A distinguished group of designers, environmentalists, educators, artists, and authors will explore the three P’s – People, Planet, and Prosperity – the triple bottom line values and criteria by which businesses, organizations, governments, and individuals should measure their sustainability efforts, taking into account ecological, social, and economic impacts and accomplishments.
This conference will look at each of the three P’s with a special focus on “people,” including social issues and the challenges and successes of addressing these in business and design.
Organized by the Sustainability Council of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the conference - a morning and afternoon presentation of speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions - takes place on Tuesday, April 9, 8:30 am to 5 pm, at the John E. Reeves Great Hall, Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center.
The presentation is accompanied by an exhibition of FIT students’ projects that illustrate various facets of sustainability in design disciplines taught at the college. The event is free and open to the public.
Speakers and topics include:
Ethan Nichtern, founder of the Interdependence Project and currently the youngest empowered Senior Teacher in the global Shambhala community, will explain how understanding interdependence and practicing meditation can transform the world.
Giacomo Oliva, FIT vice president, Academic Affairs, will open the conference and introduce the President’s Panel, which will present an update on FIT’s sustainability initiatives.
Author Mark Coleman will discuss his book, The Sustainability Generation: The Politics of Change and Why Personal Accountability is Essential NOW! Mr. Coleman’s career has spanned strategic and leadership positions in government, applied research, industrial, and management consulting organizations.
Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, a writer, performer, and conceptual artist, will present “The Book of Ice,” his graphic design project exploring the impact of climate change on Antarctica through the prism of digital media and contemporary music.
Mark Orlowski, executive director, the Sustainable Endowments Institute, will present “Transforming Sustainability from Expense to Innovative Investment.”
FIT will also host an industry panel with Amy Hall, director, Social Consciousness and member of the Leadership Forum for clothing designer Eileen Fisher; and Meme Snell, women's product development manager for prAna women’s apparel. The panel moderator is Shireen Musa, assistant professor, International Trade and Marketing, FIT.
