The Climate Issue | Issue 6 March 2022 by The Climate Issue

THE CLIMATE ISSUE MARCH 2022 |

ISSUE 6

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

ECO BEAUTY PRODUCTS

HOW TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE WITH YOUR STYLE

SLOW FASHION: FOR YOUR WALLET AND PLANET

ECO BRANDS www.theclimateissue.com

ECO TOP TIPS

ECO SWAPS @theclimateissue @theclimateissue

"We don’t have time to sit on our hands as our planet burns" ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ

WEBSITE THECLIMATEISSUE.COM

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"At present, we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product" PAUL HAWKEN

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE? Are you an eco brand, organisation or individual who has a passion for protecting the environment? You can contribute to The Climate Issue! Please email theclimateissue@gmail.com for more information.

IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR'S NOTE I proudly present Issue 6 of The Climate Issue! Greta Thunberg once told us to panic as though our house is on fire and I really liked that analogy. Throughout our lives we are always told not to panic and stay calm in stressful situations. The truth is that there is nothing calm about climate change. I think we should respond to climate change with drive and urgency. After all, Planet Earth is in flames. By way of introduction, my name is Sophia-Harri and I am the founder and editor of the The Climate Issue digital magazine. This journey started 7 years ago where I started writing about the impacts of climate change on different platforms such as my own blog, a conservation NGO and the UNICEF Youth platform. As we entered a climate emergency, the desire to change our behaviours became more profound, coupled with a global pandemic where we had no choice but to embrace change. The digital magazine has created an opportunity to provide knowledge on environmental issues, but also captures how simple it is to transition to a sustainable lifestyle. Both elements are essential to encourage changerecognising the issue and then finding solutions. This is something I want to emphasise in this magazine. The theme of this issue is sustainable fashion. Did you know the fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global carbon emissions? Whats more is that by knowing this fact, consumers continue to buy fast fashion industry because of availability and cheap cost. If something is readily accessible to consumers, there will always be temptation until it is taken out of the equation. But what lies in our wardrobes is the destructive reality of environmental degradation and unethical labor practices. This issue explores the impacts of the fashion industry, ways to embrace slow fashion and create your own garments, following journeys on how to become more sustainable with your style. There is a lot of learn from this issue and anticipate that readers endeavour to try something new as a result, with optimism and inspiration in mind. Please stay safe!

S.Niarriou

SLOW FASHION: FOR YOUR WALLET AND PLANET

5 ECO FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

I MADE MY WARBROBE CHALLENGE

MICROFIBERS: YOU MIGHT BE DRINKING YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S DIRTY SOCKS

HOW TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE WITH YOUR STYLE

PIXEL PLANET TODAY FUN FACTS

REGULARS Eco Top Tips/Eco Swaps 14 a sustainable chat

The poll

which country?

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SLOW FASHION: FOR YOUR WALLET AND THE PLANET By Tania Roa

Overproduction Fast fashion is the “design, manufacturing, and marketing method focused on rapidly producing high volumes of clothing.” Producing so many products requires a lot of resources. Thousands of pounds of fresh water mix with toxic chemicals, including lead, mercury, and arsenic to dye clothes, making the water poisonous to humans and animals. Untreated wastewater gets dumped into rivers and oceans, harming the wildlife and people that depend on these ecosystems. Water that was once able to support plants, animals, and people becomes toxic to all living beings. Fast fashion brands, from Gap to H&M to Shein, offer low prices to compete with the market.

To maintain the best prices, their supply needs to be high, really high. With thousands of pounds of fabrics used per season, the fashion industry cuts costs by settling for low-quality materials. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, which shed microplastics into the environment when washed, are less expensive than eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton. The all-toocommon business model used is: make cheap clothes, sell them for low prices, and sit back as consumers return to shop in a matter of weeks. Once last season’s clothes are thrown out, they go to landfills. These clothes piles have gotten so tall that countries in Europe and the United States don’t know how to deal with them. So they ship their citizens' unwanted clothes to other countries. The textiles that once contaminated fresh, life-giving water now leak toxic chemicals into the environment again. Pollutants spread to ecosystems far away through the air or underground, leading to habitat loss and negative health effects for a variety of species. The fashion industry not only harms the planet- it harms the very people that the industry is reliant on.

