But so far, environmental indicators such as global warming, biodiversity loss, deforestation and desertification are all moving in the wrong direction.
Part of the problem, Ridgway acknowledged, is that there aren't strong enough regulations to curb worker exploitation and carbon emissions. But the tide could start to turn, he said, thanks to legislative proposals in the European Union, New York state and California.
By combining Cascale's efforts with policies that charge companies for their water usage, carbon footprint, and waste management, Ridgway can sell the cheapest t-shirts on the shelves, or the most expensive ones on the shelves. Cheap products also have minimal carbon footprint, water usage and waste.
“We have a difficult, difficult and challenging path to that outcome,” Ridgway said.
