Resources to Help Us "Break Up" with Fast Fashion
Posted by Christal Earle on 2024 Mar 13th
Sustainable fashion can seem like a nice theory, but a difficult reality for many of us to embrace. Like the great philosopher, Neil Sedaka, once sang, "Breaking up is hard to do".
I get it: breaking up with "fast fashion” can be especially hard. Life is complicated and breaking habits of thinking and acceptance is not easy.
But what if we can?
And, better yet, what if we could celebrate a whole new dimension to our lives, personalities, and “us-ness” that was waiting to be discovered?
Great ideas don’t just happen. They need action to become real. And sometimes, the best way to take action is to be inspired by those who have gone before us.
I have a life that has been changed by my convictions becoming my experience. It’s an ever-evolving journey that has become more fun and full as I keep on down the path.
I am a rabid reader and consumer of ideas and information. Just ask my friends: I have a book or podcast recommendation for everything you can imagine. From Shakespeare to a brief history of Turkmenistan, I love to have a conversation about them all.
However, social change is what I love to spend my energy and time on the most. Much of what is shaping both my journey and the course of Brave Soles has come about through what I have learned and implemented.
And anything good should always be shared ;)
Often, the biggest reason we don’t take action is because we simply do not know how or where to begin.
Do you want to make better choices and understand why they matter? We want to help you take simple actions and share with you what inspires us, too. These resources will help. I promise ;)
If you like to read, here is where you can start:
Wardrobe Crisis
By Clare Press
As the Vogue sustainability editor, Clare knows her stuff. She is also light-hearted in this book while highlighting the truth. This is my recommendation for a first book on fast fashion.
Fashionopolis
By Dana Thomas
Dana is a journalist for major fashion magazines. Her writing is impeccable and after you read it, you feel like you truly understand the world of fashion so much better. She is kind but firm in how she presents the truth. LOVED this book!
A Life Less Throwaway
By Tara Buttons
Tara is the founder of Buy Me Once (one of our retail partners) and her book challenged me to look at so many different areas of my life, what I own, and how I can make it last for many years ahead if I think it through. I felt like I was sitting down with a coffee and chatting with her.
The Sustainable (ish) Living Guide
By Jen Gale
Jen is fun, honest and so very, very ordinary...like us:) This book comes from a place of truly wanting to find ways to do the things you want and do them in a way you can live with. Practicality and affordability are the focus and I love it!
Consumed
By Aja Barber
(The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism)
Aja gave me insights into hundreds of years of colonial history that I hadn't ever pieced together before. I tell everyone about this book.
Worn - A People's History of Clothing
By Sofi Thanhauser
I loved this book for so many reasons. For me, learning the history behind our clothing was both inspiring and heartbreaking. It makes me mindful and appreciative of everything I wear.
Cheap - The High Price of Discount Culture
By Ellen Ruppel Shell
If you're ready to learn about the astronomically high cost of buying cheap, then this is the book for you. A truly worthy read.
If you are more of an on-the-go listener...
Perhaps you are like me and prefer to learn via your headphones on your commute, on your daily run, or while you are waiting in line at the grocery store. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Here are my top podcast recommendations for inspiration to continue to make changes you can live with and share:
https://thewardrobecrisis.com/podcast
Clare has super interesting guests and conversations around the world of fashion and how it can love the earth rather than recklessly take from it, day in and day out.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-circular-economy-show-podcast/id1116732609
This podcast is done by the Ellen McArthur Foundation. I recommend this podcast if you want to learn the basics from the experts who are doing something to create change. I geek out on it ;)
Kestral’s guests represent the ideas and the faces behind what is possible if we use a sustainable lens on how we build the business of fashion.
https://www.asustainablelife.co.uk/a-sustainable-life-podcast/
I have learned a lot about common sense ideas to live sustainably in all areas of my life that matter to me through this podcast series.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/conscious-style-podcast/id1566788105
Elizabeth Joy interviews leaders in the sustainable and ethical fashion space. I love this podcast because she finds people you would never normally get to hear and learn from. Her site is great and she is a trusted voice in conscious style.
Kamea Chayne is intense and curious. Her guests will make your worldview bigger and give you an understanding of what is possible and how to get started.
https://rememberwhomadethem.com/podcast
It's one thing to learn, but it's really about learning how to make the changes. This 6-part series is quick, insightful, and actionable. Enjoy the empowerment that comes with knowing what to do.
And if you are ready to learn at your own pace….
https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/
I recommend you check out Fashion Revolution's amazing resources and free courses you can take to up your sustainability game. Here you will find all kinds of courses, articles, and videos to give you simple action steps you can take in your everyday choices.
Transformation happens through intention. Be kind to yourself and make the NEXT BEST CHOICE...and then make it over and over again.
Enjoy!