Hi! My name is Reet, like a Christmas wreath, and I am pursuing an HBA/JD dual degree, completing my first two years in Philosophy before coming to Ivey. Creativity fuels each and every decision I make, which has led to an interest in a multitude of careers and industries. Currently, I am interested in the fashion industry, specifically in exploring the intersection of sustainability and fashion. My current focus has been exploring the role of greenwashing and brownwashing in the sustainable fashion space, but I simply want to learn more about sustainability, and what I can do to help save the world.  

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

Sustainability has definitely become somewhat of a buzzword recently. According to what I can remember from my geography class in grade nine, it traditionally has to do with operating in a manner where future generations can still enjoy the world’s resources. Now, seven years later, and with a much more urgent climate crisis, my definition has changed to incorporate more nuance. Sustainability means to work towards reversing the climate crisis, and therefore look out for future generations, by changing the way the world operates. Taking a sustainable approach means to consider all stakeholders, including nearby communities, the environment, and the world.  

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

Given that sustainability is so urgent, and can be incorporated no matter the discipline, I envision sustainability to play different roles throughout the course of my professional career. However, as many other Gen-Z youth may feel, sustainability has no longer remained to simply be a box to tick off when choosing a career, but rather, the career I choose will have sustainability at its core. As of right now, I wish to work in the fashion industry, but given that it is so easy to work for one of the millions of fast fashion brands, I consciously seek out slow-fashion brands that value livable working conditions, organic materials, and fair wages.   

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in? 

I am currently undertaking a research project focused on the standards and certificates that exist for fashion brands, in efforts to understand the greenwashing that fast-fashion giants are exhibiting. As well, I am a blog author for Fashion Takes Action, a fashion-information organization that looks to educate others on sustainability in the fashion industry. Lastly, I am the president of Fashion and Lifestyle Society, which is a fashion club on campus, and aim to use this position of power to encourage slow fashion and mindful consumption.