SUSTAINABLE KELLECTION - Sustainable fast fashion?

Hey lovelies, welcome back!

Today marks the launch of a feature I've been planning for quite a while now - Sustainable Sunday. Every week, I'll be sharing eco-friendly products that I've been loving and that are helping me live a more sustainable lifestyle. Kickstarting us off is a clothing haul - 

The ethics and morals surrounding Primark are quite problematic, but we're all susceptible to the allure of their fast fashion and cheap prices - especially as a student. However, with the closure of non-essential retail shops brought about by lockdown 1.0, we were forced to change our shopping habits and encouraged to think twice about that t-shirt stuffed in the back of a drawer or about that dress that's been hanging in the wardrobe since last summer.

Of course, there inevitably comes a time when you just need to update your wardrobe or buy a few transitional essentials... a position I found myself in a few months ago. Now, I consider myself to be a "part-time" shopper - preferring to update my wardrobe one item at a time when necessary, or when something has caught my eye as I'm picking up essentials, rather than regular shopping sprees. Nothing stresses me out more than the thought of traipsing around shops for hours, especially in the current climate and with the recent emphasis on breaking up with fast fashion... That is when I first heard the term "Sustainable September" - a movement whereby you only buy second-hand sustainable fashion, e.g. from charity shops and local small businesses, for the whole month. As soon as I heard this term, I knew this was something I wanted to participate in, and what better time to need a wardrobe update! 

So, off I went one afternoon to trawl around my local charity shops in the search for the few items I needed heading into Autumn. In theory - GREAT! In reality - not so great. With the nature of charity shops being "pot-luck" and only a handful of them in Plymouth, my options were severely limited. I came out of each one empty handed and pouting. 

Deflated, and with outfits at home depending on these items, I reluctantly headed to Primark with the words " I tried" going around my head. Within minutes of setting foot inside the shop I noticed some items had different tags to the standard ones. And this is where I discovered Primark's "Sustainable" range - made with either recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Now, I know this is kind of like saying you're a vegetarian expect on Sunday's, but in my opinion, this is a step in the right direction. With a renewed sense of purpose, I set myself a challenge - to buy the items I needed by only from the sustainable range.

And Primark aren't the only retailer to introduce a sustainable range, as I discovered. New Look have launched their "Kind" label joining H&M who introduced their "Conscious collection" in 2010! As I said, I only bought things I needed, and kind of defeats the object if shopping sustainably if you buy everything just because of the label! Check out my look book below:

This gorgeous oatmeal coloured cardigan is made from recycled polyester and was only £13!

These long-sleeve bodysuits are a transitional wardrobe must-have! Made from sustainably sourced cotton, and only £5 each, they're a bargain!

With a peplum waistband, this pretty, monochrome floral blouse is from New Look so flattering! Made from recycled polyester and coming in at a surprisingly affordable £12.99, you can't go wrong.

Since that fateful afternoon, I have noticed many other shops also providing a sustainable option. Asda George launched their "George Cares" range not just on its clothing but on homeware too! I picked up this beautiful cushion for my new flat that's made from recycled polyester and some pillowcases made from sustainably sourced cotton! 

And I can't not mention possibly my favourite discovery - a kitchen bin made from 100% recycled household plastics from The Range! A boring adult purchase suddenly became enjoyable! 

As I mentioned at the beginning, I'm aware that shopping in these big retailers is problematic and may not be classed as fully sustainable, but it's a start! The same way reducing your meat consumption is a positive starting point that impacts the bigger picture, so too is this. It's a butterfly effect... and for now even small change can make a huge difference and ensure the survival of our planet! 

Until next time, lovelies!