Episode 4 Jo Godden – recycled ocean plastics

Jo Godden of Ruby Moon In today’s episode, I’m talking to Jo Godden, who founded RubyMoon, a ‘not-for-profit Eco and Ethical activewear brand’ in 2011.  We talk about how recycled ocean plastics, transparency and circular economics are at the heart of Rubymoon.  Jo believes the fashion industry has fantastic potential to be a force for good, both socially and for our planet, and that circular economy manufacturing will get us there faster. Jo is also involved in circular economy activities in Brighton, helping to inspire people to think differently about fashion, and she believes we should think of ourselves as citizens, not consumers. You can read a summary of the podcast later on this page. About Jo Godden Jo Godden, a designer - lingerie and swimwear specialist, a mother and activist. She loves to swim and the beach is her favourite place.  Jo believes the fashion industry has the most substantial potential to positively impact the social and environmental state of our planet and using circular economy manufacturing is how we will get there faster. "After 25 years working in the fashion field, I decided I no longer wanted to be part of the problem, I want to be part of the solution."  In 2011, Jo founded RubyMoon, ‘the world's only not-for-profit Eco and Ethical activewear brand’. Their high-quality fabric cleans up the oceans and 100 per cent of the profits support women entrepreneurs with microloans in 14 developing countries.Jo says "Fashion can be a force for good. I believe that what we choose to buy is how we vote effectively for a better world." Jo also gives workshops and talks aiming to make a Circle of Impact: have a look at this page on the RubyMoon website Podcast Sections [02:22]  Jo tell us a bit about her background, and her decision to start a business so she could be ‘part of the solution’:  offering alternatives to fast fashion and poor supply chain ethics. Responsible manufacturing and consumption [04:37] We move on to talk about the issues in fast fashion supply chains, and how clothing manufacture is returning to Leicester in the UK.  We discuss the problems of long-distance supply chains and the difficulties of audits and inspections if your suppliers are overseas.  In the light of these challenges, RubyMoon only sources and manufactures in Europe. Be citizens, not consumers! [08:58] Jo talks about the mind-sets of citizens versus consumers, and how changing our mindsets means we can be responsible for what we buy, eat and what we do with our lives. [11:50] Valuing your clothing is at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement.  How can we change the psychology of what we buy and use?  RubyMoon’s approach is to design for durability, using certified fabric and giving great value in terms of price per wear. [14:16] We ask whether consumer guides could help make the lifetime cost transparent, for lots of products. Using recycled ocean plastics [16:35] Jo talks about how she came across the issues of ghost nets and ocean plastics in the ‘noughties’, becoming (probably) the first UK company to use recycled ocean plastics for clothing.  The project, supported by volunteer divers, helps marine life as well as reducing the need for virgin synthetic materials from petrochemicals, and saving energy too. The circular economy is the future of fashion! [19:59] Jo is involved in Circular Brighton and Hove (part of the Circular Economy Club), and we talk about the circular fashion events she organises.