Denyse Schmidt: Slow But Steady
Mollie from One/Change ambushed Denyse Schmidt via e-mail to find out if the designer intends to shift towards sustainable fabrics.
Right now the supplies for their quilts are manufactured commercially and sadly, the textile industry is not without its environmental issues. Denyse wishes there were more options for sustainably produced raw goods, but what is out there now is much more expensive than what DSQ currently uses and unfortunately, because their prices are already difficult for some folks, it is not financially possible to make the switch.
The good news, from what Denyse says, is that the industry is definitely moving in the direction of sustainability. The even better news is that Denyse is looking into producing a line of organic solids with her fabric manufacturer and Sarita Handa Exports (SHE Home), the company in India that DSQ works with, is also researching organic materials. Denyse realizes that it is a slow process, but the important thing is that they are trying to move closer to better practices and as they do it is up to the market to financially support their positive changes.
I encourage Greensleevers to write to Denyse to applaud her long-term goal and to spur her on to hasten that transition. All the facts and figures you need to support your case for sustainability can be found in the archives.
(If you BCC me on the e-mail or send me a scan or photo of your letter, I’ll make a $4 donation to Heifer International for you. No foolin’!)
Thanks, Mollie!
