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Two of the biggest buzzwords over the last few years have been fast fashion and sustainability. The latter being the answer to a decades-long over consumption habit that has a damaging impact on our environment and people. Yet, when buying cheap and new clothes has become a habit, finding the answer to ‘how to up with fast fashion’ isn’t always clear.
These Ted X guests share how they changed their lifestyles to break up with fast fashion for sustainable and ethical shopping habits. From their studies, travels and even business ventures each have learned about the devastating impacts industries can have while also learning how consumers can play a positive role in creating a more holistically healthy and sustainable fashion industry in the long run.
Who doesn’t love cheap fashion? But is the cost – forced labor, child labor and devastating environmental effects in developing countries really worth it? Trisha Strikers discusses the human cost of fast fashion and the lack of transparency within the industry. The Economics student at James Cook University shares how her experience growing up in India and later Australia has shaped her opinions about ethical fashion and the standards that the industry should hold itself to.
It’s easy to forget that our clothes are all made by real people. But, how many of us realize that most of our clothing is made by people who are earning on average $0.05 per garment? Patrick Woodyard is the founder of the sustainable brand Nisolo. Working closely with social workers throughout Peru and Kenya, Patrick has crafted a brand around living wages to economically empower artisans in developing countries.
How much trash do you create? In this TedX Teen talk, Lauren Singer, an Environmental Studies graduate from NYC shares with the audience how she was able to fit three years of trash into a 16 oz. mason jar.
It’s easier than you think to break up with fast fashion. Upcycle Project founder Gabrielle Smith shares her journey to breaking up with fast fashion. And, it all began with looking at 100+ t shirts and 52 pairs of jeans from a closet where she thought she had nothing to wear.
Tamara Jones is a student from Ryerson University. Wither her passion for sustainability she has shared her insight at the Youth Assembly at the United Nations and in her upcoming classes about sustainable fashion with fellow students. In this Ted X talk Tamara challenges us to rethink why we buy and to see if we can adopt slow fashion patterns and shopping habits.