Four Influencers to Follow if you want to Learn more about Fast Fashion and Sustainability
By Katherine Dawson
1. Kate Galvin
Known for her humorous Tik Toks and astute wellness podcast What the F*ck is Sea Moss, Kate Galvin is a budding political and climate influencer. On her Tik Tok and Instagram, Galvin shares sustainable clothing brands, political insight, and educational resources on climate change. Browsing through her highlights, one might find infographics on the food industry's impact on greenhouse gas emissions, information on environmental racism, or her preferred book on Environmental Law. My favorite aspect of Kate’s activism is her clear assertion that individuals are not responsible for climate change. Rather, she places the moral obligation of change on corporations and governments. While Galvin may promote a green lifestyle, she provides several texts highlighting the distinctions between ethical consumption and consumer activism, creating a nuanced and intersectional discussion around what the consumer can and should do to prevent further climate damage. Her podcast, which she runs with her best friend, is equally engaging. What the F*ck is Sea Moss analyzes the wellness industry through a critical lens. Though wellness junkies themselves, Kate and Emma tackle topics such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, eating disorders, and hormone cycling. For the sustainable-minded among us, I recommend listening to the episodes “Food on a Warming Planet,” “Food + Climate Change,” and “Fish + Climate Change.”
2. Venetia La Manna
Venetia was one of the first influencers to introduce me to the perils of fast fashion. This London native works tirelessly to educate her audience on the reprehensible actions of fashion brands such as Shien, H&M, and Boohoo. Her focus extends beyond the environmental impact of fashion. La Manna often campaigns on behalf of workers, who face harsh conditions and diminutive salaries. She advocates specifically for women who bear the brunt of this inhumane labor. In her Instagram captions, Venetia often subverts our views of conventionally ethical actions. In a recent post, the blogger discussed the importance of unlearning our positive association with donating clothing, pointing out that a good portion of donated clothes ends up in landfills. How then can a person reduce their impact? Thrifting is perhaps a sustainable choice. And borrowing clothing from friends in another green option. However, Venetia reminds us that the most sustainable garments are the ones we already own. In another Instagram caption, La Manna informs her audience that the average lifespan of an article of clothing is approximately three years. Wearing “last seasons” dress for another nine months can reduce its impact by over 20%. Other noteworthy takeaways from Venetia’s Instagram include #oootd (Old Outfit of the Day) and #offline48 (Venetia’s pledge to switch her phone off every weekend, one she encourages others to follow).
3. Vanessa Nakate
Vanessa sits firmly on the activist end of the influencer-activist spectrum. A Ugandan native, Nakate founded the Rise up Climate Movement to amplify African voices within the environmental discourse. Throughout her career, she has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of Congo’s rainforest. Additionally, she is a staunch advocate against the fossil fuel industry, promoting the phrase "we cannot eat coal." Recently, Nakate graced the cover of Time Magazine, where she demanded climate justice for Africa. The activist is the recently published author of A Bigger Picture. A Bigger Picture truly encapsulates Nakate’s spirit and message of promoting stories of people of color from the Global South. She notes that these activists are on the front line but not on the front page. The young Ugandan has made it her mission to hold governments accountable and disseminate an intersectional perspective on sustainable activism. Her voice is not one to be overlooked. Follow her on Instagram to get updates on protests or grab her new book A Bigger Picture.
4. Kristen Leo
Kristen Leo has been posting YouTube videos critiquing the fashion industry for over five years. Along with her ethereal Instagram and informative blog, Leo’s videos convey her passion for ethical living through an analysis of activism in fashion or her several thrift hauls. Leo is careful to incorporate nuance into her scrutiny, educating viewers on the classism intertwined with various sustainability movements. In her video “5 Easy Tips to Live more Sustainably,” the influencer notes that the most impactful way to reduce our individual impact is to turn towards a plant-based diet. Leo reminds viewers that a vegan diet is not accessible to everyone for reasons including mental health, age, and cultural traditions. Instead, she suggests reduction. Better for millions to practice sustainable living imperfectly than for a few to practice perfectly. Additionally, her videos provide abundant evidence and resources to support her claims, making it easy for her viewers to continue their research. Leo takes a firmly ‘anticapitalistic’ approach to activism and environmentalism. This stance is one we should all familiarize ourselves with regardless of personal opinions. Though perhaps controversial, it is a necessary (and lacking) perspective in both influencing and sustainable activism.