The Sustainable Fashion Community Center
NYC Fair Trade Coalition
(
Non-governmental organization (NGO)
)
#SDGAction55652
Description
The objective of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition's initiative is to foster a unique educational experience tailored for ethically-aligned businesses, students of sustainability, and advocates. This is achieved by creating spaces that incubate and activate local communities, thereby promoting and implementing sustainable and fair trade practices. The overarching vision is to ensure equal access to sustainable, fair trade ideas for all members of the community.
A significant milestone in the evolution of NYCFTC was the establishment of the Sustainable Fashion Community Center (SFCC) in 2021. This initiative took the Coalition's mission a step further by creating a physical space where the community could actively engage with sustainable fashion. The Sustainable Fashion Community Center (SFCC) has empowered individuals to "vote with their dollar" by offering a platform where consumers can support sustainable and ethical fashion practices through their purchasing decisions. By curating a marketplace for sustainable clothing, SFCC enables customers to align their values with their consumption habits, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible community. The Sustainable Fashion Community Center views waste as a resource and promotes circular systems thinking. With a focus on the 5 Rs —reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, and repair, we collect and sort textiles for reuse and recycling, circulate clothing at The Swap Shop for just $1, and provide educational resources, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Our diverse clientele includes migrants, those facing housing insecurity, individuals dealing with substance abuse, abuelas, sustainable fashion students, and tourists, fostering a strong community ethos. Since opening SFCC in May 2021, we've engaged 30 interns, 300 volunteers, and collected over 25,000 units of textiles for reuse and recycling.
The New York City Fair Trade Coalition (NYC FTC) promotes and encourages adherence to fair trade principles, responsible business and ethical supply chains, providing knowledge exchange opportunities for diverse stakeholders such as corporations, individuals and students across the fashion industry. The NYC FTC often collaborates on advocacy and networking events with like-minded organisations, as well as offers a plethora of free online resources. Further, the NYC FTC keenly contributes to driving grassroots capacity building by local community involvement at their Harlem center, The Sustainable Fashion Community Center, creating an inclusive space to educate on recycling initiatives and slow fashion practices like clothing swaps, donation drives, corporate employee engagement, volunteer opportunities and the like.
Strategic Governance and Collaborative Leadership at the NYC Fair Trade Coalition Our board members at the NYC Fair Trade Coalition collectively bring a diverse range of skills and experiences that strengthen our initiatives across sustainable and fair trade practices. Together, they oversee strategic direction and enhance our visibility and outreach within the community. They work in close collaboration with our Executive Director, Andrea Reyes, maintaining regular communication to ensure alignment on the Coalition's goals and to strategize on the execution of its mission. Each board member uniquely enhances the NYCFTC's efforts: Naika Colas applies her design expertise to advocate for sustainable fashion materials and practices. Dr. Andi Licari leverages her academic and research background to innovate. Jordana Guimarães bridges connections across technology and fashion industries to push the boundaries of sustainability. Jane Leyva uses her experience in fair trade and merchandising to foster ethical business partnerships. Alissa Westervelt focuses on promoting circular economy initiatives within New York City, significantly impacting waste reduction and sustainability education. Together, these professionals provide a robust framework for advancing NYCFTC's objectives, directly communicating their insights and suggestions to Andrea Reyes. This synergy not only ensures that the coalition's activities are well-coordinated and impactful but also secures a broad and effective reach in promoting fair trade and sustainability in the fashion industry and beyond. Their collective efforts are crucial in driving forward the coalition’s mission, aligning with global sustainability goals and fostering an environment of ethical consumerism and business practices. Executive Director: Andrea Reyes Andrea Reyes became the Executive Director of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition (NYCFTC) in 2018, bringing with her a rich background as a fair trade advocate, educator, and small business owner. Her extensive experience and commitment to sustainable practices have significantly shaped the direction and expansion of the coalition. As the Chair of the coalition, she has leveraged her vast network of small ethical business owners and advocates to strengthen the coalition's foundation. Her proactive approach has fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and shared learning among members. Andrea's foundational work in establishing A. Bernadette has provided her with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainable practices in business. This venture focuses on mentorship for students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. Her