Episode 47 • From Runway to Row Crop: Connecting Fashion and Farming with Liz Hershfield
In this insightful episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims chats with Liz Hershfield, sustainability veteran and founder of Greenish, about bridging the gap between global fashion brands and U.S. cotton farmers. Drawing from over 30 years in the fashion industry—including her work at Bonobos, Walmart, J.Crew, and Madewell—Liz shares how she transitioned from traditional supply chain roles into sustainability leadership, championing regenerative agriculture and water conservation through real, farm-level relationships.
The conversation explores the challenges and contradictions within current sustainability frameworks, including the growing fatigue around certification systems, the disconnection between producers and consumers, and the financial pressures on both brands and farmers. Liz advocates for pragmatic, regionally sensitive solutions and introduces bold ideas—like leveraging NASA satellite data—to streamline verification processes and reduce burdens on growers.
With humor and honesty, Liz and Tillery reflect on the realities of branding, regulation, consumer education, and what it really takes to make sustainability profitable and practical for all stakeholders. This episode offers a fresh, grounded perspective on collaboration, innovation, and the future of fiber.
More About Our Guest:
Liz Hershfield, Founder & CEO, Green-ish
Podcast Episode with Alyssa Whitcraft of NASA
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Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.
Upcoming Episodes Include:
• Daren Abney, Executive Director, U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
• Eric Stone - Clear Rock Realty
• Kelli Inge General Manager, Wall Co-op Gin. Wall TX.
