In the 21st Century, sustainability is a concept that has permeated various industries, fashion included. In an industry such as fashion, plagued with a history of non-sustainable, wasteful, and even unethical practices (use of animal fur), new and sustainable reforms seems only fitting to go along with an increased awareness in adopting eco-friendly everyday practices by many consumers. Nowadays, many business courses offer an independent section regarding sustainable development as that is ultimately the direction in which most firms are headed in the future. An interesting new fashion start-up combines just that, sustainability (at its roots) with a social mission to help fund eye exams and cataracts surgery in less economically developed countries.
Founded by three Georgetown University students, Panda Sunglasses is a sunglasses company manufacturing its frames out of sustainably harvested bamboo. Unlike TOMS, as a social enterprise, Panda aims to help fund medical procedures rather than donating shoes according to sales. In my opinion, I believe that this is a more sustainable form of aid as a corrective medical procedure will result in life changing circumstances for individuals as opposed to a material donation (i.e. shoes) which is restricted to a functional life span. With medical assistance, individuals that were not able to work previously will now be able to contribute to their communities in a productive manner.