Companies that pay workers fairly, use materials that don’t harm the planet, and have a carbon neutral delivery process? Yes please.
In her video My Favourite Sustainable Brands, Venetia Falconer introduces herself as someone who enjoys “eating plants and wearing old clothes,” which is why we’re now in love with her. Her passion for looking after the planet and living more consciously means we were all ears when she gave us a lesson in sustainable fashion, introducing us to alternative places to pick up our basic tees and dresses.
The first insight she gives us is that, when it comes to clothing, the best way to practice sustainability is to “celebrate what you already own. Think about what’s in your wardrobe and how you can style it in different ways.” She also encourages us to buy second-hand from vintage stores and charity shops (and even spends another video taking us around her favourite charity shops in London!).
If, like us, you’re new to the world of sustainable fashion, DON’T WORRY. Venetia does a great job breaking down the basics for us beginners. She stresses the importance of doing your own research, explaining that “what is ethical and sustainable for me might be different for you.”
So, what exactly are the benefits of shopping from sustainable brands? “I am passionate about supporting ethical brands who pay their workers fairly, who use organic materials, and who don’t pollute the world” she explains.
However, shopping with sustainability in mind can often come with a price (we’re talking the literal kind here). “Sustainable brands are more expensive, so don’t be surprised when you see these price points,” she explains. But Venetia is sure to explain the reasoning that justifies that hefty price tag.
“Not only are they using materials that aren’t harmful to the planet, they’re also paying their workers fairly, they are usually carbon neutral with their delivery….they think of every single step in the process, and that in itself is more expensive.” Who wouldn’t want to get behind sustainable fashion brand after hearing that?!
Unlike traditional fashion haul videos, Venetia showed us some items from her favourite sustainable brands including some gender-neutral selections from Riley, cosy knitwear from Diarte, and Anti-bad, an online department store with enough sustainable selections that you’ll find yourself knee-deep in vegan leather.
It a world of fast-fashion, it’s nice to see a fashion video that emphasises sustainability and long-term value of your clothing items. As Venetia taught us, the clothing you buy should be for a lifetime, not just a week or a season.
Want more?
Read about Humza Arshad addressing toxic masculinity in his emotional new short film for #CreatorsForChange. Alternatively, read about Em Ford investigating the impact on the brain when women see pictures on social media of models with and without makeup.
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