With the recent introduction of  Levi’s® Waste<Less™ for Spring 2013, a new line of denim partially made from post consumer waste, specifically recycled plastic bottles and food trays, Levi's really seem to be taking this sustainabilty thing seriously. 

PET plastics – including brown beer bottles, green soda bottles, clear water bottles and black food trays – are collected, sorted, crushed into flakes, and made into a polyester fiber. This is then blended with cotton fiber and woven with traditional cotton yarn to produce a high quality denim, a process adding what Levi's describe as a beautiful undertone and unique finish to the final product. Interesting, green-tinged denim seems quite appropriate.

Documentary journalist Leah Borromeo is making a film about the real victims of fashion through her documentary DIRTY WHITE GOLD. Here she follows the social, environmental, economic, and political entities and impacts that constitute the clothes we wear, and takes us through the journey of the clothing supply chain. In doing so she wants to expose us to the realities of the clothing/fashion industry, by engaging us in the lives of the farmers, the weavers, the bankers, the manufacturers, and the consumers (amongst many). 

How does the intense use of pesticides and genetically modified seens impact the lives of those living in the poorest areas of the world? How are small farmers acquiring so much debt that many resort to suicide? And why are sustainability and ethics not the norm within the fashion industry? These are just a few of the questions this film hopes to answer, whilst acting to make a difference and get communities (local & transnational; small & large; poor & rich) on target towards a sustainable market economy that supports the small business and the poorest of the poor.

However, in order for this project to get off the ground and to make a significant impact they are looking for backers (small and large). To do so they are offering incentives which we think have real value-- you can buy a T-shirt (in organic cotton) by Barnbrook, a limited edition print from photomontage artist Peter Kennard and, of course, the first DVDs or downloads of the film. And everyone who donates will get a free download of Dr D's exclusive artwork "Rotten Cotton". Find out where how you can view a screening and more about supporting this cause HERE.