Sustainable Fashion and how we should be buying our clothes
Zoe reflects on the Lumsden Leadership Summit talk on sustainable fashion.
As someone who is both interested in fashion but very much concerned about the increasing environmental threat we are facing, I jumped at the opportunity to attend the Lumsden Leadership Summit talk on sustainable fashion, and it did not disappoint. The talk was facilitated by Ella Davis, a St Andrews alumni who founded Sulke, an ethical vintage clothing brand, and was in discussion with Alina Bassi, Ann Lindsay, and Ayesha Barenblat. Bassi is a chemical engineer who founded Kleiderly, a company that aims to transform textile waste into products. Lindsay started out working in couture, from which she became a journalist both of fashion as well as other topics such as politics, then transitioning into writing books and public speaking. Barenblat works to bring justice and equality within the fashion industry and founded Remake to enforce this further and educate civilians on the disparity within the fashion industry.
Three main themes emerged out of the discussion. The first was around the idea of multi-billion fashion companies. Barenblat mentioned a good indicator of whether a company was treating its workers right was the number of products they sell and the price of the products. If a company is selling a lot of products at a price that is exceptionally low, it is likely that they are not paying their workers well, the majority of whom would be women and from ethnic minorities conveying a real lack of care for these people. We need to be aware that by buying from these companies, we become part of the issue. Companies such as Shein and Boohoo have multimillion pr teams that perpetuate that they are sustainable when in fact it is just a façade. Bassi mentioned how many of the heads of sustainability in these fashion brands that she has worked with had no adequate experience or training for the job that they were supposed to be undertaking.
On the other end of this fast fashion, is where our clothes end up. Bassi shared that a staggering “87%” of textiles go into landfills, with Charity shops getting the pick of the best of the bunch because of this constant cycle of buying and chucking that has become so normalised today. This segues nicely into the real crux of the issue: how we as individuals value our clothes. Lindsay shared that she worked out that in the 1950s using a weeks’ worth of an average accountant salary one could buy six jumpers from M and S, in today’s equivalent one could buy twenty-eight jumpers. One must really reflect on who has suffered for the jumpers to be so cheap. Whilst it is great that clothing is more accessible for those who earn little, maybe the emphasis should be on keeping our clothes pristine and mending them when they become a little worn.
It was agreed by all that a large part of the problem is the lack of awareness around where our clothes come from. Lindsay mentioned how very few people nowadays knit and sew. This theme of value and making one’s clothes is probably what resonated and related to me the most as I do knit and sew, but I had never thought about whether this means I appreciate my clothes more than my counterparts that don’t? In the last year, I have made a conscious decision to make or buy all my clothes second-hand apart from a few exceptions, something which I guess had I not sewn I would not have necessarily done.
Perhaps if people could make clothes, they would not only appreciate the work that goes into it and be less likely to partake in this buy and chuck culture, but they might be more likely to create something that truly reflects them and be proud of it. Something which I can really resonate with as I rip up two pairs of jeans in my wardrobe that have never suited me, and transform them into a new pair of jeans and a handbag. Items that make me happier and more accomplished than anything I could have ever bought. As Bassi said, consuming loads ultimately does not make us happy. We should be challenging brands instead of trying to conveniently ignore the issue.
Of course, it is easier for me to say this as I reflect on my own creativeness. I am not denying I have never felt the urge to buy something from these brands, in fact, the new ASOS sunglasses in my bedroom are a manifestation of exactly that. Did I need sunglasses? Yes. Did I need two pairs of cheap “trendy” sunglasses, leaving me to still having to buy proper useful sunglasses? No. Attending this summit has reminded me that a one-off, does not suddenly mean I am not contributing to the oppression and global environment crisis, and I hope and think it will be a long time, if ever, before I buy anything from one of these unsustainable fashion conglomerates ever again. The summit and this article are a reminder of that for me and I hope it can be a reminder for you too, to normalise wearing the same outfit, celebrate unique style, and value our clothes.
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website :).
micronase uk – glyburide 5mg us dapagliflozin online
buy prandin 2mg pills – buy repaglinide 1mg for sale empagliflozin uk
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
buy metformin 1000mg online – order precose 50mg online cheap order acarbose 50mg online cheap
terbinafine price – griseofulvin over the counter purchase griseofulvin for sale
purchase rybelsus pill – buy glucovance cheap order generic desmopressin
buy nizoral 200mg generic – buy generic lotrisone sporanox 100 mg brand
famvir where to buy – buy famvir 250mg generic order valcivir 1000mg online
buy hydrochlorothiazide paypal – buy zebeta pills zebeta 5mg for sale
lopressor 100mg usa – how to get nifedipine without a prescription oral adalat
how to get nitroglycerin without a prescription – clonidine pills diovan usa
crestor online against – pravachol seven caduet pills mend
DentiCore is a dental and gum health formula, made with premium natural ingredients.
