Weaving together the fabric of positive change for a greener future.

Our Mission

Pennsylvania Fibershed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and empowering the fiber and fashion communities in Pennsylvania. Our mission is to build a more sustainable and circular future for textiles and the environment through educational programming and industry development.

Our Vision

We envision a Pennsylvania where the fashion and textile industries operate in harmony with nature, prioritizing circular economy principles and supporting local communities. Through our efforts, we aim to create a thriving, interconnected network of individuals and businesses committed to ethical and sustainable fashion practices.

  • We are committed to promoting circularity in the fashion and textile industries, prioritizing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials to minimize waste and environmental impact and actively encourage responsible, sustainable, and equitable solutions for textile waste management.

  • We prioritize the health and well-being of the environment and communities in all our activities by focusing on initiatives that promote sustainability, contribute to job creation in historically disadvantaged regions and establish the crucial infrastructure for a circular economy of small businesses in the Pennsylvania fiber and fashion industry.

  • We foster partnerships and networks to create a united front for positive change.

  • We believe in the power of knowledge to drive transformation, educating consumers about the harm of the fast fashion industry, and advocating for informed choices.

  • We continuously seek creative solutions to enhance the circularity of the fashion and textile industries.

  • We promote the growth of local economies and businesses within Pennsylvania and the United States, including local farmers using organic and regenerative farming practices, emphasizing the importance of investing in our communities and resources to bring textile and clothing manufacturing back to our region.

  • We are dedicated to informing and mobilizing brands, consumers, and government officials in our efforts to advocate for the passage of legislation that will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for our communities and the textile industry. This advocacy includes promoting brand transparency and supporting policies that encourage organic and regenerative agriculture.

Our Core Values

What We Do

  • Assist designers and fashion entrepreneurs experiencing financial challenges in implementing circular economy and zero-waste business models.

  • ⁃ Facilitate connections between local fiber farmers, textile manufacturers, and designers.

    ⁃ Match sustainably minded designers with local manufacturers who share similar values.

    ⁃ Foster collaboration among sustainable designers to share resources and drive positive change.

    ⁃ Connect investors with fiber farms, textile, and clothing manufacturers, and design businesses.

  • ⁃ Educate the general public and the design community about the fashion industry's environmental impact.

    ⁃ Promote circular design principles to address waste and protect the environment.

    ⁃ Advocate for building local "dirt-to-shirt" supply chains that enhance regional self-reliance in clothing and textiles.

    ⁃ Emphasize the importance of consumers buying locally made clothing and locally produced textiles.

  • ⁃ Support local farmers using organic and regenerative farming practices.

    ⁃ Advocate for policies that encourage organic and regenerative agriculture.

    ⁃ Seek funds for participatory research, on-farm infrastructure, and processing equipment.

    ⁃ Encourage responsible, sustainable, and equitable solutions for textile waste management.

  • Demonstrate business relationships based on cooperation, generosity, fairness, integrity, compassion, and respect for nature, all people, and other species.

  • Our work supports small businesses facing financial challenges within Pennsylvania's fiber and textile supply system, enabling them to jointly source goods. This provides them with the opportunity to access resources that might be financially out of reach when pursued individually. By collaborating with other businesses, participants can collectively afford and acquire the necessary materials and supplies, fostering a more sustainable and economically viable approach to their operations. This shared sourcing model enhances the overall resilience and competitiveness of the market, increasing the demand for natural fibers. Furthermore, it contributes to a healthier environment by mitigating the release of toxic chemicals into waterways associated with traditional production methods and by reducing CO2 emissions during long-distance shipping—both of which have been linked to serious health issues.

Our History

PA Fibershed originated from the Clothing and Textile coalition under All Together Now PA. Founded in 2019 by Judy Wicks, its mission was to unite Pennsylvania's rural and urban communities to build local self-reliance for basic needs. The organization's entity was handed over to Leslie Davidson and Rachel Higgins when Judy retired, allowing them to continue the work around fashion and fiber. In December 2023, they subsequently rebranded it as PA Fibershed.

Click here to learn more about All Together Now PA’s previous work