Goede Gespreksstof - Van Grond tot Garderobe

Why Fibershed created this book?

Worldwide, Fibershed is committed to making natural textiles the new normal within a local, just and circular textile economy. The founders of Fibershed Netherlands, Stijntje Jaspers and Martine Nieuwenhuis, increasingly realized that changing the textile and clothing industry already starts with how you look at clothing as a young person. For this book, Stijntje Jaspers therefore talked to entrepreneurs, designers and experts in the field of sustainable textiles and clothing. The result is a richly illustrated book in which the reader learns about the present, past and future of the Dutch textile sector. Through the book, they learn how the role of clothing has changed from a skillfully crafted product to disposable fashion. And what impact this has on the health and well-being of the environment, people and communities. Based on personal and professional experiences, the reader gains valuable insights into the choices they can make themselves. The book is written in plain and accessible language, and it is richly illustrated, making it not only appealing for young people, but for all that want to learn more about the impact of clothing and how to bring about positive change.

Role models sharing their stories

Goede Gespreksstof was co-created in close collaboration with participants and partners of Fibershed. For the book, Stijntje Jaspers talked to inspiring role models, such as fashion designer Joline Jolink, AMFI director José Teunissen and MUD Jeans founder Bert van Son. Young people also have their say, such as 12-year-old Yasmine. She says about clothes: "I don't think much about what I wear, but I do like learning to speak." Including insights from: Annemieke Koster, Enschede Textielstad | Antoine Heideveld, Het Groene Brein | Bryony Jansen van Tuyll | Danielle Schouten, Waardeer je kleren, Dieter van den Broeck, Commonland | Eileen Blackmore, House of Design | Elisa Jansen, Lena the fashion library | Emma Huffman | Ingeborg Braaksma | Iris Veentjer, RietGoed, Jantiene van Elk, Textiel Museum | Jochem Otten, Mommerskwartier | Kiki Hagen, D66 | Laura Luchtman, Kukka | Maaike Hoijtink, Deventer Schaapskudde Wolproject, Martine van ’t Hul, Het Borduurburo | Matthijs Westervoort, Wilder Land, Michiel Scheffer | Monique Drenth, The Swapshop | Natasha Hulst, Grond van Bestaan | Niccy Kol, Raddis Cotton | Roua Alhalabi | Sebastiaan Kramer, Hul le Kes | Thami Schweichler, Makers Unite

Broad-based support to start the conversation

Fibershed Netherlands successfully completed the crowdfunding for their book 'Goede Gespreksstof' at the beginning of July this year. In total nearly 15,000 euros was funded through over 200 donations from private individuals and companies. Thanks to their contributions, the first edition of the book will be made available in bookstores across the country for an accessible price (14.95 euros), from oktober 26th 2023. Of the 1500 copies that can be printed with the crowdfunding money, over 400 books have already been reserved by donors and partners, including for organizations such as Stichting Petje Af, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Clean & Unique and Sprong Living Ecosystem - a joint program of HZ University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and Avans University of Applied Sciences. The reason for private individuals to support this project was nicely expressed by André Nijhof, professor of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Stewardship at Nyenrode Business University, among others: “We need stewards who stretch boundaries of sustainability. That is what Stijntje and Martine do.” Fibershed US, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds also support this project.