Put the brakes on fast fashion and explore sustainable style choices.
Have you ever stopped to consider who is behind the clothes you wear? More specifically, have you thought about the incredible women across the globe who spend long hours in unsafe conditions, often for a fraction of the pay we would deem fair, just to produce the garments we pick up in stores?
The fashion industry is vast and powerful, but at what cost? As women make up around 80-90% of the garment workers globally, the majority are based in low-income countries, particularly in places like Bangladesh, India, China, and Cambodia. I first became truly aware of the toll fast fashion takes on people and the planet when I volunteered at a bear sanctuary near a garment factory in Cambodia. It was there I witnessed the stark reality of life for these workers.
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a local woman who told me about a terrible accident that had recently occurred when women, crammed into trucks, were transported to the factory. In the aftermath, the streets were lined with women’s bodies, wrapped in white blankets, while more trucks continued to barrel past on their way to make clothes for major brands like H&M. Fast fashion is an unforgiving, relentless industry, and it’s easy to overlook the lives it impacts in the race for the next new thing.
These workers, often earning as little as $3 a day, endure long shifts—sometimes up to 14 hours a day, seven days a week—all in unsafe and unhealthy environments. It’s a reality that we can’t ignore, especially when we consider the environmental consequences. The textile industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, and chemical runoff from factories often contaminates water sources in areas where these workers live, leaving them with few options for safe water for their families.
This brings us to the importance of slow fashion, a more mindful approach to clothing that considers both the environment and the people behind the production. It is crucial to include garment workers in the conversation on equality. We cannot advocate for gender equality without considering the women making the clothes we wear every day.
So, what can we do about it?
We can start by changing how we view our clothes and where we source them from. Fast fashion might promise convenience and affordability, but it comes at an immense cost. At Quorum Park, I’m a proud advocate of second-hand fashion, and I’m passionate about sharing this with others. For me, second-hand clothes are not only a sustainable choice, but they’re a way to honor the individuals who should be paid more and treated better, rather than contributing to a system that exploits them.
I often wear second-hand clothes in my daily life—whether it's an outfit from a local charity shop, a jacket I found while beachcombing (yes, you read that right!), or clothes I’ve swapped with friends. I’ve never looked back. There’s so much joy in giving clothes a second life, in knowing that I'm supporting a more sustainable and ethical approach to fashion. And, let’s be honest, it’s kind of fun having a wardrobe that’s unique and far from what everyone else is wearing! The quality of second-hand items is often better, they’re more durable, and when you wash them, they actually hold up.
Of course, I know that shopping second-hand isn’t always as convenient as hitting up a high street store. But I believe that’s part of the joy and the challenge. It takes a bit more time, but it’s totally worth it when you discover that perfect piece, knowing it’s had a life before you—and is still going strong.
If you’re looking to make a difference, I encourage you to take action this International Women’s Day by considering slow fashion in your own life. One of the easiest ways to get started is by joining our upcoming Clothes Swap event here at Quorum Park. This is a fantastic opportunity to exchange gently used clothing with fellow occupiers, giving new life to pre-loved items, all while supporting a great cause. All leftover clothes and proceeds will go to St Oswald's Hospice, so you’ll not only be helping the planet but also supporting a local charity. It’s a win-win!
Tips for Transitioning to Slow Fashion:
Embrace Second-Hand Shopping: Charity shops, vintage stores, and online platforms like Vinted or Depop are goldmines for affordable, quality pieces.
Quality Over Quantity: Instead of buying several cheap, low-quality items, invest in fewer, high-quality pieces that will last longer.
Upcycle and Repair: Instead of discarding old clothes, try fixing them or giving them a new twist with creative upcycling.
Participate in Clothing Swaps: Swap clothes with friends, family, or at events like the one we’re hosting here at Quorum Park. It’s a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new.
Buy Less, Choose Wisely: Before purchasing, ask yourself: Do I truly need this item? Is it versatile and made to last? Making thoughtful purchasing decisions helps slow down the cycle of waste.
Let’s take action together! It’s time to take a stand for both the women making our clothes and the planet we share. Join us and let’s make slow fashion the future.