Bringing together experts and apparel-industry veterans, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) hosted its first Los Angeles event at the California Market Center on April 24. Sustainable Apparel Coalition works within the apparel industry to lead sustainable, ethical initiatives by limiting environmental impact and promoting social welfare for garment workers.

At the LA ‘The Future of Design’ workshop, SAC introduced tools for a better apparel industry and invited speakers from companies implementing sustainability efforts. After learning about the Los Angeles apparel-manufacturing industry by working at his family’s business, Scott Miller is now the director of business development for SAC. SAC brings together brands, retailers, service providers and academics and drives them to design sustainable fashion on-site. By 2050, the goal is to have zero waste to landfills.

Apparel industry professionals do want to implement sustainable practices but may feel overwhelmed by the seemingly insurmountable task of becoming an eco-friendly and ethical brand while still remaining profitable. Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s sustainability measurement tool, the Higg index, can be used to ensure brands are progressing toward more ethical and ecologically sound practices. The Higg index has become a benchmark for companies at every stage along the supply chain to monitor and remain accountable for their contributions to a sustainable industry. While it is necessary for the apparel industry to adopt more beneficial practices, small steps can mean greater progress over time. SAC feels it is absolutely a business and planetary imperative for the industry to embrace circular and regenerative production concepts immediately and that it’s possible to adopt incremental change and have the ability to make sustainability decisions within the design phase without conceivably increasing cost.