Anna Scott Carter thinks a lot about the fashion industry’s effect on the environment. The fashion and non-profit expert is committed to reducing the negative impact by working with high-volume companies and high-profile brands like Stella McCartney. Here, she shares her story and what inspired her to launch the Clean by Design program with the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Please describe your background and areas of interest:

Professionally, I grew up in the fashion business, working for Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani among others. It wasn’t until I joined the board of the NRDC, ten years ago, that I learned about the enormous impact the fashion industry has on the environment. I was inspired to found Clean By Design, a program run by NRDC that works with major brands and designers in the industry to implement better practices in their supply chains — particularly in the area of textile manufacturing which uses vast amounts of energy, water, and chemicals. We’ve seen great results, so we know it works.

In your opinion, is sustainability a one-size-fits-all set of strategies within fashion design and business?

I think that there are a core set of best practices that are applicable to all fashion houses and businesses. Knowledge is power, and it’s no longer acceptable to be ignorant of the environmental and labor practices used by the factories in your supply chain.

What is your advice to the fashion community?

Digital innovations are extremely helpful to conscious fashion designers and consumers. They not only facilitate greater transparency in supply chain practices, delivering information in real time, but 3-D printing also has the potential to replace some of the most ecologically harmful practices in fashion production.

See more of the CFDA/Lexus Fashion* Initiative sustainability story by following #ReDesignFashion.