By Jeff Scult, Founder & Designer of One Golden Thread
This year, I was honored to be invited by Stefan Kanalga of House of Trust to the World Economic Forum in Davos—a gathering of global leaders to address the most pressing issues facing humanity. The theme and BIG conversation at Davos this year?
Decarbonization.
While the opportunity to be there in person was humbling, I chose to stay rooted in Los Angeles, in service to those displaced and affected by the fires. Instead of traveling, we transformed our backspace into a donation center, offering support to our local community in a time of need.
Still, I feel privileged to be part of the ongoing conversations through WhatsApp chats with global leaders, changemakers, and visionaries. Because the dialogue around decarbonization is not just relevant—it is urgent.
What Is Decarbonization?
At its core, decarbonization is about understanding that the amount of carbon emissions we put into the atmosphere will determine whether our planet thrives or faces irreversible devastation. It’s the recognition that less carbon means more life.
Carbon dioxide, the invisible thread that connects so many of our modern conveniences, is also the silent force accelerating climate change. Burning fossil fuels, manufacturing goods, and transporting products have created a world where our carbon footprint has outgrown the earth’s ability to absorb it.
But here’s the hopeful truth: we have the tools and the ingenuity to turn this around. And fashion, an industry known for its outsized impact, can be a powerful part of the solution.
Let's face it - the one thing we have in common is when we're not naked is we wear clothes. So let's have clothes "open" us up to possibility.
Decarbonization Through Fashion
At One Golden Thread, we see fashion as a reflection of our relationship with the planet. When we create something to wear, we’re making a choice about how we interact with the earth. Are we taking more than we give? Or are we contributing to a system that regenerates and restores?
Here’s how we’re embracing decarbonization:
• Fewer Returns, Fewer Emissions: By designing garments with intention and quality, we keep our return rates at an industry-low 6%. This means fewer emissions from unnecessary back-and-forth shipping and more products loved for a lifetime.
• Regenerative Materials: Our signature TreeSilk fabric comes from sustainably managed beech tree forests, which naturally absorb carbon dioxide. Every garment is crafted with the planet in mind—minimizing impact, maximizing regeneration.
• Tree Planting for Every Purchase: For every product sold, we plant a tree in a region where it’s needed most. Over 108,000 treesplanted so far—and counting. These trees are more than symbols; they are living, breathing carbon sinks.
• Local Production, Lower Footprint: By producing in Los Angeles, Mexico, and soon Portugal, we reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping while supporting local economies.
Why This Matters Now
The fires in Los Angeles are a heartbreaking reminder that climate change is not some distant problem—it’s here, it’s now, and it’s affecting lives in ways we can no longer ignore. Decarbonization isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating systems that heal the planet while protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Davos may be where the global strategy is shaped, but the real work happens on the ground—in the choices we make every day, in the communities we serve, and in the movements we build together.
A Call to Action
Decarbonization isn’t just for scientists or policymakers; it’s for all of us. It’s in the decisions we make about how we consume, how we travel, and yes, how we dress.
At One Golden Thread, we’re proving that fashion can be a vehicle for change. We’re crafting garments that don’t just feel good—they do good. And we’re inviting you to join this movement.
Because when we decarbonize, we don’t just reduce harm—we create the conditions for humanity to thrive. This is the golden thread that connects us all.
With love and purpose,
Jeff Scult
Founder & Designer, One Golden Thread
So how do we get there...
An 11-Point Plan for the Entire Fashion Industry to Pivot and Be Part of the Decarbonization Solution
How do we all in fashion answer the call beyond merely reducing harm--instead empowering fashion to be a regenerative force for good? By adopting a broader spectrum of materials and practices, the industry can shift from being part of the problem to a vital solution for a thriving planet.
Here's an 11 point invitation plan to innovate, regenerate, and lead with purpose.
1. Adopt Regenerative Materials
Embrace innovative, planet-positive materials such as hemp, algae-based fabrics, mycelium leather, and pineapple fiber (Piñatex). These materials not only require fewer resources to produce but also often absorb carbon during cultivation.
2. Commit to Circularity
Create systems for garment recycling, resale, and repair. Implement closed-loop production systems where old textiles are reintroduced into the supply chain to minimize waste.
3. Align with Science-Based Climate Goals
Establish measurable goals for carbon neutrality or negative emissions, ensuring progress is verified through third-party certifications such as Science-Based Targets or Cradle-to-Cradle.
4. Optimize Localized Manufacturing
Reduce emissions by prioritizing production in regions closer to consumer markets, leveraging local materials and labor, and adopting low-energy manufacturing technologies.
5. Support Reforestation and Agroforestry
Partner with initiatives that integrate reforestation, mangrove restoration, and agroforestry projects that sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity.
6. Innovate Low-Carbon Logistics
Use renewable energy-powered transportation and optimize shipping methods to reduce emissions. Replace single-use packaging with compostable or biodegradable alternatives like seaweed-based materials.
7. Educate and Inspire Consumers
Launch campaigns to highlight the impact of their purchasing choices, such as selecting garments made from low-impact wool, recycled ocean plastics, or bamboo lyocell. Encourage mindful consumption over fast fashion.
8. Foster Strategic Collaborations
Collaborate with innovators like Bolt Threads(mycelium leather) or AlgiKnit (algae-based fibers) to integrate cutting-edge materials and technology. Partner with climate organizations to scale impact.
9. Incentivize Sustainable Choices
Offer incentives such as discounts for returning used garments, exclusive benefits for sustainable purchases, and trade-in programs that promote buying fewer, higher-quality items.
10. Implement Transparent Metrics
Adopt tools like the Higg Index or Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to measure, report, and share carbon reduction progress publicly, ensuring trust and accountability.
11. Leverage Platforms to Drive Change
Use storytelling platforms, social media, and global events like Earth Day, Fashion Revolution Week, or COP Climate Summits to advocate for decarbonization and regenerative practices within the fashion industry.
LFG...
