On Thursday 4 December, the Centre for Sustainable Business (CSB) hosted its annual Christmas Social, bringing together businesses, students and researchers for an evening of music, film and discussion.
Held at the Brett Building, the event opened with a festive surprise with a live string performance of Christmas carols by Liverpool MBA student and talented musician Alistair Rutherford.
The classical string ensemble created a charming start to the evening, enjoyed over mince pies and hot chocolate.
Attendees then enjoyed a private screening of Patagonia’s humorous yet provocative documentary, ‘The Shitthropocene’.
The film explores humanity’s addiction to cheap, disposable goods and the cultural, psychological and economic forces driving overconsumption.
Produced by Patagonia, the globally recognised environmentally active brand, the documentary prompted reflection on sustainable alternatives.
Following the screening, CSB Director Professor Jo Meehan, chaired a panel discussion featuring:
- Angela Augusto, Textile Technical Innovation Manager, AW Hainsworth & Sons Ltd
- Dr Daniela Pirani, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Centre for Sustainable Business
- Tia Hughes, MSc Sustainable Business student and Careers Coach, University of Liverpool
The panel discussed themes such as fast fashion, circularity, greenwashing and labour exploitation, while also exploring textile reuse, material durability and the complexities of everyday consumption.
Audience questions added depth to the conversation, sparking thoughtful debate about how organisations can drive sustainable change.
Professor Meehan closed by thanking attendees for their support and hinting at exciting plans for 2026, almost certainly to involve music and the arts once again.
About the Centre for Sustainable Business
The CSB is one of six Management School Research Centres and serves as a hub of actionable research insights, supporting businesses and policymakers in finding solutions to the climate emergency and social justice issues.
The Centre focuses on bridging the gap between academics and organisations, by translating research into accessible guidance and collaborating with businesses on research projects to help achieve their sustainability goals.
Find out more about the Centre of Sustainable Business