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To keep up with the latest fashion trends, popular fashion brands resort to fast fashion- inexpensive, low-quality clothes that encourage overconsumption. These companies want consumers to return every year, every season, for the latest trendy item. However, there’s only so much room in our closets. To make room for this year’s trends, last year’s clothes get discarded. This cycle not only burns a hole in consumers’ wallets - it pollutes the planet. Behind the items in our wardrobes lies the destructive reality of environmental degradation and unethical labor practices, but we as consumers can choose to create a different reality.

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Garment workers

Working conditions are dangerous, since clothing factories often lack proper ventilation. The lack of airflow leads to fires and injuries, and is a breeding ground for disease spread. Workers are forced to breathe in chemicals every single day. Companies require so much from their workers, yet they give so little in return. Large companies can afford to move to a different location if the wages in one country rise. That’s why fast fashion is a global issue - one that affects all of us. The sheer amount of power these corporations have allows them to exploit labor wherever they go without any repercussions. With the constant threat of getting fired if you decide to take a stand, workers have no choice but to accept the conditions they work in despite the damage to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To end these inhumane practices, we as consumers can support more ethical, environmentally friendly businesses.

The solution: slow fashion The opposite of fast fashion is slow fashion. Slow fashion emphasizes the use of sustainable materials and transparent and ethical business practices. It supports small businesses and worker rights by prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than producing large batches of clothes with cheap materials, slow fashion consists of small batches and high-quality materials, which are usually more environmentally conscious.

Sustainable brands can get pricey, but it’s good to remember that you are no longer shopping for the season - the item you’re buying will last you years. Another option is buying clothes second-hand. Trends tend to come back every few decades (bell bottoms, anyone?), so shopping second-hand can save you money and you can still keep up with today’s fashion trends. You don’t have to shop to engage in sustainability. There are other, more affordable ways to support slow fashion. Rewear, repair, and upcycle the clothes you already own. Use every item in your wardrobe until you absolutely can’t. If you no longer want to wear something that’s in decent condition, offer it to a friend, or start a side business and sell your unwanted clothes. You can also get creative and turn what you have into something new, such as making a pair of shorts from some jeans. Clothes that are donated may still end up in a landfill, so it’s best to leave that as a last resort. The destruction of the environment impacts all people. As the fashion industry expands and continues to overproduce, we are all affected as the places we call home are polluted. Regardless of your fashion tastes or style, you as a consumer and a citizen of this world can choose to support slow fashion instead of the exploitative, environmentally degrading fast fashion industry. Your voice and your dollars are your vote. When you stand for worker rights and sustainability, you strip the power away from fast fashion brands. So what will you look for the next time you shop?

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Although the global fashion industry provides jobs, these jobs usually come with extremely low wages. This means that the people dyeing, stitching, and packaging clothes aren’t always able to meet their basic needs, such as rent, education, and healthcare. This is despite their grueling workday consisting of 14 to 16 hours, 7 days a week. Overtime isn’t always rewarded, but it is often expected as fashion trends are constantly changing and companies are eager to keep up with the look of the season.

5 ECO FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

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BIODEGRADABLE AND PLASTIC FREE

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5 ECO FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS The majority of global cosmetics are not recyclable and this leaves a big question mark over the sustainability of the beauty industry. However, there is a growing trend towards ditching plastic products and making beauty routines zero waste. We are looking for ways to be kinder to the planet as well as save money wherever we can. There are small, individual steps we can take at home to lessen the impact of plastic pollution and switch to eco-friendly alternatives. Here are 5 eco friendly products.

BIODEGRADABLE FLOSS

Dental floss is commonly made of plastic that cannot be recycled. But now there are so many plant-based alternatives made from bamboo, corn straw and mulberry silk. The packaging is even plastic free and recyclable.

Conventional cotton buds take an average of 600 years before they decompose and most end up at landfills or pollute the marine ecosystem. Bamboo cotton buds are eco-friendly and compostable. They are also packaged in cardboard which is recyclable. Not a single bit of plastic in sight!

