The U.N.'s Move Towards Natural Fibers Worldwide

After searching Women's Wear Daily Online, I came across an interesting article in regards to the use of synthetic fabrics throughout the world. The article of discussion if "U.N. Seeks to Reduce Synthetic Fabric." This article may be found at http://www.wwd.com/markets-news/un-seeks-to-reduce-synthetic-fabric-2093369.

With the recent moves towards America and other countries "Go Green," the U.N. has stepped in to make a difference in the apparel industry. The U.N. is making an effort to improve the worlds supply of natural resources and has declared 2009 as "The International Year of Natural Fibers." This is due in part to protect the environment and to safeguard the communities that produce vegetal fibers like jute, flax and ramie, as well as camel hair and cashmere (U.N. Seeks to Reduce Synthetic Fibers).

The U.N. is trying to enforce regulations to make sure that all producers of natural fibers have the technology and knowledge to produce fibers of the highest quality. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will be taking part to make sure that the standards and regulations are being enforced. The FAO is working to cut the amount of pesticides used by farmers on crops, such as cotton, which not only reduces negative environmental impact, but helps farmers by minimizing dependence on expensive chemicals (U.N. Seeks to Reduce Synthetic Fibers).

The ultimate goal of this new enforcement is to raise public awareness on natural fibers and encourage cooperation among industry groups. The U.N. will be making the public aware through various events in 2009, including displays and fashion shows, as well as conferences being held at FIT in New York on cotton sustainability and at the Gaston College Textile Technology Center in Belmont, NC on applications for alpaca.

When the Rich Get Less Rich

Article of discussion titled "When the Rich Get Less Rich" by Valerie Seckler. Article can be found at http://www.wwd.com/business-news/when-the-rich-get-less-rich-2088349/print/

Since the rise of the simpler living and economic movements, the luxury consumption of consumers could shrink even when the economy straightens up and spending becomes less tight. According to a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Retail Forward, less-exclusive, less-expensive goods may occur in as many as half the households with annual income of $100,000 to $250,000. This is largely due to greater difficulties securing credits. This will put a strain on high-end fashion, electronics, and home remodeling. Many consumers are making changes from brands such as Prada and Vera Wang to Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

High-end spending has been on the decline also because of the decline in the public optimism on the economy. With unemployment at 8.1% and rising, few increases in personal income, and the upper middle class's anxiety about the recession will end is reflected in consumer saving and preserving of capital investments.

More Americans are becoming more satisfied with what they have and saving their income during this economic strain. It is also being seen as "a fundamental shift away from materialism," as quoted by John Zogby, CEO of Zogby International.