Moving the Needle: An Exploration of Sustainable Fashion

Program Overview:

Moving the Needle is an interdisciplinary initiative at Yale dedicated to advancing research, dialogue, and innovation in sustainable fashion. Rooted in rigorous inquiry and collaboration, the program examines the intersections of fashion with industries such as renewable energy, sustainable materials, chemicals, consumer behavior, policy, governance structures, economics, supply chain management, innovative business models,  sustainable finance, and culture.

Fashion is a universal necessity, integral to daily life across all cultures and societies. The decisions made within the industry ranging from material selection and volume production to the development of innovative business models have the capacity to generate profound and far-reaching impacts, influencing both people and the planet.

The fashion industry, valued at $2.5 trillion and employing over 75 million people globally, represents both a universal cultural touchstone and a significant driver of environmental and social challenges. With 92 million tons of waste generated annually and contributions of 4–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the need for transformative action is urgent.

Our Goals:

Fostering Transformative Solutions for Sustainable Fashion

Accelerate innovation and adoption of sustainable practices across the fashion industry by driving interdisciplinary research, connecting diverse stakeholders, and exploring strategies in materials, supply chains, and business models.

Advancing Knowledge and Dialogue

Create a platform for critical discussions and knowledge sharing that deepens understanding of fashion’s environmental, social, and economic impacts. Engage students, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders in meaningful dialogue to shape a more equitable and sustainable global fashion system.

Empowering Actionable Change Across Sectors

Equip individuals and organizations with the insights, tools, and frameworks needed to transition toward sustainability. Promote circularity, consumption reduction, renewable energy integration, and innovative finance while prioritizing social empowerment and ethical governance within the fashion industry.

How we are working to achieve these goals:

Through speaker series, discussion groups, and interdisciplinary research, Moving the Needle fosters critical dialogue and actionable insights to reimagine fashion’s future. By promoting circularity, low-impact practices, and social empowerment, we aim to create pathways for a more sustainable and equitable global fashion industry. 

We are excited to continue building this program and would love ideas on where to go from here!