Dio Kurazawa
Meet Dio Kurazawa @diokurazawa, he is at the forefront of the war against waste in the fashion industry and is on a mission to minimize excess stock and implement sustainable practices within all areas of clothing production. Co-founder of The Bear Scouts, an agency designed to help brands implement sustainable practices, Dio spends an incredible amount of his time researching and developing new processes and his eye for innovation is like no other. He is extremely passionate and, having worked in the fashion industry all his life, has devoted his time to advocating and implementing a responsible production line. In addition to his work at The Bear Scouts, Dio is an advisor to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, The Copenhagen Fashion Week, Sustainable Board Member at GANNI, a member of the Institute of Digital Fashion and a Charter Member at Schedule One Concepts (S1C.LA). While he is a staunch advocate for change, it is always approached with kindness. His overall objective in life is to be kind and tackle sustainability in the fashion industry by educating us all on how we can do better. As an industry, we have learned so much from him already and acknowledge that there will always be more we can do to improve.
IRK: Tell us your “Why”?
At a young age, I was exposed to the massive inequality gap that exists between those who make our products and those who sell them. I began to realize that the capitalist system that promotes this disparity inspires inequality and is rooted in racism. The global south, which is where I come from has always been seen as less deserving and needed to be so in order to justify the narrative promoted by those who promote and capitalize from such a system.
IRK: What are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet?
I consider myself an Earthling, which I define by one who shows love and compassion for all beings. As such, I consider every being on this planet to be vital to its existence. I don’t consume or harm people, animals or nature. I live and look after a 17 hectare farm in the south of Portugal where I’m able to look after more than 1000+ carob, olive, and almond trees and an array of animals and plant life. This farm has existed well before my time on earth and I’m honored for the opportunity to look after them as they will be here long after I’ve turned to dust. It’s important to realize your place in the world, noting it’s not always about you.
IRK: What are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?
I do my best to show those creating products how to do so without having a negative impact on our planet. Personally, I promote innovations that help reduce carbon emissions and assist others to do the same.
IRK: What’s your hope for the future of the planet?
Although I’m not likely to see this in my lifetime, I’d love to see humanity optimize how we consume so that whatever we take from the planet is done so in harmony with its ability to replenish it. I believe the cure for all the earths challenges can be found in nature if we would only stop taking without consider long term ramifications. Treating everyone with love and kindness could help a lot too.
What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
Goal: 12 Responsible Production and Consumption.
