Clothing Textile Action Group (CTAG)

The Clothing Textile Action Group (CTAG) formed in October 2009.  A large and passionate group of Nova Scotians met in the kitchen at the Ecology Action Centre to discuss an interest in sustainable clothing, locally sourced textiles and consumer awareness.  Artists, crafters, environmentalists, professors, designers, writers, plant historians, sweatshop labour activists, and free trade supporters are together identifying the common threads of their passions to weave into a collaborative community action.

The CTAG committee is seeking to increase knowledge about where clothing and fabrics come from and what ecological footprint they have.  A key goal is to help the public make a connection between plants and textiles.  One exciting new initiative in the works involves growing and using nettles to make fabrics.  CTAG is also generating a directory of ecologically and socially sustainable clothing and textiles that are available in Nova Scotia.  The directory is meant to both help consumers make sustainable decisions about purchases, and to help producers identify like minded businesses.  A “Buy Local Challenge” is being developed, where anyone can make a pledge to purchase responsibly in ways that fit their lifestyle.  Tips, facts, and suggestions will be provided by CTAG.  Last but not least CTAG is seeking to obtain an open, shared, space within Halifax.  This space can house local artists/crafters, be used for community classes, act as a hub for sourcing sustainable fabric, and provide an opportune place for meeting folks interested in thinking seriously about how clothing, textiles, the environment, and personal purchasing decisions fit together. 

This sub-committee of the Food Action Committee would like to encourage ecological and social awareness around the issue of clothing and textiles, giving Nova Scotians the information they need to make responsible choices when making purchases.