
Why I’m Starting to Hate the Sustainable Fashion Movement
The sustainable fashion movement has been gaining traction in recent years, with more and more people becoming aware of the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. The movement has been praised for its efforts to reduce waste, promote ethical labor practices, and create more sustainable materials. However, I’m starting to hate the sustainable fashion movement for a few reasons.
First, the sustainable fashion movement has become increasingly commercialized. It’s no longer about creating sustainable clothing and accessories that are affordable and accessible to everyone. Instead, it’s become a way for companies to make money by selling expensive, luxury items that are marketed as being “sustainable.” This has created a divide between those who can afford to buy sustainable fashion and those who can’t.
Second, the sustainable fashion movement has become too focused on the individual. It’s become a way for people to show off their commitment to sustainability, rather than a way to create systemic change. This has led to a lot of greenwashing, where companies claim to be sustainable but don’t actually make any meaningful changes.
Third, the sustainable fashion movement has become too focused on trends. It’s become a way for people to show off their commitment to sustainability, rather than a way to create systemic change. This has led to a lot of greenwashing, where companies claim to be sustainable but don’t actually make any meaningful changes.
Finally, the sustainable fashion movement has become too focused on the idea of “buying better.” This has led to a lot of people buying expensive, luxury items that are marketed as being “sustainable,” rather than focusing on reducing their overall consumption.
The Problems with the Sustainable Fashion Movement
The problems with the sustainable fashion movement are numerous. First, it has become too commercialized, with companies using it as a way to make money. Second, it has become too focused on the individual, rather than creating systemic change. Third, it has become too focused on trends, rather than reducing overall consumption. Finally, it has become too focused on the idea of “buying better,” rather than reducing overall consumption.
What Can Be Done?
The sustainable fashion movement needs to be refocused on creating systemic change, rather than just focusing on individual actions. Companies need to be held accountable for their environmental and social impacts, and consumers need to be educated about the true costs of their clothing. Additionally, the movement needs to focus on reducing overall consumption, rather than just buying better.
FAQs
What is the sustainable fashion movement?
The sustainable fashion movement is a movement that seeks to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. It focuses on creating sustainable clothing and accessories that are affordable and accessible to everyone, promoting ethical labor practices, and creating more sustainable materials.
Why am I starting to hate the sustainable fashion movement?
I’m starting to hate the sustainable fashion movement for a few reasons. First, it has become too commercialized, with companies using it as a way to make money. Second, it has become too focused on the individual, rather than creating systemic change. Third, it has become too focused on trends, rather than reducing overall consumption. Finally, it has become too focused on the idea of “buying better,” rather than reducing overall consumption.
Wow… I'm just now finding this, BUT I say do anything you want.
Focusing on the materials and chemicals used is looking after the people. People have lost their livelihoods and are literally dying and contracting disease due to cotton production and chemicals dumped into the sea due to fast fashion. We need to be aware of buying cotton, avoid doing so and be more intentional of what we buy. Buying second hand is brilliant but buying unnecessary clothing is ,well, unnecessary. Surely you can just film items in stores without regularly purchasing or purchasing so many ?
I think a massive problem is that the “haul” type of content is a direct result of the fast and ultra-fast fashion craze of the last decade. You cannot have a “haul” without it being, by definition, overconsumption. You’re right on the money to transitioning to more intentional content. I’m so glad people like you have been working to push ethical and sustainable fashion. The only way to break down a harmful trend is to make the alternative just as trendy.
Here just to remind everyone that you can still get colorful and "particular" clothes without supporting fast fashion brands:
it's called buying second handed. If the thrift stores are becoming pricy you can still buy on places like Deepop, Vinted etc. Of course this will not resolve 100% of the problems but it will start making an huge difference if we ALL start using second handed items instead of buying new ones just produced by these fast fashion brands
Unless you're buying mountain-loads, thrifting is better than buying new, because you're not contributing to the manufacturing of those items. Shopping at thrift stores is donating to charities, creating more jobs, and promoting the recycling of donations that come into the store. When you buy brand-new fast fashion, your money is going directly to unethical manufacturing and business practices, which do not have the environment or its workers at heart. Someone telling you that 'over-thrifting' is unsustainable may be confused. It comes down to less toxic emissions and waste being pumped into the environment by factories. Talk to an environmental scientist and ask their opinion on the eco-impact of thrifting versus buying new. Also, as far as people feeling like they're being shamed: it's more likely that viewers are feeling ashamed as they begin to realize their buying practices are unethical. Just because one feels ashamed does not mean the messenger was wrong. Let's feel ashamed- it might be needed! A sustainability revolution is on the rise and YouTubers like Alexa should be uplifted and supported in their efforts to change the world for the better. Don't try to please anyone- just keep the planet first and you win.
