According to a new report from BirdLife International and EuroNatur, countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are falling behind on their goals to reduce illegal bird killings by 2030.

Several countries have pledged to the Rome Strategic Plan 2020 – 2030, which set out to reduce illegal bird killings by 50% by 2030 compared to 2020 numbers. But according to The Killing 3.0 report from BirdLife International and EuroNatur, most countries (or 83%) that had committed to the plan are off track for meeting the reduction targets in time.

In total, only eight of the 46 countries that the report analyzed are on track to reduce illegal bird killings by at least 50% by the end of the decade. In nine countries, the situation has actually worsened since 2020.

“The illegal killing of birds is not just a crime, it’s a tragedy that continues to threaten birds across entire migratory routes,” Barend van Gemerden, Global Flyways Programme Coordinator at BirdLife International, said in a statement. “High levels of illegal killing in one country can wipe out conservation successes in another. We urgently need stronger, coordinated, cross-border action across the full flyway. Reaching the 2030 goal is a tough challenge, but not an impossible one.”

The report noted particular declines in populations of the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) because of illegal killings.

The report cited a study that found 38% of deaths of tracked large migratory landbirds were linked to illegal killings, particularly through poisonings. Shooting was another major cause of illegal bird killings. In total, millions of birds per year around Europe and the Mediterranean region are killed illegally or removed from the wild, the report said.

While the report found that many countries’ efforts to reduce illegal bird killings are lagging, the authors shared hope that other countries can follow the actions of those nations that are on track to meet the goal.

For example, the report highlighted the British Eastern Sovereign Base Area (SBA) in Cyprus, which reduced illegal bird trappings by nearly 90% in 2023. In 2019 through 2021, Spain saw a 62% decrease in illegal bird killings compared to the period of 2008 through 2018. Spain also focused on stopping illegal wildlife poisonings, which helped improve the number of breeding pairs of Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) from fewer than 40 in the 1970s to more than 530 pairs in the 2020s.

For countries that are not on track, the authors recommended actions such as developing national action plans, creating task forces with enough resources to make progress, setting and enforcing penalties, raising awareness, improving monitoring systems and cooperating internationally to work toward the shared goal.

“The number of birds killed illegally each year remains unacceptably high. For many migratory birds, it spells death before they can even reach their breeding grounds,” Justine Vansynghel, project manager at EuroNatur, said in a statement. “During the first half of the Rome Strategic Plan’s 10-year lifespan plenty of tools and guidance were developed to support national authorities. Now, it’s time to use them decisively to prevent further devastation.”

The post Illegal Bird Killings Continue Despite Prevention Pledges: Report appeared first on EcoWatch.

https://www.ecowatch.com/illegal-bird-killings-continue-despite-prevention-pledges-report.html

Last Updated on May 14, 2025

You may have seen deadstock fabric on a clothing tag before. But what exactly does it mean? And is it sustainable? In comparison to using virgin materials, it is.

Most of the clothes we wear today are made using virgin materials (in fact textile production relies on 99.7% virgin materials). Virgin materials are raw materials that have never been used before, either for manufacturing or any other purpose.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

This is a problem, considering the environmental impact due to resource extraction, energy consumption, and pollution. Virgin polyester production alone emits 119.59 kg of CO₂ per 100 kg of fabric.

Opting for recycled materials in our clothing is one solution to this problem. Deadstock material is made from recycled fabrics. Here’s what you need to know about deadstock material and which brands use it.

what does deadstock mean?

Deadstock refers to leftover or unused fabric that was originally manufactured for a purpose but never sold or used in production.

This could be due to overproduction, canceled orders, or slight imperfections that prevent it from meeting a brand’s standard.

Instead of being discarded, deadstock fabric is repurposed, giving it a second chance in fashion, upholstery, and other creative industries.

Some examples of deadstock materials include:

• Surplus fabric: Excess fabric from textile mills or factories that cannot be used for other orders or collections.
• Cancelled orders: Fabric produced for a specific order that was later canceled by the brand.
• Fabric samples: Unused fabric samples from designers or brands.
• End-of-roll remnants: Small pieces of fabric left over from larger rolls.
• Slightly imperfect materials: Fabrics that don’t meet stringent quality standards but are still usable.
• Designer excess: Unused fabric from designers or brands that were not incorporated into their collections

Here are some types of clothing that utilize deadstock materials:

• Bathing suits – Some brands repurpose deadstock fabrics to create unique swimwear.
• Dresses – Many sustainable fashion labels craft limited-edition dresses from surplus textiles.
• Jackets & outerwear – Deadstock materials are often used for one-of-a-kind outwear.
• Loungewear and activewear – Leggings and sweatpants can be made from repurposed fabrics.
• Accessories – Scarves, tote bags, and hats frequently incorporate deadstock textiles.

is deadstock fabric good?

Deadstock fabric is good in terms of sustainability because it reduces textile waste. It makes sure fabric scraps that would’ve ended up in landfill get a second chance at life.

It also reduces the demand for new textile production, which saves resources. This helps promote a more circular economy and innovation through creative solutions.

