In Singapore, Prince William wore three plastic bottles around his neck in the form of a “Recycled Plastic Italian Printed Handmade Floral Blue Tie” by Wilmok.
Prince William is in Singapore for the Earthshot Prize Awards and the United for Wildlife global summit. Both organizations were started by His Royal Highness in an effort to support work protecting the planet.
United for Wildlife announced at the summit, that they have partnered with INTERPOL for international law enforcement to end illegal wildlife trade. In a speech, Prince William said: “Collaboration is so important in our fight to #EndWildlifeCrime which is why the @united4wildlife Global Summit is here in Southeast Asia, one of the regions of the world most affected by sustainability challenges – from our changing climate to the threats faced by nature from the blight of the illegal wildlife trade. Singapore is a hub for innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders and problem solvers who are committed to restoring our planet.”
Prince William’s tie is a small fashion accessory that highlights a large global problem. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, that is more than the air travel and maritime shipping industries, combined.
One of the finalists for the 1 million pound (1.2 million dollar) Earthshot prize is Circ, a startup company that recycles textiles. Conor Hartman, Circ COO, speaking with CBS News states: “The fashion and textile industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world. There’s a garbage truck of fashion waste that is dumped every second of every day.”
A simple tie, made from 100% recycled plastic keeps plastic out of a landfill, reduces emissions used to make a brand new piece of fashion and will last a lifetime.
Through United for Wildlife and Earthshot, Prince William highlights our actions today are tied to the protection of the planet.