Fast fashion is a major environmental and ethical issue, driven by cheap production, rapid turnover, and disposable clothing culture. The industry is responsible for immense waste, pollution, and carbon emissions, with textile production contributing heavily to water contamination and microplastic pollution. Additionally, many fast fashion brands rely on exploitative labour practices, underpaying workers in unsafe conditions to keep costs low. The constant demand for new styles fuels overconsumption, leading to landfills overflowing with barely worn clothing and contributing to fabric mountains in developing countries that struggle to process the high levels of exported waste.
Each year, approximately 350,000 tonnes of clothing end up in UK landfills, despite much of it still being wearable and holding commercial value.
On an individual level, each British person discards an average of 3.1 kg of textiles annually, with 1.7 kg ending up in landfill.
Additionally, the UK fashion industry is responsible for approximately 1.14 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. With textile production requiring vast amounts of water, it takes around 18,000 litres to produce a single pair of jeans. These staggering statistics highlight the urgent need for change in the way we buy and dispose of clothing.
Thankfully, a shift towards sustainable fashion is emerging. More people are turning to platforms like Vinted and eBay, as well as second-hand and charity shops, to buy clothes responsibly. A 2022 survey found that four in ten UK consumers purchased second-hand goods, and one-third sold their used items, indicating a robust market for pre-owned fashion. The rising cost of living has influenced UK shoppers to adopt more sustainable habits, such as purchasing fewer items, seeking better quality, and exploring second-hand markets.
We want to continue this conversation and inspire action at the upcoming Chester Green Weekend. This event will celebrate innovative sustainable fashion designers who are making a difference. One of these is Oscar Munro, who founded OM after being inspired by a Stacey Dooley documentary about cotton’s environmental impact. His brand repurposes materials like sailcloth, recycled denim, and old seatbelts to create unique fashion items and bags.
Another trailblazer is Ben and Natalie, founders of BEPO, who are using sustainable outerwear to spark discussions about mental health. They’ve repurposed materials like unused ex-MOD parachutes, festival waste, and deadstock fabric to create a unique range of clothing. Their work with Liverpool One and the BBC helped turn discarded Eurovision banners into functional and stylish messenger bags, furthering the message of circular fashion.
We will also champion the re-worked creations by Alena Kudera, fashion designer and artists, who produces inventive & beautiful unisex fashion. (kudera.co.uk) Emma from Erosa Studios, looks to create size inclusive capsule wardrobe, that is timeless and well made. (erosastudios.com)
Not part of the Oh family but a long term stall holder with us. Corinne, the creator of The Tipsy Badger, a small ethical business dedicated to upcycling clothing into quirky bags and accessories. Corinne’s work is truly eco-conscious, as she sews everything on her narrowboat in Cheshire, powered by solar energy.
Alongside these incredible designers, we are promoting organisations such as Fashion Declares and Fashion Revolution. Fashion Declares brings together brands, retailers, and designers to champion sustainability and advocate for industry-wide change.
Fashion Revolution, founded after the tragic Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, has grown into the world’s largest fashion activism movement, mobilising citizens, brands, and policymakers to push for transparency and ethical practices in fashion.
As part of this year’s Alternative High Street, we aim to highlight all businesses reusing materials in innovative ways. We want more people to invest in durable clothing, repair their garments instead of discarding them, and learn essential mending skills.
We hope to close Chester Green Weekend with The Catwalk: Sustainable Fashion for Humans, a fashion showcase curated by oH Collective and The Yard Manchester. This event will demonstrate the beauty of sustainable fashion and inspire people to embrace circularity in their wardrobes.
To make this vision a reality, we need your support. We are currently fundraising to ensure this part of the event happens and encourage more people to rethink their fashion choices. Join us on May 7th at the BEPOXOH Pop-Up Shop on St Werburgh Street . This will be an ocpportunity to engage with key players in the region and discuss what needs to change in the fashion industry.
Together, we can make a difference. Choose sustainability. Choose the future of fashion.
Visit our Aviva Crowdfunder and select the appropriate reward. A donation of £40 doubled up by Aviva will make the show possible. CLICK HERE