REUSABLE MAKE UP REMOVER PADS Reusable makeup remover pads are an easy swap out for cotton pads. They are zero-waste and environmentally conscious. You can simply use them over and over again; just pop them into a mesh bag which is often provided with the pads and put them in the washing machine with your towels.

BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH The bamboo eco friendly toothbrush is a highly sustainable alternative to plastic toothbrushes. They are mostly made from Moso Bamboo which is ethically sourced. It is free from plastic packaging and features tapered slim-tip bristles which deliver deep yet gentle cleaning, and of course it's biodegradable!

BAMBOO COTTON BUDS

NATURAL DEODORANT If you are starting your journey into eco, non-toxic living, switching to a natural deodorant is essential. The main ingredient of commercial antiperspirants is aluminium which actually blocks your pores. Natural deodorants don’t contain aluminium and allow your body to sweat out the toxins whilst neutralising any potential odours that may occur. Many of the ingredients in these natural alternatives are shea butter, olive oil and essential oils... 100% organic!

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our fashion garden

I MADE MY WARDROBE CHALLENGE The I Made My Wardrobe Challenge is a 12-month challenge that intends to teach you, just like its name says it, how to plan and make your own wardrobe. It consists of making one garment each month, so by the end of the year, you have 12 new pieces that together make a capsule wardrobe. Every garment was carefully selected to offer customizable and timeless pieces you can wear for years and adapt them to your particular style. Also, it doesn’t matter what your size is, as all the tutorials teach you how to make clothes for YOUR particular body. No molds, or patterns where you are supposed to fit, because clothes are supposed to be unique like you.

You don’t need to have experience sewing or a sewing machine to join! We start with the easiest tutorial and then we start moving forward to more challenging ones, but nothing too hard, just enough to give you the experience to make any project you want once you finish the challenge.

What happens right after you join the challenge? You receive 13 PDF tutorials, a calendar, and a workbook. Always start by completing the workbook. It is the base of everything and it will help you plan everything, from colours to patterns and fabrics. Continue by printing the calendar to visualize what your capsule wardrobe will look like. Begin your first tutorial and have fun!

What garments will you make if you join? 2 accessories: scrunchie and hair scarf 2 pants: wrap pants and comfy pants 2 dresses: summer dress and shift dress 3 tops: v-top, timeless blouse, and turtleneck or sweater 2 outerwear pieces: summer cardigan and wrap coat 1 skirt 1 overall With these garments, you will be able to make +50 outfits, just by pairing them together with each other. However, if you add the clothes you already own, you will have endless possibilities! The 12 pieces will have you covered for any kind of weather, with dresses for the summer or a coat, and a turtleneck for winter. There are also transitioning pieces like the summer cardigan or the Maisie blouse. This is the most affordable way to get sustainable fashion and the best way for you because you can personalize it as much as you want.

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The tutorials are easy and the best part is…

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@ourfashiongarden

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www.ourfashiongarden.com

The hair scarf Let’s start building your me-made capsule wardrobe with our tutorials right now! You just need your favorite fabric, a needle, thread, and that’s it! This will give you an idea of what to expect once you join the challenge. Since we are convinced that you can do this, we’d like to share with you one of the tutorials, “The Hair Scarf”, one of the easiest. No more than 3 steps and you have a new accessory to add to your collection. We also want for this first tutorial that you practice this new skill so it gets easier next month or next tutorial. Take this challenge as the beginning of your journey and remember to not be so hard on yourself. ❤ Practice progress over perfection.

What do I need? Fabric Thread of the same colour as the fabric. A needle or a sewing machine. A measuring tape or a ruler. A piece of chalk, a pencil, or a piece of soap. (to trace) Fabric scissors.

How much fabric do I need? About 23 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches for an average hair scarf. *However, it can depend on how you want it to be. For example, I don't want mine to be so chunky, so I'll make mine longer and less wide. (12 1/5 x 25 inches) If you want a thick hair scarf that you can wear around your head like a headband, or even around your neck, then make the average size.