experience here directly informs her leadership style at NYCFTC, where she champions the development of similar support structures within the coalition. Perhaps one of her most significant contributions has been the extension of the Sustainable Fashion Community Center (SFCC). This initiative under Andrea's guidance has become a vital part of the NYCFTC, offering a physical space where members and the broader community can engage with fair trade practices firsthand. The SFCC serves as a hub for education, exchange, and advocacy, greatly enhancing the coalition’s outreach and educational efforts. Additionally, Andrea's academic roles at Baruch College, LIM College, and the Fashion Institute of Technology enable her to bring cutting-edge academic research and theory into practical application within the NYCFTC. Overall, Andrea Reyes has been instrumental in driving the NYC Fair Trade Coalition toward greater influence and operational success. Her strategic vision for the coalition and her ability to implement effective growth strategies reflect her deep commitment to the fair trade movement and sustainable business practices. Vice President: Carla Farina Carla Farina, the owner of eddys brand, a children’s wear company renowned for its commitment to sustainability, has made significant contributions to the NYC Fair Trade Coalition (NYCFTC). Her company, eddys, exemplifies sustainable business practices through its focus on reuse and take-back programs, creating tiny sweaters that make a big impact. Carla’s journey in the fashion industry, combined with her academic background from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has equipped her with a deep understanding of design, product development, and sustainable manufacturing. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Carla has become an integral part of the NYCFTC by utilizing her skills in digital media to amplify the coalition's reach. After successfully creating a promo video for her own brand using iMovie, she took on the role of editing videos for all of the coalition’s virtual events. This not only enhanced the quality and professionalism of the NYCFTC’s digital content but also ensured that crucial information and educational resources reached a broader audience efficiently and effectively. Carla's contributions do not stop at digital media. She plays a crucial role in communication within the coalition, acting as a liaison between the Executive Director, Andrea Reyes, and the Board members. Her position allows for smooth and effective communication flows, ensuring that strategies and decisions are seamlessly aligned and implemented. This role is vital for maintaining the cohesion and synergy of the leadership team, enabling the coalition to respond dynamically to challenges and opportunities in the fair trade and sustainable fashion sectors. Through her innovative approach to business and her proactive involvement in the NYCFTC, Carla Farina has significantly bolstered the coalition’s efforts to promote sustainable practices. Her ability to blend creative design with impactful sustainability initiatives serves as an inspiration to both emerging and established members of the NYCFTC. Carla’s ongoing dedication and multifaceted contributions continue to drive the coalition towards achieving its goals of creating a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. Treasurer: Grace Alignay Grace Alignay is a U.S. Army veteran with a deep-seated commitment to ethical practices in business and fashion. With 15 years of accounting experience spanning non-profit, fashion, and tech organizations, Grace brings a robust expertise in financial management to her role at the NYC Fair Trade Coalition (NYCFTC). As a passionate fair trade advocate, her dedication is reflected in her active participation and support for the sustainable fashion community. At the NYCFTC, Grace’s contributions are multifaceted and impactful. Her extensive background in accounting has been instrumental in enhancing the financial systems and transparency of the coalition. This has allowed for more effective budget management and allocation of resources, ensuring that projects and initiatives are both sustainable and scalable. Her financial acumen aids the coalition in navigating the complexities of funding and financial planning, which is critical for the long-term sustainability of any non-profit organization. Beyond her financial expertise, Grace actively fosters community engagement within the NYCFTC. As an ambassador of the Custom Collaborative program, she supports and mentors emerging entrepreneurs who are keen on integrating fair trade and ethical practices into their businesses. Her involvement extends to leading the Meetup community of Fashion Rebels, where she inspires and mobilizes a network of like-minded individuals passionate about transforming the fashion industry. Grace Alignay’s dual role in strengthening the coalition's financial health and enhancing its community engagement exemplifies her integral role in pushing forward the mission of the NYCFTC. Her leadership not only ensures operational excellence but also deepens the coalition's impact on promoting fair trade and ethical practices in the fashion sector. Community Managers: Beryl Akuffo, Josthyn Ramos Beryl Akuffo and Josthyn Ramos play critical roles in the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition (NYCFTC), particularly through their management of the Sustainable Fashion Community Center (SFCC). Both community managers are deeply involved in