Why Apparel and Footwear Cannot Afford to Ignore Sustainability

At 22, Jaden Smith has already inked his resume with professions such as actor, director, rapper, artist, activist and brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton and New Balance. He can now add Environmental Champion to the list when he is honored with the title on Oct. 13 by UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Awarded to Smith for his efforts for environmental justice and clean, safe water, he will join a list of previous laureates that include Ted Sarandos, Barbra Streisand, Al Gore and Jeff Skoll. “I am delighted to honor these young leaders of activism and action for climate justice,” said Marilyn Raphael, the Institute’s first black leader. Lawrence Bender, Producer and Co-Chairman of the Board, adds: “There is no doubt that Jaden represents the new generation of environmental warriors who understand not only the climate crisis but also climate justice. I could not be more delighted to pay tribute to him and in so doing help shed light on these most pressing issues.