Hello! Ever since boycotting fast fashion I have heard the same questions over and over. Today’s post is an effort to clear up any of your questions and it will hopefully be educational! I asked you over on Instagram to submit these questions. So if you want to be involved in the next post like this, please follow me over there. Ugh I actually hate promoting my Instagram – it feels like such a cliche. Anyway, on to the important stuff:
What about trends?
Trends are the food that fast fashion feeds from. The trends that are going around now seem to be recycled bits of old fashion, meaning the charity shop is the place to find all of the hidden gems. Buying into trends is a waste of money anyway, because they will disappear as soon as they came into fashion. Buy things that you know will last a long time, or won’t go out of style any time soon.
How do you get socks/underwear?
This is one thing I have to source from fast fashion brands, but rather than support the big high street retailers I pop into M&S because I believe they have sustainably sourced cotton (could be greenwashing?)
What if someone gifts you fast fashion?
Of course, by refusing it you are contributing more waste to the world. If you can, try sending it back. If it is a close family member/friend explain why you don’t buy fast fashion. Explain that you love the thought behind it but you would prefer something else next time. Be gentle, but don’t stay silent.
Are you ‘uncool’ at school for only having second hand pieces?
I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been into school since March, and it was during lockdown that I researched the horrors of fast fashion. I never bought many clothes before hand, and that was never regarded as ‘uncool’. I did feel a bit stupid wearing the same jumper on every school trip but no-one seemed to mind, If they did, they didn’t voice their opinion. It’s not uncool to save the planet.
Will you ever buy fast fashion?
Sadly, in the last few days, I’ve had to purchase some school uniform. I’m moving schools so it requires a whole new set of clothes! It is unfortunate that I have to buy from fast fashion brands in this instance, but it’s the only time of the year that I do so. I will research how my school uniform is made, that could be an interesting topic of research.
If you don’t buy from garment workers, how do they get paid?
There are a few charities I have discovered that help garment workers and their families obtain necessary goods for living – such as food, water and safe housing. You can give money to them, or support larger charities in the country of concern who will give help not only to garment workers but a broader reach of workers. Buying second hand is cheaper than fast fashion in many cases, so with the extra dosh you’ve saved you can donate towards a charity you believe in.
Have you ever bought from a sustainable brand?
Never! I find they are way out of my reach in terms of cost. I just visit the charity shop if I need anything (that’s a British equivalent to a thrift store, except money spent goes to NGOs)
Do you think everyone should stop buying fast fashion?
Not if you cannot afford it. Fast fashion, such as Primark, is cheap and cheerful and often the only option for struggling families. There’s also an amazing convenience paired with fast fashion. For parents it’s easier to just get the specific item from a shop. Charity shops are a bit hit and miss, and they require more time to shop. So if you have a lot to juggle around, it simply isn’t possible. If clothes can be manufactured in better ways, perhaps I would buy fast fashion. However my main concern is the sheer amount of waste. If you cannot afford thrifting/sustainable shopping please do not feel inferior. Don’t feel any pressure from me to buy clothes in a certain way. Do what is best for YOU!
Hope you found this post useful and informative. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to be involved in The Plastic Plan series, or if you have any other requests for sustainable fashion related content.
What are your plans for the weekend?
Guess who’s birthday is next week? Hopefully I’ll make a monster sized cake to share with you either on here or Instagram haha. I’d love to know what you’re up to this weekend!
The Ecolytical 
Wow, I have learned so much from this post Catherine! I am truly truly open to a whole new perspective of what to by and what to not now. Although over here we do not have that many charity stores or to be practical none. I think I need to look up something online. Thank you so much for this. It was very informative.
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That’s fantastic! That’s such a shame. Although Depop is international, I believe. That is a second hand (online) site to buy clothes from. Good luck with your research :)) I’m so glad this post was helpful x
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Yes, will surely check it out! Have a good day🤍
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You too Ana 🙂 x
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This is so interesting Catherine!! I’ve never thought about how the garment workers would get paid (no matter how poor it is) if everyone stopped buying fast fashion. I’ll definitely look into charities that support them! Thrifting is always fun, but it can be hard when you don’t find anything, especially when you could go and buy the exact shirt you want over at H&M! So exciting about you’re birthday! I hope it’s fantastic! Happy early birthday!🥳💓
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That’s just what I wanted to hear. I’m so glad you found it interesting! Fast fashion and sustainability is something I love to write about. Not many people do, and it’s actually my brother who brought up the question. Thrifting is very hit and miss, but 100% worth. H&M was my favourite shop before I stopped buying fast fashion :)) x
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Hey Erin! Thank you for such an informative and well thought out post as always! I don’t buy fast fashion either so this is close to my heart. I shop sustainably whenever possible. I’d love to be a part of your Plastic Plan series. I figured we could collaborate.. perhaps I can interview you and ask some questions and then write a post for your series?
Let me know what you think! xx
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Hey Maryam! Wish I had seen this sooner. Of course, I’d love to collaborate. Would the interview be ‘environment’ based or lots of different questions? I don’t mind either way. Writing a post in return would be so useful, thank you for offering! I’d love to do this 🙂 x
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Ah, brilliant! So glad you’re in 💕 I’ll start preparing questions and maybe send them to you via Instagram messages. They’d just be focused around your lifestyle and blog. I’ll also get started on writing a post for your plastic series! Let me do some research and I’ll see what I can come up with. When would you ideally like to have the posts scheduled for?
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Such an amazing blog!! It’s so inspiring watching you grow.. keep sharing and inspiring..Also, I have recently started my Sustainable journey and would love to share it with you as well..here is the link https://stylegreenwithdee.wordpress.com/
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Thank you for reading! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
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This is an awesome post. Thanks for sharing!
LaTisha | http://www.upandabroad.com
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I love this! Thanks so much. I managed to get through the 800+ pages of The Goldfinch in lockdown 🙂 Totally agree with your point that lots of sustainable brands are way too expensive for the average person. What do you think about sustainable ranges such as H&M Conscious Collection, which are quite cheap?
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Did you enjoy it? The Goldfinch has got to be one of my favourite books of all time 🙂
Hmm, I think it’s a step in the right direction although H&M in their ‘regular’ ranges don’t Pay Up therefore their workers aren’t treated properly. Perhaps they do in this range, but as the brand isn’t ethical overall I would avoid unless you really have to! It’s a good option for those who can’t afford time to hunt for second hand pieces 😊 What do you think?
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