overseeing volunteers, ensuring that each individual is well-integrated and effective in their roles. This oversight is crucial for maintaining the high level of enthusiasm and commitment necessary for the center’s success. In addition to volunteer management, Beryl and Josthyn are key to the smooth operation of the SFCC. They handle a range of administrative tasks that keep the center running efficiently, from scheduling and logistics to customer service and inventory management. Their administrative acumen ensures that the center not only meets its day-to-day operational goals but also aligns with the broader sustainability objectives of NYCFTC. Furthermore, both Beryl and Josthyn contribute to the coalition's growth and sustainability through grant writing and marketing efforts. Their skills in these areas help secure funding and resources necessary for the expansion of programs and outreach initiatives. By effectively communicating the mission and impact of NYCFTC to potential funders and the broader public, they play a pivotal role in enhancing the coalition’s visibility and impact. Through their comprehensive management of volunteers, administrative oversight of the SFCC, and contributions to grant writing and marketing, Beryl Akuffo and Josthyn Ramos are indispensable to the continued success and expansion of the NYCFTC. Their efforts ensure that the coalition remains a vibrant and impactful leader in the fair trade and sustainable community sectors. Fellows: Drexlar Attram & Giulia Baldini Drexlar Attram and Giulia Baldini play crucial roles as fellows at the Sustainable Fashion Community Center (SFCC), assisting the community managers, Beryl Akuffo and Josthyn Ramos, once a week. Their contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the center's operations and impact within the community. As part of the fellowship program at SFCC, Drexlar and Giulia have actively supported the community managers in various tasks, including volunteer coordination, workshop facilitation, and event management. Their dedication and commitment to the SFCC's mission have been evident in their willingness to take on diverse responsibilities and contribute to the center's success. Drexlar, with his background in Public Health and Social Entrepreneurship, brings a unique perspective to the SFCC. His expertise in sustainability and community development has been invaluable in shaping the center's programs and initiatives. Giulia, with her background in sustainable fashion, has been instrumental in promoting eco-friendly practices and raising awareness about ethical fashion choices among the community. Together, Drexlar and Giulia have made significant contributions to the SFCC, helping to create a more sustainable and inclusive community. Their dedication and passion for sustainable living have inspired others to join the movement towards a more ethical and environmentally conscious future.
At the Sustainable Fashion Community Center, we believe in the importance of thorough and continuous assessment to measure our impact effectively. One of the primary tools we use is our comprehensive impact form, which captures detailed data on our SFCC visitors. This form collects visitors' emails, phone numbers, and names, enabling us to communicate their individual environmental impact and keep them informed about our ongoing efforts. By weighing the textiles that go in and out of the center, particularly the items taken from our Swap Shop, we measure the amount of clothing in pounds that is being reused and repurposed. These assessments help us track key metrics such as the number of textiles collected and diverted from landfills. These evaluations allow us to understand our effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure we are meeting our mission of promoting sustainable fashion and community development. Our membership program is a vital component of our community engagement strategy. We currently offer a membership plan where individuals can pay $11 per month. Members can swap items for free, provided they bring donations. For example, if a member donates items valued at $5, they can take items worth $5 in return. This system not only promotes a circular economy but also ensures that resources are continually reused and repurposed, reducing waste and fostering a culture of sustainability within our community. A unique and heartwarming aspect of our center is the involvement of the abuelas (grandmothers) from our community. These dedicated women are at the heart of our operations, bringing wisdom, experience, and a nurturing spirit to everything we do. Their involvement not only enhances the efficiency and warmth of our services but also embodies the spirit of intergenerational learning and support. By integrating their skills and knowledge, we ensure that our initiatives are deeply rooted in the community's cultural and social fabric. Additionally, we have about 5 to 6 volunteers every week who sort through the textiles and clothing that come into the center. Their dedicated efforts ensure that donated items are processed efficiently, maintaining the flow of resources within our Swap Shop and other programs. Through these critical assessments and the active participation of our abuelas and volunteers, we are able to continually refine our programs and ensure they meet the evolving needs of our community. This holistic approach drives impactful and sustainable change, aligning with our vision of providing equal access to sustainable, fair trade ideas and supporting the NYC Fair Trade Coalition's mission.
