Notes on Sustainable Textile Traditions Dialogue

Introduction

• The event is a virtual dialogue focused on sustainable textile traditions in India.
• Organized by the Center for Environment Education (CEE) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
• CEE established in 1984 as a center of excellence in environment education.
• Discussing the documentation of Indian textile traditions, focusing on handloom practices spanning from North-West to South-East India.

Key Points from Presentations

Atul Bhagai (Country Head, UNEP India)

• Highlights the significance of sustainable fashion in global climate negotiations.
• LIFE Program: Launched by the Prime Minister to educate consumers about sustainability; textiles are one of six verticals in this program.
• Emphasis on the need for broader industry and policy support to facilitate a transition towards sustainable fashion.
• UNEP's work includes projects in Odisha focused on developing a circular economy strategy.

Juhi Pandey (Designer and Social Activist)

• Advocates for understanding the back end of the textile value chain to ensure sustainability.
• Stresses the importance of connecting farmers, pastoralists, and weavers in the ecosystem.
• Calls for a focus on natural materials and sustainable practices to maintain handloom traditions.
• Highlights innovative design interventions that can lead to socio-economic transformation.

Pavitra Bhushan (Designer, Vimor)

• Focuses on the importance of ensuring livelihoods for artisans through sustainable practices.
• Emphasizes using local materials and resources while maintaining heritage craftsmanship.
• Discusses the importance of design learning and mentorship in creating marketable products.

Ritu Sethi (Founder, Craft Revival Trust)

• Discusses the evaluation of craft viability and the need for mapping endangered crafts.
• Explains the framework for assessing the health and viability of textile crafts, emphasizing community involvement in safeguarding practices.
• Points towards urgent needs for post-COVID recovery strategies and monitoring the sustainability of crafts.

Payal Jain (Fashion Designer)

• Connects sustainability with fashion design from the beginning of the design process.
• Highlights circular design concepts, such as recycling and reusing fabrics in new ways.
• Discusses the ethical implications of consumer choices and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable practices.

Prof. Ashok Chatterjee (Textile Sector Authority)

• Reviews the discussions, stressing the importance of integrating sustainability into traditional practices.
• Mentions that consumer preferences will dictate the viability of sustainable textile practices.
• Advocates for data collection on handmade crafts to further support the sector's growth and advocacy efforts.

Final Remarks

• Several panelists emphasized the necessity of collaboration between designers, artisans, and governmental support for sustainable textile practices.
• Discussion about forming educational frameworks to teach sustainability in textile design from early stages.
• The importance of marketing sustainable textiles effectively to grow consumer interest.

Questions Raised

• Discussion about reviving local breeds and tribal crafts can improve climate resilience and sustainability.
• Need for joint forums between synthetic and natural textile sectors to improve understanding and collaboration.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgement of the need for continuous documentation and the importance of awareness on sustainable practices in textiles.
• The meeting underscored the potential for rich co-learning experiences across sectors and disciplines involving traditional textiles.

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