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
Java Burn: What is it? Java Burn is marketed as a natural weight loss product that can increase the speed and efficiency of a person’s natural metabolism, thereby supporting their weight loss efforts
I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂
Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
Exceptional post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Cheers!
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. That is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
The Lottery Defeater software is an innovative program designed to enhance your lottery playing experience. Utilizing cutting-edge algorithms, it s
acne treatment order – acne treatment hut acne medication bewilder
inhalers for asthma acquaintance – asthma medication brush asthma medication dean
uti antibiotics behold – uti medication quality treatment for uti george
prostatitis medications thank – prostatitis pills observe prostatitis medications ride
Really great info can be found on web site.
Perfectly pent subject material, Really enjoyed reading.
loratadine milk – claritin pills sheep claritin pills fifty
Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!
priligy soup – priligy thumb dapoxetine bid
I have been checking out many of your posts and it’s nice stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.
What Is LeanBiome? LeanBiome, a new weight loss solution, includes beneficial strains of gut bacteria that work fast for weight loss.
What is Gluco6 Supplement? Gluco6 is a blend of doctor-formulated ingredients promising to help users develop healthy blood sugar ranges.
promethazine unhappy – promethazine lock promethazine person
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
ascorbic acid sound – ascorbic acid audience ascorbic acid watcher
What is ProDentim? ProDentim is an innovative oral care supplement with a unique blend of ingredients designed to promote better oral and dental health
fludrocortisone pills complain – pantoprazole growl lansoprazole pills neighbourhood
biaxin still – albenza pills summon cytotec pills system
You could certainly see your skills within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. “No man should marry until he has studied anatomy and dissected at least one woman.” by Honore’ de Balzac.
It’s really a nice and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
order bisacodyl online cheap – cheap bisacodyl 5mg order liv52 for sale
You made some first rate points there. I regarded on the web for the issue and located most people will go together with with your website.
order aciphex – rabeprazole over the counter domperidone oral
I think you have noted some very interesting details, appreciate it for the post.
purchase eukroma for sale – cerazette 0.075mg oral buy cheap dydrogesterone
Good – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
dapagliflozin usa – precose 50mg sale where to buy acarbose without a prescription
You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
where to buy griseofulvin without a prescription – dipyridamole 25mg without prescription order generic gemfibrozil
vasotec online buy – buy doxazosin 1mg sale latanoprost us
Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity,Guess I will just make this bookmarked.2
order dramamine 50mg generic – buy prasugrel 10 mg pill buy actonel generic
etodolac 600mg without prescription – etodolac 600mg sale order pletal online cheap
What is Renew? Renew is a dietary supplement designed to support blood flow while also aiming to boost testosterone levels andprovide an explosive energy drive
I do like the way you have presented this issue plus it does supply us some fodder for thought. Nonetheless, because of what precisely I have experienced, I simply just wish when the actual feedback pile on that men and women remain on issue and in no way start upon a soap box involving the news du jour. Yet, thank you for this fantastic piece and although I can not necessarily go along with the idea in totality, I respect your standpoint.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Many thanks!
Would love to incessantly get updated great web blog! .
Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day!
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
buy nootropil without prescription – buy generic piracetam sinemet brand
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
purchase hydrea for sale – how to get hydrea without a prescription methocarbamol 500mg brand
Very nice post and right to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂
What does the Lottery Defeater Software offer? The Lottery Defeater Software is a unique predictive tool crafted to empower individuals seeking to boost their chances of winning the lottery.
What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a meticulously crafted natural health supplement aimed at helping individuals maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Developed by Jeffrey Mitchell, this liquid formula contains 24 scientifically backed ingredients meticulously chosen to target the root causes of blood sugar imbalances.
order cytoxan online cheap – buy cheap cyclophosphamide purchase trimetazidine online cheap
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. cheers
Wonderful website you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!
flexeril order online – buy flexeril sale vasotec 5mg us
buy generic zofran – order oxybutynin sale requip tablet
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
buy ascorbic acid without a prescription – kaletra medication compro where to buy
Someone essentially assist to make severely articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now? I amazed with the research you made to make this actual submit incredible. Great job!
buy leflunomide generic – leflunomide where to buy order cartidin pill
cheap rogaine generic – dutas tablets buy proscar 1mg without prescription
Good site! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
tenormin 50mg oral – buy coreg pills for sale brand carvedilol 25mg
order calan 120mg sale – calan 240mg brand order tenoretic generic
atorvastatin order – order vasotec 10mg sale buy nebivolol 5mg online cheap
I love what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.
cost lasuna – cheap diarex generic buy himcolin without a prescription
Very interesting details you have observed, appreciate it for posting. “What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.” by Pearl Bailey.
order speman generic – cost finasteride buy fincar generic
Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
how to buy noroxin – eulexin for sale confido without prescription
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you ought to write more about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people do not speak about such subjects. To the next! All the best!!
I used to be able to find good information from your articles.