If you have a machine, make sure the tension is on 4 or 5. You can decide how long you want the stitches to be, 3 or 4 can work well. If you don't have a machine, ignore this, your hands are all you need.

le xamp ized e s e g a aver

Less c hunky exam ple

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Fabric suggestions: Use light wovens (satin, cotton, silk)

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Step 1 Cut your square or rectangle. You can use a ruler and chalk to trace it. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect.

Step 2 Start sewing the edges of your fabric by taking one of the corners.

Grab that corner and fold it in.

Then fold it again, leaving the edge you just folded on the inside.

And little by little start sewing it like that. This way, it looks cleaner and better, since you’ll be hiding the edge, but you could only fold it one time.

If you use a machine, it will look like this: 10 | THE CLIMATE ISSUE

If you do it by hand, it will look something like this:

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Keep going all around your fabric square. Sew each side from corner to corner before you start sewing the next one.

Step 3

And you're done! That's how easy it is! We really love how this looks, and pretty sure you will be wearing your hair scarf a lot. Pair it with the other garments of the challenge and create lots of outfits!

I used a hair iron to make it look flat and smooth, but you can use a regular clothing iron.

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Once you're done, your edges will probably look something like this:

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MICROFIBERS: YOU MIGHT BE DRINKING YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S DIRTY SOCKS By Lisa Melendy

But what makes these fabrics so soft and stretchy? It is something called microfibers. Until recently, a similar component was found in many beauty and facial cleansing products. Because all of these products are considered “down the drain” products and the small bits of plastic are so small, they evade most wastewater filters, they were all destined to nearby aquatic environments. Microfibers begin as polyester and polyamide pellets, depending on the intended end product. They are shipped in large amounts and are about the size of a grain of sand. These pellets are spun into soft, stretchy threads called microfibers which eventually become any of the various highly desired and easily produced technical or stretchy fabrics that we use in our everyday lives. In clothing, these microfibers are processed into threads and the polymers are shed in the wash and from general use, and also ultimately end up in aquatic environments.

Because they are microscopically small, they easily evade most filters and protection on wastewater treatment plants, leading them to become very common in our lakes, oceans, and other waterways.

Why should we care? Approximately 3 billion people around the world (just under 50% of people worldwide) eat food that originated from a body of water. Many studies, including a small one out of California, show that fish both large and small are being caught with microfiber threads and other plastic debris in their stomachs. In general, these microfibers attract carcinogenic toxins in the water, which then move into the body of organisms that ingest them. A 2016 study estimated that wastewater treatment facilities release 56 million microplastic particles, nearly all microfibers, into the San Francisco Bay each day. These treatment plants also clean and recirculate much of their freshwaternow with fresh microfibers. While it is somewhat difficult to distinguish between microplastics broken down from larger plastic items and microfibers broken down or washed off of synthetic textiles, it is still important to care about and address each problem individually, as their source is different. If we can focus on reducing the number of microfibers we release into the water supply from our clothes and other textiles, we will be doing a great service to the greater environment.

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Plastic is highly detrimental to all ecosystems. This is old news, of course. What we’ve been learning in the last several years, though, is that it’s not just the plastic that we can see. It’s not just the plastic bottles, tires, netting, packaging or kids toys, but it’s also our clothes. Polyester, lycra, acrylic, microfibers. They are soft, stretchy, great for working out and accomplishing major goals, great for looking professional, dashing and beautiful.

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Even the Pyrennes, which is supposed to be one of the last pristine wilderness in Europe, is experiencing microfibers raining down on it. This has become an air quality and a water quality problem, both of which affect our food supply. Studies have shown that microfibers will bioaccumulate (settle into the bodies of various living organisms, to be passed on to their predators) in lab mice and fish. This is disconcerting to say the least, considering how much fish and other seafood is consumed every day. These products will eventually cause blockages in animals’ bodies and other abnormal behavior. This is detrimental- if the smaller and microscopic species are so affected by microfibers and other plastics that they either die off quickly or pass on huge amounts of toxins, their predators up the food chains (right up to us humans) will be very affected. The good news is that not all synthetic textiles are made equally. The tighter the weave, the fewer fibers come off in the wash. Big, fluffy things like fleece sweaters and blankets will shed roughly 100,000 fibers in the wash, and a tightly woven performance jacket will shed many fewer if any. Microfiber pollution is most concentrated near industrial textile production areas, as well as where people tend to illegally dump fabric. A 2021 study discovered that roughly one full T-shirt’s worth of microfibers pollute the oceans for every 500 shirts that are manufactured. This is happening even before the items are getting to consumers. Let’s do everything we can to reduce and eliminate the waste stream post consumers.

