NY <3 LA
Resource guide to support, educate, and reflect on everything that is happening in LA.
Welcome to Better Together’s bi-weekly newsletter, where we believe that the more we work together, the greater impact we can have! Stemming from the merger of FABSCRAP and Reclypt, a significant step for the future of circular fashion in NYC, this newsletter encourages and provides a platform for the industry to be better together.
NY ❤️ LA
I feel immensely sad and useless watching and hearing about the fires in LA. In lieu of my usual bi-weekly newsletter about all things textiles, sustainability, stories, events, etc., I’m sharing resources to support, educate, and reflect on everything that is happening in LA.
I think it’s important to start with history.
I recommend and think you’d enjoy this ~7 minute video about the “History of the LA Fashion Industry” that I found.
This resource goes into detail with words, documents, and pictures about The Beginning of L.A.’s Fashion Industry from the The Los Angeles Almanac.
It’s also important to be realistic. I keep stumbling upon this quote that I find very impactful.
"Climate change will manifest as a series of disasters viewed through phones... until you're the one filming it"
It’s just a matter of time before something of this magnitude happens in NYC. I ask you to do what you’d want the rest of the world to do when something like this happens to our city.
Hence, this resource guide. It is by no means exhaustive, so please add anything else you think is important to share in the comments.
🔗Textile Resources
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren't affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities, and mental health support.
They have also teamed up with L.A. Unified School District to provide childcare services for essential workers and affected families until schools reopen.
Baby 2 Baby is providing supplies such as diapers, baby food and clothes, toys, etc for vulnerable children.
LA Food Bank is providing food and non-food essential items.
LA Fire Department Foundation is providing equipment and supplies for firefighters.
Mutual Aid LA Network is compiling this fantastic spreadsheet of resources for displaced people and their families.
Infatuation LA also put together this list of restaurants that are offering support.
Erewhon will be matching every contribution made and has launched an online campaign with Red Cross.
Support this Raffle to help LA manage their clothing donation surplus.
Social Tees - They are flying adoptable dogs (ones that have been in shelters for a while and don’t have families) to NYC to be adopted so that LA shelters have more space to take in peoples pets while they evacuate the fires.
If you’re in LA and want to donate supplies, Loyola High School and Erewhon (all locations) are running a drive.
A group called NYlovesLA is selling this t-shirt to raise money.
211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire.
FABSCRAP partners in LA that can always use support, especially now!
SUAY Shop - taking the lead on helping LA manage the excess of clothing donations.
Homeboy Threads Recycling - social enterprise offering reuse and recycling services for apparel and textiles. (See pic below)
📰 What We’re Reading
“NY RESPONSE”
Learn how New York tackled climate challenges head-on and supported neighboring states during their disasters. Governor Hochul's latest update highlights New York State's remarkable resilience in the face of a whirlwind year: 32 tornadoes, historic wildfires, record heatwaves, and even an earthquake. Click the link to dive into the full story from managing widespread flooding to hosting over a million visitors for a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse, the state's agencies and first responders showcased innovation and dedication at every turn.
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“CLIMATE CHANGE”
5 minute video + “See, Think, Wonder” activity from PBS on “How climate change may have created 'perfect storm' for LA fires”. Transcript of video also available. News alternative: Check out their recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching too.
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“EXPLAINER GRAPHICS”
4 Graphics Explain Los Angeles’ Rare and Devastating January Fires. Data form World Resources Institute (WRI)'s Global Forest Watch platform shows just how uncommon L.A.'s current fires are, and how fire trends are changing as the planet warms.
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“PARABLE OF THE SOWER”
A fantastic read from friend and fantastic writer at the intersection of environmental justice, climate optimism, culture, and media, Arielle V. King. Here’s a quote, “Since the wildfires started a few days ago, many people have been turning to social media to share how one of my all-time favorite authors, Octavia E. Butler, rightfully predicted that in 2025 wildfires would rage through southern California in her award-winning Parable books (Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents), which she wrote over 30 years ago.”
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“MORE RESOURCES”
I already listed a few but this list from “Resources To Support Those Affected By The L.A. Fires” is an incredible reflection of people helping people. Please share so that those affected know what’s available to them!
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https://mymodernmet.com/artwork-recovery-funds-los-angeles-firestorm/?