After a few weeks of shooting, today we have a day off because of the bad weather conditions. Since I can’t go home from Lanzarote to Gran Canaria only for one day, I thought it’s the best day to write a new blog post.

I still have some dated outfits from exactly one year ago. I took the pics during the lockdown in march 2020.

I wore an allegedly sustainably produced sweater from Stradivarius, which I still have and I love to wear it. But I always ask myself if fast fashion can be sustainable?

We will never know it 100%. But it seems to be that some of them get started to commit more in sustabablitity. The thing is they have to. So let’s hope they will keep it.

This is the reason why I did a little research and I found out that INDITEX is one of the biggest fast fashion companies, which includes Zara, Zara Home, Bull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Uterqüe and Lefties.

In the last few years they had to face justified a lot of criticism because of its bad working conditions and toxic substances in materials. But according to some recent media reports they chose to focus on the consequences and joined the initiative “Raodmap to Zero”, which was launched in 2011 by the brands Adidas, C&A, H&M, Li Ning, Nike and Puma.

I have read that INDITEX has set the following sustainability goals before 2025:

• Zero Waste from our facilities (headquarters, logistics and stores)

• 100% sustainable cellulosic fibers, supporting the Roadmap towards a responsible viscose

• 100% single-use plastic free to customers

• 100% of all packaging materials collected for reuse or recycling in our supply chain (Green to Pack)

• 80% of renewable energy in all our facilities (headquarters, logistics and stores)

• 100% sustainable cotton (organic, BCI and/or recycled cotton)

• 100% recycled polyester / 100% sustainable linen

That actually sounds pretty great and I believe this is a great sign that brands are listening. Let’s see if they will keep it.

Anyhow, we should still keep 5 basic steps to shop responsibly, which I have often encouraged you to use them when you go shopping.

1. Think if you really need it. Do you see yourself wearing it at least 30 times?

2. Check if you can shop it second hand or borrow/buy from a friend

3. Shop smart. Can you combine it with various items that you already have in you closet.

4. Choose a responsible brand if available to you and if it suits your style and budget

5. If you go to a fast fashion store, look at the label. Where was the piece made? Does this country provide fair working conditions? What fabric is it made of? Is it natural?. If the fabric is a mix of different components, you should know that it cannot be recycled.

How do you shop responsibly? Do you think that there is an ethical way to shop fast fashion brands?  Let me know your opinion in the comments below!

I combined that sweater with a borrowed checked button-down shirt from a wardrobe-rental, a pair of denim in mum cut which I already own and my all time favorite Vans, which I have for years now.

I wish you all a lovely evening and I hope I could help you to pay a little bit more attention of what we buy when it come to shopping. After all, sustainability starts with awareness and mindfulness. We don't need and can't always live a completely perfect sustainable life. But we can at least try to start and to get better from time to time.

All the best,

Katy!

Styling and pics by LOOK2 Ocean