What are the solutions?

Hold brands accountable for the pollution their processes and products are producing.

Buy a special filter for your washing machine at home.

Only purchase new synthetic clothing when absolutely necessary. Buy used, acquire it second-hand, or hold off completely. The less money that we invest in these products, the lesser incentive companies will have to produce them.

Only wash your synthetic materials when necessary. Wash when they are actually dirty or smelly, not necessarily every time you use them. Wash with tap cold water and gentle liquid soap.

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Require all commercial laundries to install filters. The state of California attempted to pass a bill (AB 802) this year that would address microfiber pollution. It did not pass so we should keep working to get this problem regulated.

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ECO TOP TIPS

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+ ECO SWAPS

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ECO SWAPS SIMPLE WAYS TO

BAR SOAP VS LIQUID SOAP

REDUCE YOUR

CARBON

FOOTPRINT

Let's help make the world a better place by changing our lifestyle habits to reduce carbon emissions.

AT HOME 1. 4.

Turn off and unplug all appliances when not in use.

Make sure all faucets are not leaking, and don't leave them running when not in use. Every drop counts!

Lessen the use of single-use plastics.

Ensure that your appliances are in good working condition. This practice maximizes efficiency and uses less energy.

MANAGE YOUR WASTE 1.

Reuse any items that can be repurposed in other ways.

2. Reduce the items you use. What can you do away with? 3. Recycle items properly. 4. Repair items when possible instead of buying new ones. 5. Resell items you don't need but are still in good condition.

When it comes to soap bars, the most important benefit is the plastic free packaging. Organic, chemical-free bar soaps have a lower environmental impact than liquid soaps in many important categories including carbon footprint. However, a study has shown that people use about 30% less water when they wash their hands with liquid soap than with bar soap. Unfortunately, liquid soaps are packaged in plastic and often not recycled. They often contain fragrances, parabens and sodium sulphates even when labelled as 'natural! An example of 'greenwashing'.

CLOTH NAPKINS VS PAPER TOWELS Cloth napkins and Handkerchiefs are multipurpose compared to paper towels and Kleenex tissues which you use once and throw away. It’s pretty clear now that single use options are not a great solution as they create a greater waste problem. Paper towels often account for a quarter (or more) of the total waste produced by public buildings like schools and office buildings. Why not create your own napkins from old clothes or cloths!

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A Sustainable Chat

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A Sustainable Chat

@greennewperspective

What are Green New Perspective’s ultimate goals?

We want to create a space for sharing trustworthy information about green technologies, green policies, some good ecopractices from around the world and reexamine the ways in which we deal with our climate crisis problem. To inspire optimism for our planet's future by promoting breakthrough technologies and also by educating our audience with new eco-friendly life habits that contribute to the positive change we all need.

Many Clean-tech startups and innovations are showing great promise for helping meet the greenhouse-gas limits discussed at the recent UN climate summit in Glasgow, but even though they do have great potential, they might not have enough time to be deployed to make a needed impact. Unfortunately, history shows that most of the technology breakthroughs need decades to make it to the mass market. But, the hope is still there – with record investments pouring into the Clean-tech industry, there might be a chance that the length of time before implementation becomes shorter, and the implementation itself more efficient.

“Being eco-friendly is too expensive” do you agree or disagree?

What do you think is the most important element of a sustainable lifestyle?

Do you think technological innovations will solve the climate crisis rather than change societal ways?

Constant learning. If we embrace sustainability that will change the way we work and live in the future – it will be a primary focus in our intellectual and material work, and in our collective and individual lives. Education can play a key role in redressing the human-nature disconnect, which is a central cause of the crisis facing modern society.

