashionRevolution #EthicalLabor #Empowerment #LarryRowbsFoundation #NGO #Transparency #SupplyChain

Ever wondered how your old clothes can create new opportunities and protect our planet? ???? The concept of the circular economy in fashion is transforming how we view and utilise clothing. Instead of ending up in landfills, used garments are now being recycled and repurposed, creating a sustainable loop that benefits both the environment and communities. At the Larry Rowbs Foundation, we are committed to this vision by converting fast fashion waste into 100% biodegradable products. This approach not only reduces the massive textile waste but also generates new jobs and fair-wage opportunities in underdeveloped areas. Our innovative processes ensure that the harmful chemicals associated with fast fashion are eliminated, promoting better health for everyone. Plus, with the revenue from our sustainable products, we are funding a charitable fashion school, offering free education to drive industry change. Join us in making fashion sustainable. Embrace the circular economy, support eco-friendly choices, and help us empower communities and protect our planet for future generations. Join us in our mission at the Larry Rowbs Foundation, together, let's protect our planet for future generations. Follow our page Larry Rowbs Foundation Foundation for more. Support link: https://lnkd.in/dtHTm4wS Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dVVQSjP7 #CircularEconomy #SustainableFashion #EcoFriendly #GreenEarth #FashionRevolution #BiodegradableProducts #FairWages #BetterHealth #FreeEducation #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste #Recycling #Sustainability #LarryRowbsFoundation #EnvironmentalAwareness

Our Sustainable Fashion Journey: From Challenges to Change ??? In 2019, we embarked on a mission to transform the fashion industry by bringing a clothing factory to Africa. Our research took us through six African countries, revealing the devastating impact of fast fashion on our continent. Once-thriving textile industries that could have provided countless jobs for our youth were gone. The environmental and economic issues fast fashion has caused in Africa could fill volumes. One question haunted us: How did we get here, and how can we solve this problem before it gets worse? The pandemic in 2020 forced us to pause our journey for two years. During this time, we saw many non-profit organizations shut down in Uganda, leaving children without their safe havens. The lack of sustainable charity organizations contributed to a tragic rise in teenage pregnancies—25% of girls aged 11 to 19 became pregnant and couldn't return to school post-pandemic. When we asked 100 girls what they would study if they had the chance, 80 of them expressed a desire for fashion-related courses. This insight gave us a clearer vision to tackle the fast fashion crisis in Africa. As a continent burdened with discarded clothing, we saw an opportunity to turn this waste into valuable resources. Our goals are ambitious but achievable: Reduce Environmental Impact: Transform fast fashion waste into sustainable fashion, cutting down on pollution and waste. Rebuild the Textile Industry: Revive Africa’s textile industry to create jobs and promote local craftsmanship. Empower Through Education: Fund fashion and textile education to equip the next generation with the skills they need for a sustainable future. Join us in our journey to make fashion sustainable, rebuild industries, and empower communities through education and sustainable projects. Together, we can create a brighter future for Africa and beyond. Follow our page Larry Rowbs Foundation for more. Support link: https://lnkd.in/dtHTm4wS Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dVVQSjP7 #SustainableFashion #EcoFriendly #GreenEarth #FashionRevolution #BiodegradableProducts #EnvironmentalProtection #EconomicEmpowerment #EducationForAll #Empowerment #ClimateAction #ZeroWaste #Recycling #Sustainability #LarryRowbsFoundation #FashionIndustry #AfricaRising #YouthEmpowerment #PandemicRecovery

Did you know? ?? A truckload of used clothes ends up in landfills every second! Or, that a staggering 85% of textiles end up in landfills each year????? The fast fashion industry churns out cheap, trendy clothing at an alarming rate, but at what cost? These garments, often produced with synthetic materials, are discarded quickly, piling up in landfills for centuries. Landfills overflow, toxic chemicals leach into the soil, and microplastics pollute our oceans. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 16 million tons of textile waste was generated in the United States in 2015, with around 10.5 million tons ending up in landfills. Fast fashion has taken a significant toll on our planet, with millions of tonnes of clothing waste being discarded each year. This not only contributes to environmental degradation but also poses a severe threat to our health and local ecosystems. At our organization, we are dedicated to combating this issue by promoting sustainable fashion practices. Join us in our mission, where we say NO to fast fashion and embrace eco-friendly choices. Together, let's protect our planet for future generations. Follow our page Larry Rowbs Foundation for more. Support link: https://lnkd.in/giRzmbJS Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/e5zNxJ2G #larryrowbsfoundation #SustainableFashion #WasteReduction #GreenEarth #SayNoToFastFashion #BiodegradableProducts #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAwareness #GreenLiving #ClimateAction #FightFastFashion #CircularEconomy #TextileWaste #ClimateAction

The Dark Side of Fast Fashion How many of us consider that Fast fashion has become a devil in disguise that has been silently impacting our environment ? The dark side of fast fashion isn't as discussed as much as we discuss our desire for possessions Larryrowbsfoundation presents a quick peak at the crucial harm it causes and how we can address them: -Environmental Impact: Fast fashion's rapid production cycles and cheap materials lead to massive environmental damage all over the world. -Solution: Embrace sustainable practices and cautious consumption and join initiatives like ours for the same pursuit, so that we can battle for our environment together. -Labor Exploitation: Many brands outsource to low-wage countries with poor labor laws, resulting in unsafe working conditions, long hours, and minimal pay. -Solution: Ethical sourcing, fair wages, and safe working conditions should be priorities. Stricter regulations and transparency are unavoidable. -Cultural Appropriation: Fast fashion often borrows from marginalized cultures without respect, perpetuating stereotypes and undermining heritage. -Solution: Supporting diverse designers and small artisans, promoting cultural appreciation, and engaging in cultural sensitivity training. Let's all come together and make the fashion industry more sustainable! Follow our organization Larry Rowbs Foundation for more. Support link: https://lnkd.in/dtHTm4wS website:https://lnkd.in/dVVQSjP7 #FastFashion #Sustainability #EthicalFashion #EcoFriendly #LaborRights #CulturalRespect #FashionRevolution #GreenFashion #FairTrade #ConsciousConsumer #SlowFashion #SustainableLiving##larryrowbsfoundation##Civicdawn#