I love this lol. Someone made a comment under a pop flex post about how they don’t understand why people buy from fast fashion when stuff like hers exists and I was like “well people are poor and if you are struggling to put food on the table and don’t have a car or the time to go to thrift stores it can be difficult not to” and she literally called me scum and told me that being poor isn’t an excuse to “support murder and abuse of women in sweatshops in 3rd world countries” and how I “wasn’t actually poor” bc im not one of those women. It made me so angry bc like I’m not for fast fashion but how can you accuse someone of being for that just bc they are so poor they can’t afford anything else? It’s easy to say that coming from a place of privilege. It was such a stereotypical “starving children in Africa are the only poor people” type comment. I spent years of my life homeless and have slept outside on benches, in tents, in abandoned building, almost froze to death a few times. My only clothes came from random bags of clothing I found on the ground for a LONG time. One time I slept outside on a blanket when it was snowing and someone stole my shoes in the middle of the night and I had to walk 2 miles with plastic bags on my feet until the guy I bought cigarettes from gave me a pair of sandals bc he felt bad and it’s all he had. So to say I’m “not really poor” is bullshit. I love this video bc it’s so true that just doing a little is better than doing nothing. The sustainable fashion movement can be so toxic and classist and I’m glad you acknowledge that. I just discovered your channel and want you to know that I support you and you are doing SO much already. Some People will never be happy and it’s a damn shame. I worked at a resale store for a long time and bought all my clothes there and my ability to work there made it possible for me to buy almost all my clothes second hand. It’s crazy how you would think the people who care about sustainability would care about marginalized people as well but guess not lol. All they are doing is discouraging decent people (like you) from promoting it in the first place.
if anyone’s interested i have an etsy shop i’m just starting out called FeverDreqm i crochet things and i try to come out with something once a month anddd i include all sizes etsy has to offer but if your size is not included if someone messages me with their measurements i can do that too. anddd i keep my prices as low as possible (i’m still in high school and as a hobby i only do it to pay for materials so very little money goes to myself)
I love this video because it encompasses the feeking of guilt for not being able to be so perfect for everyone all the time
Baby, you’re so so sweet. Stop living for us, ik this vid is old but, it’s YOUR life, YOUR channel, YOUR happiness. We enjoy watching you live your life how you want to and we love the confidence, we love YOU. So again ik this video is old but plz stop worrying about the fans they have lives too that they can get to, a 20 min video shouldn’t ruin their whole week, that’s a problem they have to work on bc that’s embarrassing that they get so pressed. It makes me sick to see fans controlling a persons life bc the person has allowed them to have that control over them. Set boundaries with them and yourself they aren’t your kids and they don’t even know you. Just do it for you babe you got this
honestly i’m so fed up of everything – fast fashion having really cute but unethical items – “ethical” clothes being extremely expensive and bad – i cant thrift, im in london – i’ve decided i’m just going to make my own clothes. will i probably fail? yeah. if i don’t fail? cool. it’ll be really hard but if i’m doing better then, good
You can't do fashion or makeup videos and concern yourself over politics and ethics. That's absurd.
I dunno, fast fashion is bad no matter what way you spin it. It's literally slave labor, you can't just talk your way out of it.
I’d love to see what core pieces you always wear. Keep doing you.
Love your and Carrie's videos, new to both channel, I love thrifting but get irritated when the prices keep going up in the thrift stores.
But if we don’t change and keep supporting these companies..nothing will change. They are thriving because of us. I think if we want this world not to die so quickly..we have to take responsibility. It’s our home planet and if we don’t do anything then we are part of the problem.
is vinted thrifting? because i'm really interested actually. it's be great if there local shop for vinted so no shipping costs
I’ve tried being sustainable this year but like I can’t find anything in thrift stores. Depop and poshmark just don’t really seem worth it when I can get a shirt at h&m for a third of some of the stuff on those apps.
To be sustainable and ethical brands in fact NEED to not be so size inclusive sometimes. For one if it is a small business, they have to cater to the people they know will buy from them because they are around them? If every sustainable brand carried every size, clothing would not all sell and that is an issue. I don’t personally live in an area where the norm is an XL like you said, so I do not sew up clothes in that size. The average size I sell is small to medium because everyone is doing manual labor on farms. For that same reason I do not have models that aren’t white… Not because I am a racist but because everyone around me is either Norwegian, Swedish or German. People think too much into things sometimes and jump to conclusions about motives for it when it is simply a fact of circumstance. I could always intentionally seek out people of color (which in all honesty I have issues with brands doing this just to get those customers and it isn’t genuine) and mail clothing out to them to take selfies in but for me that also is not a sustainable move. My point is that if someone saw my Instagram, by today’s standards they would decide I am racist and don’t want anyone of color in my clothes or to ever make clothing for fuller figured women on sight alone but it is simply not true. If I had the means to grow my business to that I would…
In terms of not buying from thrift stores because it's "not for you", I completely disagree with that. Chances are, most people who thrift but can afford new clothing aren't going to buy up an entire store. They're just going to buy a few things that they really love and will use for a specific purpose. People also thrift for the experience, the thrill of the hunt. Thrifting has always been something I did with my mom to spend quality time together
This criticism makes ZERO sense.
