Throughout the Green Man Festival, the Wales TUC offered talks on fairness in the workplace – including fair fashion, building a fair work nation, and creating better jobs for the South Wales Valleys. We attended the Fair Fashion debate which discussed the scandal behind the global fashion industry.

The guest speaker was Dr Jean Jenkins from Cardiff University. Dr Jenkins was extremely knowledgeable on the subject, having visited factories in Bangladesh and Pakistan – and was sure in her conviction that there’s not a single factory there where standards are acceptable. She asserted that fashion labels have no interest in anything but the bottom line, and have only taken action so far due to international pressure and potential legislative changes.

The Wales TUC have worked with the Clean Clothes Campaign to encourage better standards in garment factories, and following the Rana Plaza factory disaster, set up the Accord on Fire and Building Safety. Sadly Dr Jenkins felt that many fashion labels are not complying with the Accord (which we saw in the news about H&M back in May).

As well as using Union subs to support campaigns like Clean Clothes, Wales TUC are raising the profile of the importance of Union membership. Dr Jenkins explained that Union members in garment factories are likely to be suppressed – either publicly humiliated or alienated from their fellow workers. Union membership is stamped out, making it extremely difficult for the workers to have any representation and to acquire basic workers rights.

It was disheartening to hear that so little progress has been made in these areas, despite tragedies like Rana Plaza which killed over 1100 workers. However, there is hope in that organisations like Wales TUC are continuing to raise awareness and are working with other organisations to implement change. For our part, we can continue to put pressure on fashion labels, and shop fair trade until they get their act together.

Fashion Revolution is an opportunity to make people think differently and it begins with a simple question – who made your clothes? The answers to that question will tell you a lot about how important it is to get this right. Fashion Revolution uses the power of social media to challenge brands directly to increase transparency within the industry. There are great resources and tips which you can download from the website, so it’s well worth a look.

By joining forces we can make our voices heard more clearly. No-one should have to suffer, be maimed or even killed, just so we can save a few quid on a pair of jeans. It’s up to us whether we face up to our responsibilities or look the other way.

For me, a real eye-opener was the impact of the leather industry. The tanning process is so toxic that children born in villages close to tanning factories had a greatly increased chance of disability – and tannery workers have 20%- 50% greater risk of cancer.

Guests at the screening were left with a new viewpoint on fashion – and whilst there’s no easy fix to the current situation, people will certainly be thinking more about the provenance of their clothes. You can find out more and watch the film here.

The screening was followed by a fashion show, showcasing Hay’s fair trade fashion options. Here are some of the wonderful models wearing our clothes!

These roles would suit recent graduates though a degree isn’t the be all and end all – we’re looking for sharp, confident candidates who combine a precise, analytical approach with creative flair and vision. Of course, you’ll know all about our sustainable approach and while we’re not expecting anyone to have a PHD in environmental science, a personal interest in sustainable issues is essential.

We pay all our interns, and while you won’t make your first million you will be a valued member of the team. In the first instance we are looking for candidates who can work full time for at least six weeks. Beyond that period we’ll consider extending your contract on a more permanent basis.

Interested? Drop us a line with your CV and a short covering letter outlining a recent event which you think would have benefited from a more sustainable approach. Send it to Andrew – andrew@seventeenevents.co.uk.

Guests at the event included high profile journalists and politicians such as Andrew Marr, Henry Porter, John Sergeant and Adam Boulton.

Seventeen were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Quintessentially Soho at the House of St Barnabas as the venue shares so many of the agency’s sustainable ideals. The space is a not-for-profit members club raising funds for the House of St Barnabas charity.

It has been an exciting and worthwhile event for Seventeen. We have managed all aspects of the prize, from appointing the judging panel, to organising the event. We hope that the profile of this prize will assist Clare in her important campaign for social justice.

Clare Sambrook receives her award from Andrew Marr

Drinks reception

This year we want to broaden our reach to include contributors from beyond our current networks. For the first time, we are asking for submissions of potential case studies of sustainable events which we can showcase at the summit. In previous years case studies have included the premiere of “Age of Stupid,” presentations from LOCOG and an introduction to the work of RockCorps.

Do you have a suggestion for a speaker or contributor for 2011? Do you have an inspiring story to tell which would help delegates to understand the practical steps you have taken towards greater sustainability? Then we want to hear from you.

Drop us a line with:

– Your contact information;
– A brief (200 words max) summary of your presentation;
– Any other information you think we should be aware of.

Send your suggestions and submissions to Andrew Williams, andrew@seventeenevents.co.uk.

The Sustainable Events Summit 2011 will take place in central London in spring next year. We’ll be updating the summit website soon, but for now if you want to check out footage from the 2010 event along with the programme and speakers, head to www.sustainableeventssummit.com.

After a finding a bag of dried chickpeas which I think must’ve been in my cupboard since University (a long time ago), I decided it was time to make humus, and it is lovely:
200g/7oz canned chickpeas (or the dried type which you need to soak overnight and cook)
2 tbsp lemon juice or more
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt
100ml/3½fl oz tahini (sesame seed paste) optional
4 tbsp water
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp paprika

All ground up in blitzer, easy!