Source: cbc.ca
Kaya Dorey, 29, is heading to Kenya to address the United Nations conference about her work creating sustainable clothing. (United Nations Environment Programme )
Kaya Dorey is receiving international recognition for her work combining fashion and sustainability.
The North Vancouver, B.C., resident is one of six winners to receive the Young Champion of the Earth prize, awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme in conjunction with the adhesive manufacturing company Covestro.
"I'm feeling all the emotions," said Dorey, 29, who is heading to Kenya next week to collect her prize before addressing a United Nations conference.
"Excited mostly. Little bit nervous, but excited."
Six young people — one from each global region — have been selected to receive the prize based on their ideas to protect or restore the environment.
Dorey will be using the $15,000 US prize money to further her clothing label, Novel Supply Co, which was chosen for its closed-loop production philosophy. Dorey's garments, produced in Vancouver using ecologically-friendly inks and fabrics, showcase designs by local artists.
"Hemp is the most sustainable fibre in my mind. It requires a lot less water to grow," Dorey said.
All of Novel Supply's fabrics are either hemp or organic cotton and free of toxic dyes and synthetics.
Dorey said she was inspired to start Novel Supply after learning about textile waste during school. She couldn't find brands in Vancouver that paid enough attention to sustainability, and those that did weren't her style.
"I was like, 'I guess I'm doing this, I guess I'm starting this on my own,'" Dorey said.
In the spirit of truly closing the loop, Dorey will use the prize money to start a take-back program for her apparel. When a consumer no longer wants a piece of Novel Supply clothing, it can be returned to Dorey, who will find a new use for it.
She is scheduled to travel to Kenya on Nov. 28.
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