However, it’s worth noting that just because a brand utilizes deadstock materials, doesn’t make them completely sustainable. You should always investigate a company’s ethics and practices in-depth to see what other steps they’re taking to help people and planet.

Also, deadstock fabrics can be natural or synthetic – so keep that in mind when shopping. Natural fabrics generally have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics. But utilizing deadstock fabrics (be they synthetic or natural) automatically cuts down on emissions simply for being recycled content.

what is a deadstock piece?

A deadstock piece refers to any item created using deadstock fabric. Many brands craft limited-edition clothing, accessories, and furniture using these materials, offering consumers something unique while contributing to waste reduction.

Since deadstock fabric availability varies, pieces made from it tend to be one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches.

is deadstock fabric expensive?

Since deadstock textiles are essentially excess, unused fabrics, they often aren’t as expensive as virgin materials. However, some deadstock materials may utilize high-end, rare designer fabrics, which may elevate the cost of the finished piece.

Deadstock pieces are usually made in small-batch production, considering the designer can only work with the scraps they acquire. This makes them more exclusive, which can also bump-up the final price tag.

sustainable brands that use deadstock

Here are some eco-friendly clothing brands that use deadstock material in some of their garments. All of these brands try to reduce their environmental footprint through using organic materials, low waste packaging, and/or achieving eco certifications.

Keep in mind deadstock pieces tend to be small-batch and may be harder to find, even on these websites. Searching ‘deadstock’ on the brand’s website can help you narrow your search.

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. reformation

• Women’s clothing
• Uses deadstock fabrics, recycled materials, and eco-friendly production methods to minimize waste
• Deadstock items: Dresses, tops, skirts, and two-piece sets made from surplus textiles
• 100% recycled paper mailers and compostable bags for shipping

2. altar

• Handmade, ethically produced apparel with a focus on unique designs
• Uses deadstock fabrics and natural dyes to create sweatshop-free clothing
• Deadstock items: Dresses, jumpsuits, and casual wear crafted from repurposed textiles

3. christy dawn

• Women’s clothing
• They support regenerative cotton farming, restoring soil health and promoting ethical sourcing
• Deadstock items: Limited-edition dresses, blouses and accessories
• Every Christy Dawn piece is made by local artisans in downtown Los Angeles

4. all the wild roses

• Women’s clothing based in Australia
• Up to 90% of their designs are made from recycled fabrics, including deadstock
• Deadstock items: Blouses + dresses
• Compostable packaging
• Small-batch production, made-to-order
• Certified B-corp

5. mud jeans

• Women and men’s denim
• Uses deadstock denim + recycled cotton to make jeans and jackets 
• Deadstock items: Jeans, denim jackets, + accessories
• Offers a denim leasing program, where customers can return old jeans for recycling
• Certified B-Corp + Certified by Cradle to Cradle 

So, would you give deadstock material a shot? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The post What Is Deadstock Material? Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

What Is Deadstock Material? Is It Sustainable?

In a new study, scientists are raising concerns over exposure to pesticides used on golf courses. According to the research, there could be a link between living within three miles of a golf course and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from more than 5,500 people living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including 419 people with Parkinson’s disease and 5,113 matched controls. They also analyzed proximity to 139 different golf courses and compared people living in areas with local drinking water systems that include golf courses and water systems without golf courses.

Researchers determined that living within one mile of a golf course posed the greatest risks, with a 126% increase in chance of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to people living six or more miles from a golf course. Anyone living within three miles of the golf course also had elevated risks of developing the disease, but the risk became less notable after three miles.

However, it is not just airborne exposure that could be an issue. Even living in an area that shares water services with a golf course posed greater risks of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to the study. The analysis showed that people living in a water service area that included a golf course had nearly twice the chance of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living in water service areas without a golf course and a 49% higher chance compared to people living on properties with private wells.

The researchers suggested that the chemicals applied to golf courses could be the reason for higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, especially as these chemicals can leach into the groundwater. Common pesticides used on golf courses include chlorpyrifos and maneb, both neurotoxins, Psychiatrist.com reported.

Lead author Brittany Krzyzanowski, an assistant professor at Barrow Neurological Institute, told Medscape Medical News that the population-based study was observational, though, and those living near golf courses are not advised to just pick up and leave. More research is needed to prove any causal relationship, but the study findings can help individuals minimize their risks and encourage policymakers to address pesticide use.

While the study authors acknowledged geographical and population limitations to the study, other experts have cautioned people to consider other limitations that could impact the research.

“Parkinson’s starts in the brain 10-15 years before diagnosis and the study didn’t only use subjects who permanently lived in the area,” David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, said in a statement. “This would not only affect participants’ exposure, but also suggests their Parkinson’s could have started before they moved around a golf course.”

However, even with the limitations, this potential link between proximity to golf courses and risk of developing Parkinson’s disease has scientists urging officials to reconsider methods of maintaining golf courses to better protect public health.

“These results raise concerns about how chemicals applied for aesthetics may silently shape neurological health,” Michael Okun, professor of neurology at the University of Florida and a medical advisor at the Parkinson’s Foundation, told Medscape Medical News. Okun said that use of pesticides on golf course could be leaching into water supplies, creating “a hidden hazard we can no longer ignore.”

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