Pier59 studios commits to being plastic free

Pier59 Studios, a popular location for shows during New York Fashion Week and a photo studio space for major fashion brands, has announced that beginning today the entire 110,000 square-foot facility will be entirely plastic free and using only biodegradable plastic trash bags by January 1, 2020. These regulations will include banning plastics from all outside vendors including caterers. The news comes on the coattails of an environmentally-charged month of activism across the globe, and following founder Federico Pignatelli della Leonessa's invitation to Greta Thunberg, the teen environmentalist who made waves for speaking at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit.

Fashion is considered one of the most resource-dependent industries, and there has been much controversy over the extent of its carbon footprint. According to a recent article in the New York Times, "More than 8 percent of the global greenhouse-gas emissions are produced by the apparel and footwear industries."

In a statement Pignatelli della Leonessa said, "This definitely must change, and it is my commitment to do our part in achieving the goal." He added that, "The fashion industry is known for its innovation and creativity, but when it comes to our role in protecting the environment we are shamefully lacking. We simply must start making meaningful change, or it will not matter how beautiful the garments, the models or photoshoots are – there will not be a livable world left to enjoy them. This is the only planet-home we have, and we must be better caretakers, not only for society today, but very much for our future generations. That is why I just founded the 'Ourplanethome.com' organization that has as a goal to galvanize the Fashion Industry for change in contributing to a sustainable World. It is imperative to me that Pier59 Studios and all its divisions and subsidiaries, including The Industry Model Mgmt, become plastic-free by the end of the year. We have always led by example in our fields and we will continue to do so as we offer environmentally sustainable options for our clients, our guests, and our employees."

Pignatelli della Leonessa is also known for his work surrounding the Model's Bill of Rights. As part of that initiative, he recently released the Studio Safety report which details that 70 percent of major photo studios space are in violation of use as studios across New York City area, making them uninsurable and posing great risk for models, clients, crews and other occupants.