Resources for Education on the Impact of Fashion

Written by: Jacquelyn Tantimonaco

Read more at welcometoits.com.

The impacts of the fashion industry go way beyond just setting new and exciting trends. It’s no secret that “fast fashion” negatively impacts the environment and communities around the world. From the glamorous runways to the factories in which our clothing is produced, there is much to learn… but what do we really know about fashion’s global impact and how can we learn more?

There are countless resources available to broaden your views on the fashion industry and educate yourself on the impacts it has on the world. The problem is: where do you begin? The world is always evolving and the fashion industry never gets left behind, so it’s important we keep up with all its changes. Some of us prefer to educate ourselves visually through films and documentaries, while others prefer to bury themselves in books. Whether it’s a novel, a short film, a podcast, or a helpful Instagram account, there is something out there for everyone. Here you will find a variety of unique resources to educate yourself on the global impacts of the fashion industry.

Books:

The Dirty Side of the Garment Industry: Fast Fashion and its Negative Impact on Environment and Society by Nikolay Anguelov

For someone looking to dive deep into the impacts of fast fashion and have the evidence to back it up, this textbook is for you. This resource is a lengthy text supported by scholarly sources and data. Although this resource may not be for the light hearted, it is packed with information necessary to understand the daunting world of fast fashion.

Made on Earth by Wolfgang Korn

Korn reveals many uncomfortable truths in his book about the fashion industry and what it really means to have clothes on our backs. This book takes a closer look on the inner workings of the fashion industry and how the ugly truths about fashion are often concealed from us. This resource is for someone who is interested in learning about how one small piece of clothing can create a lasting impact.

The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good by Elizabeth L. Cline

If you’re looking to not only educate yourself on sustainable fashion, but make actual changes to your wardrobe, then this is the book for you. Cline created the ultimate guide to building an ethical and sustainable wardrobe that you’ll love. Whether it is a small change or a drastic one, this guide will help you understand why you should make any changes at all.

Films:

The True Cost

This is a 2015 documentary about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the fashion industry has on the world. This is an eye opening film that takes you from the glamorous runways to the slums in which many of our everyday clothes are made. If you’re interested in taking a journey behind the scenes of clothing production and its impacts, then this is the film to watch.

RiverBlue

One of the world’s most pollutive industries is fashion and this documentary takes you on a journey to prove it. Not only does this documentary talk about how the fashion industry has polluted many of our world’s rivers, but it focuses on solutions that inspire hope for a sustainable future. RiverBlue also encourages people to shop sustainably and offers resources on how to do so.

Podcasts:

Conscious Chatter

This podcast covers fashion, sustainability, and style. Not only does the host interview world class designers and fashion experts, but she also talks to advocates for farmers and factory workers. You can find a list of the podcast episodes here: https://consciouschatter.com/podcast

Wardrobe Crisis

Clare Press, the editor-at-large for Marie Clare Australia, hosts this podcast about the hard truths facing the fashion industry. She focuses heavily on ethics, sustainability, consumerism, and fashion identity. You can start listening to her podcast here: https://thewardrobecrisis.com/podcast/

Instagram Accounts:

@thesustainablefashionforum

@fashionforgood

@fash_rev

@diet_prada

While all of these Instagram accounts are wildly different, they all discuss the negative environmental, economical, and cultural impacts that the fashion industry has on the world. These accounts are great segues into other in-depth resources as they are a perfect starting point for someone looking to educate themselves on the matter. Everyone has to start somewhere, so these accounts are highly suggested that you follow and read up on.

So there you have it! Although it can be scary to learn something new, these resources will make it easy for you to understand why sustainable fashion is better for the world. Not everyone is able to transform their wardrobe into being entirely sustainable, but there are many small changes where someone can start. Whether you’re looking to make a concrete change in your life or you’re just testing the waters, there is never a shortage of information out there to help you move on your way. The world is always evolving and the fashion industry never gets left behind, so it’s important we keep up with all its changes.