The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit (MRSS) is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest, bringing together hundreds of visionary leaders to share ideas and solutions for a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future. The annual summit features a full day of programming, including speakers, exhibitors, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics from climate justice and green workforce development to resilient food systems and circular economy practices. MRSS serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring action and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future in the Midwest.

Shownotes

Shailah Maynard is the co-founder and CEO of Sew Valley, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit redefining the fashion industry with a focus on ethical manufacturing, local production, and circular design. Shailah shares her journey into sustainable fashion and the vision behind Sew Valley, a nonprofit providing cut-and-sew services, small-batch production, studio rentals, and educational workshops. She emphasizes the organization's commitment to ethical manufacturing, paying living wages, minimizing waste, and promoting circularity. Shailah discusses the environmental and social challenges within the fashion industry, including unsafe working conditions, excessive waste, and the negative impact of fast fashion.

She highlights Sew Valley's role in proving that responsible apparel manufacturing is possible locally, and she discusses their zero-waste program which transforms fabric scraps into valuable products like upholstery fill and fiberboard. Shailah also discusses their work in educating the community about sustainable practices, including natural dyeing and DIY alterations. She explores the potential for the Midwest to become a leader in sustainable fashion and emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration and resource sharing.

Episode in a glance

- Sew Valley’s Mission and Services
- Who Sew Valley Serves
- Sustainability at Sew Valley
- Rethinking the Garment Lifecycle: Circularity and Local Production
- Sew Valley’s Zero-Waste Program
- The Midwest’s Potential in Sustainable Fashion

About Shailah Maynard

Shailah Maynard is the co-founder and CEO of Sew Valley, a nonprofit organization transforming the fashion industry in the Midwest. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in apparel manufacturing, she is a passionate advocate for ethical production, circular design, and community engagement. Shailah’s vision and leadership are creating a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion.

Connect with Shailah Maynard and her work with Sew Valley:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sewvalley/

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/SewValley/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/shailah-maynard-32876564/

Sew Valley LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/sew-valley/

Website → https://sewvalley.org/

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