You’re not contributing to the PRODUCTION of new clothing. If you declutter what you have, you’re passing clothing along to another person who can ALSO purchase that item instead of a new item. Someone else will also benefit from that same clothing item.
Everybody can go ahead and sit down. Y’all are wild.
Loved this video. Absolutely loved it. Also with being.. I guess sustainable is finding clothes you actually like. I usually have my husband with me (social anxiety/PTSD), and if I'm not sure Ill ask him if he could see me wearing it. If he can't, I don't get it. That's MY decision. Another way y'all can be sustainable to is up cycling old stuff. I sew.. alot. And crochet. I have pillow cases of fabric bits that can be used for so many things. Patchwork skirts are super cute, and can go for very cottage core, or other aesthetics. Making a dress/skirt out of a shirt and pair of pants you never wear, a super cute purse or bag to use when going to the store or farmers market.
My main reason for doing all of the above is 1- it saves money. 2 I'm considered plus sized, and normally what I find in any retail store that I like, is too small, or the fabric would look better as a couch. I'm mobility challenged, and can't work. I also reuse/repurpose other stuff, but THATS a different story. Sorry, I tried keeping to topic. ADHD is fun
To me sustainable fashion isnt just about thrift stores one of my favorite haunts. It's also about supporting small business using organic sustainably sourced, sometimes upcycled, recycled fabrics to produce modern designs that will stand the test of time.
Screw the gatekeeping jerks that make everything grim.
Thanks to platforms like Etsy, talented rural people are finding a worldwide market they wouldnt have otherwise.
Eastern europe, Asia, UK, Canada, and, for heaven sake dont forget the Americans! These are people producing quality garments you wont find anywhere else! For less than you'd pay a department store.
Thats sustainable fashion!
Rock on honey!🌹🌹🌹
Well said! I help run an independent boutique called Out of the Blue in Canada and we try to carry ethical/sustainable brands but it is such a complex thing that most people dont dive deep enough into.
Some cool ethical/sustainanle brands we carry are: Known Supply, NLT (small batch/made in LA) & Alchemy (designed in BC & fair trade made overseas) Daily Story (made in Montreal) are other good ethical brands that are affordable! Frank and Oak is great too, a little more pricey.
Less affordable but really cool Canadian Designers: Eve Gravel, Annie 50, Meemoza, Marigold.
Okay….You have had a hard time. These attitudes that you have encountered are so unfair on you and all Fashion YouTubers. I stumbled on your channel while researching sustainable fashion creators. I am in my sixties and have always worn thrifted. Always, my mum dressed all 8 of her children with thrifted clothes and she bought fabric through agricultural catalogues, (farm kids) and I sewed so many clothes. Went to fashion college but I have never, ever not thrifted. Clothes and fabrics. I made many of my children’s dance and drama costumes from thrifted and designer ends fabric. It has always been available. Second hand clothes go way back… centuries back. Workers couldn’t afford new clothes, they had little time to make them and they bought second hand or wore hand me downs. I call my clothes slow clothes, they are. I mend my bought clothes, I wear them for decades and I make some of my clothes. I sew and I sustainability produce them. I used to knock myself out and sew all nighters to clothe my kids. That wasn’t treating me sustainably. I have learnt that if you do your part, as small as it is you are making a difference. Do not be discouraged. Given your situation you are doing so well. So proud of your efforts, your way of doing your YouTube channel needs to be true to you and your values and I know will find your way. All the best with it from here.
the problem is not people buying from fast fashion because they cant afford anything else, it's the influencers with the money to buy from sustainable & ethical brands buying from shein because they want to wear fifty items once and then throw them away. i think its important to think about the amount of effort that actually goes into every piece of clothing we wear and i kind of think the appreciation for clothing in general has gone down as fast fashion brands lower prices as well.
another point that i thought was interesting was that you seemed to be struggling to make non-haul videos during the pandemic, and i think theres a lot of different video ideas you can plan out w/out consumption as a topic at all. maybe just seasonal styling videos, or different ways to wear one piece of clothing, or things like what i wear in a week videos?
