At autark.berlin, we are committed to fostering a new way of thinking about fashion consumption. Our online learning platform is designed to guide you the consumer through the complexities of sustainable clothing choices, offering knowledge and practical tools for more responsible consumption. Through our 4D knowledge transfer approach, we aim to provide a holistic and engaging educational experience, helping users understand the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their choices.
What We Do: Educating for Sustainable Fashion
We have already made significant strides in our mission. We launched three foundational courses: one focused on sustainable materials and the other on the power of second-hand fashion. These courses are designed to help users navigate the world of sustainable textiles, identify eco-friendly alternatives, and learn the value of reusing and recycling clothing and get grid of excess. Each course is about 15 min long.
The Power of Sustainabel Materials
https://autark.berlin/courses/course-1-the-power-of-second-hand-clothing-a-sustainable-choice-for-the-environment-and-society
The Power of Second Hand Fashion
https://autark.berlin/courses/course-2-the-power-of-sustainable-materials-in-fashion
The Power of Decluttering (only German)
https://autark.berlin/courses/the-power-of-decluttering
In addition to our courses, we have produced eight insightful blog posts that delve into various aspects of sustainable fashion, from the environmental toll of fast fashion to practical tips for a more conscious wardrobe. The positive feedback we’ve received from our readers is encouraging, and we are excited to continue providing valuable content to our growing community.
Our blog posts 2024
Embracing Sustainable Fashion: Cultivating Habits in Harmony with Nature and Society (Changes in small steps with huge impacts, changing behavior)
https://autark.berlin/embracing-sustainable-fashion-cultivating-habits-in-harmony-with-nature-and-society
Bridging the Gap: Aligning Sustainable Attitudes, Values and Actions in Fashion Consumption (how do act in concurrence with our values) (leadership)
https://autark.berlin/bridging-the-gap-aligning-sustainable-attitudes-values-and-actions-in-fashion-consumption
Startup to watch Moot – Turning Trash into Treasure – The Upcycling Revolution from Berlin (upcycling clothes, brand)
https://autark.berlin/label-to-wacht-moot-turning-trash-into-treasure-the-upcycling-revolution-from-berlin
Always Something New in Your Wardrobe: The Kleiderei Way to Sustainable Fashion (renting clothes)
https://autark.berlin/always-something-new-in-your-wardrobe-the-kleiderei-way-to-sustainable-fashion
Label to Watch: Iriedaily – Berlin’s Streetware Icon Championing Sustainability (brand)
https://autark.berlin/label-to-watch-iriedaily-berlins-streetwear-icon-championing-sustainability
How the EU’s Green Claims Directive Protects Consumers from Greenwashing
https://autark.berlin/how-the-eus-green-claims-directive-protects-consumers-from-greenwashing
Sustainable Fashion Consumption: Rethinking our Wardrobe Choice (Underconsumption Score, Reduce)
https://autark.berlin/sustainable-fashion-consumption-rethinking-our-wardrobe-choice
What Does Enough Look Like to Me? (Sufficiency, Reduce, Slow)
https://autark.berlin/what-does-enough-look-like-to-me
Our involvement in the Zero Waste Action Weeks in Berlin further strengthens our commitment to sustainability. It has been an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and promote the importance of reducing waste in every aspect of our lives, including clothing consumption.
Challenges We Face: Navigating Trends and Sufficiency
Like any startup, we face our share of challenges. One of the key issues is sufficiency – the balance between wanting to live sustainably and the overwhelming pressure to keep up with ever-changing trends. Fashion is an industry notoriously driven by trends, and it can sometimes feel as though there is a constant chase to keep up. Yet, as we work through these complexities, we find it increasingly clear how essential it is to engage deeply with the issues of sustainability and slow fashion.
What we are doing is about more than just offering courses or writing blog posts. It’s about creating space for dialogue and action in a world where the fashion industry often prioritizes growth and profit over planetary health. We must shift our focus towards sufficiency: consuming only what we truly need and making choices that align with our values.
In these fast-paced times, where denial of climate change is still prevalent in some circles, it is more important than ever to act. Our platform is not just an educational tool – it is a call to action. We must all contribute to creating the change we want to see. By empowering individuals with the right knowledge and tools, we hope to foster a broader movement that champions sustainability in every aspect of our lives.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Impact
We are proud of the progress we’ve made so far. With over 350 users enrolled in our courses and up tp 2.000 readers per year engaging with our blog content, we’re seeing steady growth. Our commitment to applying for funding will enable us to expand our reach and impact.
Our journey is just beginning, and we are excited to continue growing alongside our community. The path to sustainable fashion consumption is not always easy, but by providing valuable educational resources and fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, we hope to inspire lasting change.
Together, we can create a future where fashion doesn’t just look good—it also feels good, knowing that it contributes to the well-being of our planet and society.
Join us on this exciting journey. Let’s shape the future of fashion, one conscious choice at a time.
As the year ends, we want to thank everyone visiting our platform, sharing our work and supporting us.
We wish you all the best!
Mandy & Kristina