A Q

Living sustainably definitely should be affordable – but at a very general level today, it is fair to say that sustainable products are more expensive because of supply chain implications. It’s not easy to make products that have minimal impact on the environment, plus environmental certifications often cost a lot of money. But, when we talk about some industries, fashion, beauty, or tech, for example, eco-friendly consumer behavior means that we should buy less, and stray away from the age of hyper-consumerism in which we live. So, maybe we should consider investing in a small number of quality products that will last longer, and in that way – we can actually spend less.

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With Green New Perspective

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HOW TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE WITH YOUR STYLE By Harli-Almaz Dokal

Why should we care about sustainable fashion? Pollution – The fashion industry is one of the world’s most polluting- second only to oil, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions. Exploitation of natural resources - In order to produce just one kilogram of cotton, 10,000 litres of water are required. Other natural resources include land to produce material fibres and fuel for the transportation of goods. Waste – Waste water from the fashion industry containing harmful dyes and chemicals has been found to contribute to 17 to 20% of the world’s industrial water pollution. Discarded garments end up in landfills and take anywhere between 200 years (synthetic fibres) to 1000 years (polyester) to decompose depending on the material. The shocking reality of the waste was pictured last year, exposing a pile of 39,000 tons of clothes in a Chilean desert.

It is not the environmental impacts alone that are making us rethink our consumption habits when it comes to fashion. The rise of fast fashion brands has led to concerns over workers’ rights and safety issues after thousands of people in Bangladesh earning only about $37 per month died in a collapsing textile factory in 2013. More recently, during nation-wide lockdowns due to Covid-19, garment workers in Leicester being paid below minimum wage, were exposed to the virus in cramped conditions and forced to continue working even after testing positive. Despite these issues, the fast fashion industry is still thriving, with consumers in Britain making twice as many fast-fashion purchases compared to the last decade and with many of these companies creating ‘sustainable’ collections, another issue arises: greenwashing- making things appear more sustainable than they actually are. These collections highlight the use of recycled materials, mainly polyester, which is great on the surface as the recycled material produces 79% less carbon emissions than the virgin fibre. But they fail to mention that it is not a closed-loop system. This is due to the recycling procceses weakening the fibres, preventing the garment from being recycled again unless it is mixed with virgin fibre.

TIPS ON THE NEXT PAGE

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For so many of us, clothes play a huge role in our lives, whether it be to express your mood, support a sports team or make you feel more powerful and professional. Or, you might not be concerned with fashion, but that doesn’t change the fact that clothes are ubiquitous within media and in the very act of getting dressed in the morning. However, over recent years, more of us are becoming aware of the detrimental affects the fashion industry is having on both an environmental and social scale. On my journey to make more conscious fashion choices, I found that things aren’t as clear cut as I’d first thought and finding sustainable alternatives isn’t always easy.

With so much to think about, the transition into having a sustainable wardrobe can become quite daunting, especially in the age of social media. So called “influencers” are all over our feeds, flaunting the latest trends in fashion (which seem to change every day) and doing huge clothing hauls, which has created a generation of impulsive consumers with a “wear once and throw away” mindset. In a 2016 study, Pemberton found that 84% of millennials admitted that their purchasing decisions were influenced by user generated content and Instagram influencers. Though I hate to admit it, I definitely contributed to this statistic. It was not until my time at University as a geography undergraduate that I really started to understand the gravity of the production systems used in the fashion industry and their effect on our planet. I found it difficult at the beginning. My love for clothes and all things fashion made it hard for me to make the transition into sustainable fashion, which often didn't cater to my style or price range. But I finally decided to hold myself accountable and make some tangible changes to my consumption habits.

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@fash _rev

MY TIPS

Upcycle – With old clothes you already own, try upcycling them into something new. This is definitely a skill that you can grow with a quick internet search and YouTube video to get you started. Clothes Swap – Another cheap option to update your wardrobe more sustainably is to organise a clothes swap with friends and family. You can all bring clothes that you no longer wear and swap!

