The Together Issue

So Leslie, what was it that sent you down the path of sustainability?

When I was in college in the late ‘70s, “Green” looked like a tidal wave to me. I had always been curious about how things work and are put together. As I studied architecture and design, environmental approaches made sense to me. I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything else.

So Leslie, tell us a bit about Earth Pledge?

Earth Pledge is a non-profit organization promoting sustainability that was founded by Ted Kheel in 1991. I met Ted in ’93 and he asked me to come run his foundation. I was the Executive Director from 1994 until recently, and became the President a couple of years ago.

The organization had started in support of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio, but had not addressed any practical, technological solutions. I saw the need for a more technical approach and we started to identify, promote and implement solutions to specific environmental problems. These have included work with local and sustainable farming, green roofs on urban buildings, converting food waste into renewable natural gas, and helping Chinese textile factories improve their carbon footprint.

Naturally, we are especially interested in your Future Fashion initiative… what can our readers learn from your research in eco-materials?

We started to build a library of sustainable textiles in 2004.

There were surprisingly few options at that time. Today this field is exploding, and there are thousands of wonderful sustainable textiles to select from, whether you are interested in upholstery, apparel, or industrial applications.

There are both organic natural fibers and technical, man-made fibers that are environmentally preferable than conventional fabrics.

Which designers do you admire for support of environmental and socially just practices?

In the fashion arena, I was very impressed with Nau when they launched. They developed new fabrics using only sustainable approaches, and then gave access to the industry at large, which few designers would have done. I am also a huge fan of Natalie Chanin and Loomstate.

And as a dedicated denim wearer, I also really appreciate what Levi’s has been doing.

Of course, in the commercial interiors sphere I have to applaud those who have been at it for ages, such as Bill McDonough, Randy Croxton, and manufacturers such as Herman Miller, Steelcase and DesignTex.