Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) and the Dutch ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) have launched a competition in token of the international Year of Biodiversity; The Green Fashion Competition The Green Fashion Competition is a competition for entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, for individuals (and teams) with a vision of what the future of fashion should look like. The aim of the competition is to find the talented entrepreneurs in the industry who aim to create a fashion business while sustaining biodiversity. The Green Fashion Competition will be communicated within the fashion academies in the Netherlands, among technical universities, to young entrepreneurs and creative individuals. The Green Fashion Competition aims to facilitate talented fashion entrepreneurs in founding their ventures in the fashion industry.

Also this year Strawberry Earth organizes the Dutch Environmental Film Festival (DEFF), an annual platform for the best international, environmental films and documentaries. Each year DEFF screens major international and national premieres, hosts inspirational speakers and creative green organization, and organises memorable festival parties with talent from the European DJ and live music scene. DEFF is the only major international film festival in the world that uses 100% of all money raised to make the screening venues eco friendlier. DEFF has grown to become one of Europe's premier environmental film festivals. June 3 and 5 DEFF is taking place at Studio K in Amsterdam and June 4 in Lantaren Venster, Rotterdam. Check out the DEFF Programme and reserve your tickets.

Fair fashion is focusing on the entire production process of clothing, from cotton field to garbage. Beauty Zibula from South Africa tells how it is to sew the clothing. And also all the other parts of the fashion chain will be put in the spotlight by experts in the field. This event is taking place May 12th from 13.00 till 17.00 in Amsterdam. Reserve via www.fairfashion.org

Today the first sustainable lifestyle fair Good was launched in Lelystad. During this three day event event all kind of sustainable businesses will present their products. If you are looking for sustainable fashion, eco furniture or if you're after information regarding sunboilers or green energy, it is all presented at this fair. There are also mini workshops which you can join, you can make a test ride in a hybride car or taste some delicious organic drinks and bites. The fair is located in Lelystad and ends this Sunday April 23. Don't forget to visit the Charlie+Mary/Solarsenergy stand when you're there!

Coming Thursday, April 8th, TOMS is asking people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes firsthand, and to help spread awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child's life. When you participate and come to our store barefoot you will receive a 10% discount on your TOMS shoes Thursday April 8th 2010.
TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what TOMS shoes is all about.

Why shoes?
Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot. Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation. Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

There is one simple solution...SHOES.