Second-hand shopping – When you feel like you’re ready for some new pieces in your wardrobe, head to your local car boot sale. This is one of my favourite things to do because you can make a day of it. You’ll be surprised at how many gems you can find at incredible prices and it’s guilt free; you’re just giving new life to old clothes that would have ended up in a landfill. Charity shops are an option too. If you don’t fancy going out, there are some great reselling apps for you to browse second hand clothes from the comfort of your own home. Sustainable brands – There are some incredible fashion brands creating sustainable pieces, through either upcycling or using organic natural fibres and recycled materials. They do tend to be on the pricier side, but that’s because you are paying for quality over quantity and for staff with better working conditions and better pay. Try to buy timeless staple pieces that you will wear for years to come or versatile pieces that you can wear more than one way!

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Reorganise your wardrobe - The easiest and cheapest way to start your journey would be to start with the clothes you already own! Things can get lost over the years, stuck at the back of the wardrobe or at the bottom of a drawer. Empty out your closet, look at what you own already, sort the clothes into piles of things you no longer wear that you can donate, sell or give as a hand-me-down. Once you’ve decided on the clothes you’re keeping, create some outfits! You’ll soon discover that you only need a few staple items to create a variety of different outfits. There are some apps that can help with this process of creating outfits such as Whering.

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THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

@fash_rev- For fashion facts

My sustainable journey is by no means perfect and I’m constantly learning new things and finding the best way to celebrate my individual style whilst being kinder to the planet.

@andreacheong -For sustainable style& shopping tips @wearesecondlifefashion- Find second hand events near you! @chloehelenmiles -For sustainable style &slow living

READ & WATCH How to Break Up with Fast Fashion, Lauren Bravo, 2020 (Book) Green is the New Black: How to Save the World in Style, Tamsin Blanchard, 2007 (Book) The True Cost, Netflix, 2015 (Documentary) Unravel, YouTube, 2012 (Documentary)

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A few things to be aware of: Some low-income families may rely on charity shops so try not to over consume on your second-hand trips! It is also imperative to remember that just because some fashion brands use sustainable methods and materials, you don’t need to buy new pieces often. The main focus should be on circularity – re-using, recycling and renting – when you feel you need new items, focus on slow fashion – buying less but better, from sustainable and ethical brands. While leading a more sustainable lifestyle is often viewed as a privilege due to the higher price points in contrast to the accessibility of fast-fashion, I hope my list shows that we can all start somewhere in making better choices, especially as more eco-friendly brands are now catering to different styles. Here’s to your sustainable fashion journey!

@goodonyou_app- Guide to help find ethical and sustainable brands

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POLL RESULTS

FROM THE CLIMATE ISSUE'S INSTAGRAM POLLING

In February 2022, a poll was undertaken on The Climate Issue's social media to gather insights about peoples general attitudes towards sustainable fashion.

52 PEOPLE VOTED

IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION TOO EXPENSIVE?

75% Said sustainable fashion is too expensive

88% Said they would pay a bit extra to buy sustainable clothes

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WOULD YOU PAY A BIT EXTRA AND BUY SUSTAINABLE CLOTHES?

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ISSUE 6

WHICH COUNTRY AM I? Below are five facts about a country in the world. Can you guess which country it is?

Unless you are buying second hand, sustainable fashion often comes with an expensive price tag. It is extremely important that eco-friendly clothing does not remain a luxury that is available to only those who can afford it. When we look at the poll results, although 75% of people admitted that sustainable fashion is too expensive, a higher percentage of 88% said they would pay a bit extra for sustainable clothes. Whether this is a slow transition or buying an entire new sustainable wardrobe, it really is a positive reflection as although there is recognition of high cost, people are still willing to purchase sustainably for the sake of the planet. There are of course many consumers who would not pay extra for sustainable garments due to cost, especially when fast fashion is so cheap and available. This takes us back to the everlasting debate of 'economy vs environment'. A question to consider is, if the demand for sustainable clothing rises, will this drive the prices down?

My population is 33 million

i am home to the Lost City of the Incas

I am home to one of the worlds deepest canyons

I have the worlds highest sand dunes

ANSWERS WILL BE REVEALED IN THE NEXT ISSUE GOOD LUCK!

23 | THE CLIMATE ISSUE

UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY

There are 3 official languages

24 | THE CLIMATE ISSUE

MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 6

25 | THE CLIMATE ISSUE

MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 6