Connie Ulasewicz
Our twenty-fifth member of the month is Connie Ulasewicz
UCRF is running a ‘Member of the Month’ feature on this blog, where a member, selected at random from the membership database, is sent five questions to give us all an overview of our members. Our twenty-fift participant, Connie Ulasewicz is a researcher, writer, and advocate who bridges education, policy, and industry to highlight the social and environmental value of clothing, while championing circular solutions through repair, reuse, and textile recovery initiatives.”
—1 How would you sum up your research/practice?
I research, write, and speak to connect people and educational, governmental, and business communities, helping them understand the social and environmental value of our clothing and textile products. A central part of my work is engaging all stakeholders with specific examples of how to extend the lifecycle of their clothing through redesign, repair, and reuse before recycling.
— 2 How do you address fashion and sustainability in your work?
The first edition of our book, *Sustainable Fashion: Why Now?*, was published in 2008, and the third edition, *Sustainable Fashion: Take Action*, came out in 2023; all three were written to address how to sustain our industry, our planet, and its people. As a member of the Statewide Textile Recovery Advisory Council of the California Product Stewardship Council, I have participated in in-depth discussions and policy debates that ultimately led to the passing in 2024 of SB707, the first United States Textile Recovery Act.
— 3 What are the conflicts you have encountered around fashion and sustainability in your work?
There is a general lack of understanding of terms and engagement. Is sustainable fashion an oxymoron? How can these terms connect if sustainability is about longevity and fashion is about change? The issues are complex, and all of us must be part of the solution as we decide what and whom to rent, buy, make, and wear. We are not consumers of fashion; we are wearers, makers, and discarders.
— 4 What do you consider the key sources and cases when it comes to fashion and sustainability?
Ellen MacArthur Foundation is an excellent resource for all information about the need for a circular economy.
The Business of Fashion – a reliable source for a broader perspective on the global industry.
United Nations Environmental Program – UNEP, the United Nations’ global authority on pollution and waste.
Textile Exchange – a global non-profit that works with the fashion and textile supply chain.
— 5 Could you recommend some less-known sources or cases you think should be more widely shared?
· California Product Stewardship Council – offers insight into producer responsibility and SB707 The California Textile Recovery Act.
· Fibershed – highlights regenerative fiber systems and local economies.
· Cascale – formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition
Thank you, Connie, for sharing your work!
