I am very excited to be sharing this first interview episode with you, and I’m happy to say there will be others to come in the future!!
In this episode, I’m talking with Kathleen Varendia (@kathandtheplanet). We delve into the subject of fast fashion, sustainable fashion, how to shop more sustainably and lots of other great tips on how to live more sustainably.
It was a joy speaking with her and I hope it’s as insightful for you as it was for me.
Kathleen is from Los Angeles, California and is a university student studying environmental studies and minoring in business economics. She also has a blog where she talks about fast fashion, sustainable fashion, environmental justice and so much more!!
Some notes from the episode:
We talk about the practicalities of sustainability – the small things, limiting consumption, and that it doesn’t have to be ‘beautiful’.
Tips:
- Reducing consumption of animal products
- Ways to reduce waste – find ways to do the small things first e.g. use what you have before purchasing more, then buy a plastic free alternative (shampoo bars, face cloth, loose leaf tea)
Thrifting clothes (second hand/charity shopping) and avoiding fast fashion
- Reevaluating your choices.
- Order from independent, ethical companies vs ordering off amazon for example.
- Importance of sharing info with others, opening up a discourse, raising/spreading awareness.
- Research! Form your own ideas based on what you research, how do you feel these things are affecting the world and yourself, and what can you do to change it?
What is Fast Fashion?
Started 1990s-2000 by Zara – it involves the mass production of clothing, constantly changing, and promoting increased consumerism around clothing
In 2000 the amount we consumed in relation to clothing was about 60% less than we do now on average!!!
It can be hard to move away from fast fashion because it’s a means of self-expression, having something ‘trendy’ and affordable, it’s an easy trap to fall into.
Fast fashion brainwashed us into thinking we always need new clothes/styles to express ourselves, and it can be hard to pull away from this.
For some people, identity can feel centred around clothing – but best way is to decrease consumption, even with sustainable fashion.
How can you tell it’s fast fashion?
- Often low prices (don’t have to be)
- Mass production so lots of the same clothing item
- New items each season, even more frequently, items change a lot
- How big are they? Huge companies tend to have fast fashion models
- Lots of advertising – not caring about minimising the amount we consume
WATCH OUT FOR GREENWASHING - Greenwashing is the practice of making a misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology or company practice.
Greenwashing can make a company appear to be more environmentally friendly than it really is. Within the fashion industry, for example, this could be a brand releasing a small, single collection which maybe sources materials in a more sustainable manner, however the rest of the company’s work is not rooted in sustainability or ethical production.
Thrifting considerations:
Kathleen makes an incredibly important point regarding how we should not feel shame for what we purchase since we are all living in varying situations. Thrifting takes time, everyone has their own circumstances and may not have time to engage in this.
Sadly, fast fashion can often be the affordable, convenient option, and for some the more sustainable alternative may not be feesible. Again it goes back to doing what we can.
If you can thrift, what community are you thrifting in?
Great to buy through them, as money goes to a good cause, BUT where is the store? Lots of low income households might be reliant on the clothing there, so when taking hard to find pieces, you could be taking this opportunity from others who cant afford these pieces from other stores.
How much are you buying? Even though it’s second hand, if you buy a lot you’re still feeding into the idea you ‘need’ a lot of clothes. Just try limit yourself.
Only buy in your size – size privilege is still a massive issue, and within sustainable fashion brands there often aren't larger sizes available. Opt for what already fits you, leave other clothing for someone who fits it.
DOWNLOAD GOOD ON YOU APP!!!
This app rates companies in how sustainable they are, what they need to work on etc. It’s an incredibly useful app to help you make better choices when purchasing your clothing.
I’m not particularly in to buying lots of clothes, but we all wear them so all need to be aware of these things!!
Reflect on how you’ve been consuming and how to change that.
Remember, IT’S A PROCESS. It's not all going to change overnight. Find what works for you in your life.
Never put too much pressure on yourself. Do what you can.
Importance of supply chain change as well as individual change:
We need to hold these companies accountable!!
Individual change and corporate change both play a part in pushing back against fast fashion, and all movements promoting social and climate justice. Community focus also is so important.
Sign petitions! Here's a few to get you started:
Follow Remake Our World on Instagram!
@remakeourworld talk a lot about holding companies accountable and share petitions, making emails to send to companies.
A huge problematic issue that has arisen in the face of the COVID19 Pandemic:
Companies have cancelled orders already made, not paying for clothing that has been produced!!
"Sustainability is living your life so you can hopefully leave what resources you had for future generations. Balancing environment, equity and social justice and the economy (way you consume). Also important to keep a balance in yourself and do what makes sense in your life. You have to be able to sustain your mental health." Kathleen Varendia
How have you found a little bit of Lagom?
Kathleen made her loose leaf tea (reducing plastic, wooo), but had to throw some in trash as can’t compost. So still a little bit of waste, but reducing waste where she can.
Where to find Kathleen online:
It was so wonderful speaking with Kathleen, and I hope you enjoyed listening to the conversation as much as I enjoyed having it!
If you have any thoughts, feel free to drop me an email alittlebitoflagom@gmail.com or drop me a message on Instagram @alittlebitoflagom, I’d love to hear from you 😊
I hope you’re having a lovely week wherever you are!