“Vote with your dollar” they say, every purchase counts. As New Yorkers who care about environmental and social justice we hear these calls to action all the time - if we just use our purchasing power to support the small, sustainable guys and boycott brands like WalMart we can change the world. But is voting with your dollar enough?
We invite you to join us for a discussion at Young & Able that will dive into the upsides and downsides of conscious consumerism - and the actions we can all take to push an ethical and sustainable agenda further than ever before. From transparent supply chains and empowering women to self care and political activism we will explore ways to take our ideals and turn them into effective change. If you have found yourself grappling with ways that you can concretely contribute to the well-being of people and planet, then this conversation is for you! Our expert panelists, including meditation teacher and former fashion industry insider, Gemma Lewis, will provide you with information, actionable next steps, and inspiration for going out and advocating for a better world beyond buying.
Panelist:
Henriette Ernst, Founder & Chief Creative Officer
roundplussquare.com
@roundplussquare
ROUND + SQUARE is a conscious fashion brand created by Henriette Ernst, a fashion designer that combined her vision for meaningful fashion, with years of experience in luxury fashion with brands such as Céline, Jil Sander, Calvin Klein Collection and Dries Van Noten. DESIGNED WITH PASSION, DRIVEN BY VALUES is her mantra for ROUND + SQUARE. Following high ethical, labor and ecological standards, Henriette brought together a beautifully and carefully curated collection that supports gender equality, as she donates 10% of the brands sales profits to Equality Now Org.
Gemma Lewis
gemmagambee.com
@gemmagambeelewis
After a 20-year career in international fashion modeling, trend forecasting, and brand building, Gemma Gambee Lewis is most at home when sitting in meditation and teaching what this practice has generously given. She classically trained for more than two decades in the traditions of Yoga, Bhakti, Vedanta, and Tantric Shaivism. When she is not meditating, she's wrapped up in other creative pursuits like drawing, painting and deep-diving brand strategy work in the fashion, art, design, and film industries.
Danni Washington, TV Host and Co-Founder of Big Blue & You
bigblueandyou.org
@danniwashington
Danni is the host of Xploration Nature Knows Best, which is a STEM educational TV show syndicated nationwide on FOX, HULU and Amazon Prime. In 2017 Danni was selected as one of the 10 young innovators who was profiled in CA Technologies #STEM10 initiative. Most recently, Danni served as spokesperson of the nation’s largest celebration of STEM at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington D.C. A graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Marine Science & Biology — she is also the co-founder of the Big Blue & You, scuba diver, inspirational speaker, digital influencer, proud curly girl and overall lover of the outdoors.
Moderator:
Faye Lessler, Editor
Sustaining Life
@sustaininglife
Faye Lessler is a California born, New York City based advocate for holistic sustainable living. Faye is the Editor behind sustainable lifestyle blog, Sustaining Life, a freelance writer, and the Events + Talent Manager for the Ethical Writers & Creatives. She is passionate about making an ethical, eco-friendly, and engaged lifestyle easier and accessible for all. Faye has been featured in Glamour and New York Magazine and has collaborated with sustainability leaders Eileen Fisher, Patagonia, Thinx, and Klean Kanteen.