Fashinnovation Ovation In-Store Fair Trade USA Eddys Brand UN Peace Boat Benjamin Von Wong W Girls Department of Sanitation Chashama
SDGS & Targets
Goal 11
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
11.1
By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
11.1.1
Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing
11.2
11.2.1
Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
11.3
11.3.1
Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
11.3.2
Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil society in urban planning and management that operate regularly and democratically
11.4
Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
11.4.1
Total per capita expenditure on the preservation, protection and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage, by source of funding (public, private), type of heritage (cultural, natural) and level of government (national, regional, and local/municipal)
11.5
By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
11.5.1
Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
11.5.2
Direct economic loss attributed to disasters in relation to global domestic product (GDP)
11.5.3
(a) Damage to critical infrastructure and (b) number of disruptions to basic services, attributed to disasters
11.6
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
11.6.1
Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities out of total municipal waste generated, by cities
11.6.2
Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted)
11.7
11.7.1
Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
11.7.2
Proportion of persons victim of non-sexual or sexual harassment, by sex, age, disability status and place of occurrence, in the previous 12 months
11.a
Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
11.a.1
Number of countries that have national urban policies or regional development plans that (a) respond to population dynamics; (b) ensure balanced territorial development; and (c) increase local fiscal space
11.b
By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
11.b.1
Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030
11.b.2
Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies
11.c
Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
12.1
Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
12.1.1
Number of countries developing, adopting or implementing policy instruments aimed at supporting the shift to sustainable consumption and production
12.2
By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.2.1
Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
12.2.2
Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP
12.3
By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
12.3.1
(a) Food loss index and (b) food waste index
12.4
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
12.4.1
12.4.2
(a) Hazardous waste generated per capita; and (b) proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment
12.5
By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.5.1
National recycling rate, tons of material recycled
12.6
Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
12.6.1
12.7
Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
12.7.1
Number of countries implementing sustainable public procurement policies and action plans
12.8
By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.8.1
Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment
12.a
Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
12.a.1
Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing and developed countries (in watts per capita)
12.b
Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
12.b.1
Implementation of standard accounting tools to monitor the economic and environmental aspects of tourism sustainability
12.c
Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities
12.c.1
Amount of fossil-fuel subsidies (production and consumption) per unit of GDP
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|
Deliverables & Timeline
Clothing Swap/Textile Recycling - 25,000 lbs collected
Community Center/Volunteering - 300 (Annually)
Corporate Engagement/Service (Durst org.)
Educational Center/Student Group Tours
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
Feedback
Action Network
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Timeline
Entity
Region
- North America
Geographical coverage
Other beneficiaries
Over the years, NYCFTC has expanded its reach by connecting with producers, businesses, educators, and consumers who share a commitment to fair trade principles. Throughout its history, NYCFTC has partnered with stakeholders including educational institutions like Bronx Science and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), corporations such as Dropbox and LVMH, real estate companies like the Durst Organization and KSR New York, and government and nonprofit organizations including the Department of Sanitation and FABSCRAP. These collaborations have enabled NYCFTC to broaden its influence and integrate sustainable practices across different sectors of the city. Over the years, NYCFTC has expanded its reach by connecting with producers, businesses, educators, and consumers who share a commitment to fair trade principles. Throughout its history, NYCFTC has partnered with stakeholders including educational institutions like Bronx Science and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), corporations such as Dropbox and LVMH, real estate companies like the Durst Organization and KSR New York, and government and nonprofit organizations including the Department of Sanitation and FABSCRAP. These collaborations have enabled NYCFTC to broaden its influence and integrate sustainable practices across different sectors of the city. The New York City Fair Trade Coalition (NYCFTC) Fellowship Program offers a unique, hands-on experience for interns and fellows, focusing on bottom-up management. This approach allows participants to actively lead and work closely with members of the community and industry professionals. Moreover, SFCC's initiatives extend beyond mere transactions; they directly impact the lives of marginalized individuals, including abuelas (grandmothers) within the East Harlem community. This integrates them into the larger narrative of sustainable and ethical fashion. For the abuelas, this integration is twofold; it provides them with access to affordable sustainable clothing and the opportunity to engage in the sustainability movement, which is often perceived as a young person's arena. Homeless individuals benefit significantly from SFCC's affordable clothing options, where they can purchase items for just a dollar. This initiative helps to alleviate financial burdens and provides dignity through access to quality apparel. Sustainable fashion students gain practical experience and insights into the industry through internships, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops. The fellowship and volunteer programs offer hands-on management experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enriching the professional and personal growth of participants. Additionally, SFCC supports community development by engaging various socio-economic groups, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes education, empowerment, and sustainability. The center's activities and resources not only serve immediate needs but also build long-term skills and connections that benefit the wider community.
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Contact Information
Andrea Reyes, Executive Director