When people say they wear the same thing every day when they’re not filming, it makes me think that they have no business talking about fashion if they’re too lazy to even get dressed unless in front of a camera
I think buying thrift hauls and then re-donating items you get sick of is a good way to re-use and recycle that allows you to thrift and de-clutter and give clothes back to places that will sell them affordably so that those with lower income can still access them! I totally get urges to shop even when I don't need to and sometimes it's really the act of shopping (the thrill of the hunt lol) rather than the items purchased that's the fun part, so re-donating seems like a great way to still get that fix but without it being wasteful. I'm not sure how I feel about re-selling clothes. One the one hand, I totally understand what people say about it gentrifying thrifting, especially if re-sellers really overprice the items. On the other hand, it does take a little time, money, and energy to curate a collection of thrifted items that makes it easier for buyers to find the gems without having to sort through lots of less curated options, so I can see how both resellers and buyers can benefit from re-selling. As someone who's interested in making handmade, one of a kind clothes, especially from thrifted materials, but who by doing so is partaking in a slow process and is a slow worker to begin with, I think starting a business where I make and sell handmade clothing but also re-sell thrifted items would potentially be a great way for me to be eco-friendly in my approach while also being able to sell clothes fulltime at reasonable prices instead of how high I would need to charge per item to be able to afford to sell clothes fulltime if I handmade every piece. I'm still thinking about the different pros and cons though and I'm still learning how to make clothes so I'm no where near the point of selling yet but it's still good to think about! Thank you for making this thought-provoking video! 🙂
È un'argomento difficile perché impone una presa di coscienza ben precisa( eco fashion cruedly free,sostenibile ecc …)Bisogna iniziare a pensare diversamente acquistando tessuti naturali, abiti di seconda mano e poi incentivare il campo sartoriale ormai perso.Un augurio a chi è sensibile a questi aspetti importanti!👍👍👋👋
Good grief, people overthink and take the joy out of EVERYTHING!! I love shopping, and jewelry, clothes, bags and shoes, etc. and if it looks cute and good on me, I'm buying it. I don't care where it came from or who made it!!!
You know, when you labeled yourself sustainable/ethical, you are saying you are standing for an ethical standards and I am PAYING for it, so my expectation is that you are perfectly ethically correct at least for me.(I know ethical standards vaires) If you are not achieving this goal what's the point for me to pay over 100 dollars for a simple white cotton T-shirt without any designs. I mean literally they wouldn't even try to refine the silhouette! Gosh these brands are only made for super models.
The right thing to do, is to do what you want to do, what is true to you, and what is true to your heart. Stop caring about what other people think, remember that it doesn't matter what we do in life there will always be people who love us or hate us. The trick is to just be yourself, and stay true to you. What is it that you and just you want to do? What makes you and you alone happy? Do that! Because when you are true to yourself you will find your tribe anyway, people who resonate with what you are passionate about too. Ignore the haters; there are always going to be people out there who want to criticise others. They wont care how happy or miserable you are, they only care about themselves. Just shine your light and be true to your heart, find your happiness, and live true to your dreams.
I have watched this video recently, but wanted to rewatch it as I have been debating what is and isn't okay. But, as a size xxxs-xxs it is nearly impossible to find anything that fits. Being part of a major minority that is severely underrepresented makes sustainable shopping soo hard. Some of the only brands I have found that carry my sizes are major fast fashion brands, ex. H&M and Asos. ( Any advice is welcome 🙂 ).
Too much advertising on this video
I really think you should have a balance. I saw that fast fashion doc and had already been thrifting and got really serious about not exploiting anyone.. (even trying to get my boyfriend to watch vintage porn lol) Anyway I got some money about 5 months later and spent it all on the internet. Not sure why, but i became addicted to online shopping. It was taking over all of my time. I like to go big when i buy new clothes, so i have like huge faux fur pink jackets and stuff like that. But none of my clothes are any better than my mostly thrifted clothing. Even way worse in quality. Its just the online part that got me so addicted. The clothes aren't better.. they're more expensive… my advice to you would be check if you have a bit of addiction to fast fashion. Shop on ebay or etsy instead of amazon. Dont go to amazon… That what ive learned.. I even had to take my card off of there. lol. and Goodwill thrift store it up! Go on a road trip haul! In short, i think yes, you should be thrifting… even though i understand the addiction all too well… we should all be thrifting. And yes theres more then enough to go around. Cant wait till goodwill goes online.
Trying to work vegan clothing or ethical clothing is impossible I see a pair of sneakers on brave gentleman going for $200 my mistake $257 they so expensive I mean they go from like $80 all the way up to 200 or 300 not only do the shoes go from 82 to $300 but the pants and shoes do as well as the hats gloves socks underwear it's ridiculous really you would think that the vegan or ethical clothing would be a lot cheaper then garbage they be selling at Walmart and the mall and stuff but for some reason clothing that has animal products in it and I know not talking about food here but since talking about animal products food that has animal products or completely animal-based is less expensive than going vegan animal friendly environmentally friendly