2021 is right around the corner and for me, the start of a new year is always a good time to reflect on the previous year, set intentions for the coming year, and also to make some educational commitments. A big part of this sustainable fashion journey is the ongoing learning about different perspectives and conversations that are happening in this space, so here are 20 movies, podcasts, books, youtubers, and blogs for you to consult this coming year.

Movies:

The Next Black: A Film About the Future of Clothing (2014)

Speaking about the future...this film provides an inside-look and analysis of the future of fashion.

This documentary brings together designers, innovators, and leaders around the globe for an open discussion on the concept of clothing. This 45-minute film asks questions about the steps that we need to take to ensure that our way of producing and maintaining clothing moves in a more sustainable direction.

Unravel (2012)

What happens to the clothes that we discard? What goes into the process of recycling textiles and converting them into fibers that we can once-again use?

“Unravel' follows the Western world’s least wanted clothes, on a journey across Northern India, from sea to industrial interior. They get sent to Panipat, a sleepy town and the only place in the world that wants them, recycling them back into yarn.

RiverBlue (2017)

The denim industry has gotten a lot of spotlight over its polluting practices over the years. This documentary dives more into the conversation and highlights specifically the impact that it is having on our water supply.

RiverBlue follows Mark Angelo on a three-year journey around the world as he uncovers and documents the pollution impacts of the global fashion industry on the world’s rivers.

Luxury: Behind the Mirror of High-End Fashion (2019)

High-End Fashion is not exempt from the damaging practices that we often associate with fast fashion.

A recent documentary that goes behind-the-scenes of some of the world’s most renowned luxury brands to expose a culture of exploitation and abuse.

Additional Mentions:

The True Cost (2015)

Easily accessible and frequently cited film. 

The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary that pulls back the curtain on an unseen part of our world and asks us each to consider, who pays the price for our clothing?

Surviving Progress (2011)

With so much of the conversation around sustainability falling on the industry and on corporations to really consider their impact on humanity, this film discusses the intersection of fashion and economics that we so frequently gloss over.

The documentary from 2011 focuses on the global contemporary economic progress and the damage that it has caused. It blames overconsumption and exploitation of natural resources for the environmental degradation and shows that a "business as usual" approach will risk the future of humankind and our environment. This is an excellent documentary for those who are interested in both economic theories and sustainability.

Podcasts

Conscious Chatter

One of the most well-known podcasts in this space. I personally really appreciated that Kestrel passed the mic to Dominique Drakeford for a mini, 5-episode series, titled The Root.

Conscious Chatter, a podcast about how “what we wear matters”, is hosted by US-based Kestrel Jenkins who uses her audio space to talk about the garment industry, the social and environmental issues surrounding it, and how we can spark change.

Pre-Loved Podcast

Pre-loved clothing deserves more shine in the sustainable fashion space and this podcast covers just that. 

Pre-Loved Podcast is a weekly interview show about rad vintage style with guests you’ll want to go thrifting with, hosted by Emily Stochl of the Brume & Daisy blog. They chat about style, running a fashion business, sustainability, slow fashion, the stories behind incredible vintage pieces, and why we choose second-hand things first. 

Love to Sew

Sewing and upcycling clothing have gotten more popular due to stay-at-home orders. This podcast covers everything that one might be interested in learning about this craft!

Hosts Helen and Caroline engage with the global sewing community and encourage listeners to create their dream wardrobe by sewing their own clothes! Guest interviews explore the online sewing world and running a small business in the slow fashion industry.

Wardrobe Crisis

Another extremely well-known podcast in this space. 

Wardrobe Criss interviews guests about fashion, culture, sustainability, ethics, activism, and the environment. 

Additional Mentions:

Green Dreamer

If you know anything about me at all, you’ll know that Green Dreamer is one of my favorite podcasts.

Green Dreamer is a podcast and multimedia journal exploring our paths to holistic healing, ecological regeneration, and true abundance and wellness “for all.”

Good Ancestor

Not strictly on sustainable fashion, but sustainability needs to be looked at through an intersectional lens.

Good Ancestor is lead by Layla F. Saad, and highlights an interview series with change-makers and culture-shapers exploring what it means to be a good ancestor.

Books

A Life Less Throwaway: The Lost Art of Buying for Life by Tara Button

Disposable culture and overconsumption are at the center of the current climate crisis that we’re facing. 

This book is a practical guide to the art of mindful buying that will teach you to resist cheaply made goods and make smart, fulfilling purchases that last a lifetime.

Slave to Fashion by Safia Minney

Modern slavery exists in the form of cheap labor.

Slave To Fashion is made up of interviews and micro-documentaries with the men, women and children caught up in slavery, making the clothes sold on our high streets, in Europe and the developing world.

Fixing Fashion by Michael Lavergne

This book explores the intersection of globalization, capitalism, and the fashion industry.

In Fixing Fashion, Michael Lavergne offers a rare insider view of how the globalized garment industry works and why worker rights abuses are so endemic to that industry.

To Die For. Is Fashion Wearing Out the World? By Lucy Siegle

A research-based and journalistic exploration of the fashion industry.

To Die for is an expose on the fashion industry written by the Observer's 'Ethical Living' columnist, examining the inhumane and environmentally devastating story behind the clothes we so casually buy and wear. Coming at a time when the global financial crisis and contracting of consumer spending is ushering in a new epoch for the fashion industry, To Die For offers a very plausible vision of how green could really be the new black.

Additional Mentions:

Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard

By the founder of Patagonia. Need I say more?

In his long-awaited memoir, Yvon Chouinard-legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.-shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. 

For an additional list of books about sustainable fashion, you can check out this list of 8 books! 

Blogs

Adimay by Aditi Mayer

1. I love her perspective as an intersectional environmentalist. 2. The photographs are consistently stunning. 3. The features about select small businesses are always really informative.

ADIMAY by Aditi Mayer explores the intersections between style, sustainability, and social justice. Frustrated with the lack of representation and intersectionality within the sustainability movement, ADIMAY became a space that looked at sustainability with an eye that was equally curious, curatorial, and critical. 

IndieGetUp

Largely features guides and lists for sustainable shopping. I love that IndieGetUp features unisex brands.

IndieGetup started with a purpose, connecting meaningful brands with conscious individuals. The idea for IndieGetup started when both co-founders, Max Mangs & Brandon Dendas aspired to start a clothing brand. As most young entrepreneurs begin their journey, they took to Google to discover & research the market.

Old World New by Addie Fisher

More of a lifestyle-heavy blog (vs a fashion-oriented one) but I appreciate the down-to-earth approach that Addie has towards her content.

I have always been creative, and I love making things that can help people all while maintaining the natural beauty of this world. Growing up, I always wanted to be an architect. Once I got to college I teeter-tottered between architecture and interior design, where I discovered and fell in love with learning more about the principles of sustainability. It started with sustainable building design and reuse, moved on to include sustainable fashion, and now the concepts of sustainability have infiltrated my entire life. I have pursued a more sustainable lifestyle ever since. Being sustainable is a journey, and I want to share my eco-friendly journey with you.

Style and Sustain by Amma

The photographs are S T U N N I N G. Amma’s blog highlights lists of small, sustainable businesses and addresess the mentality of living more mindfully.

Style and Sustain is a space to inspire fashion lovers like myself to turn to fair fashion. Find editorials, brands, and articles that will transform your wardrobe and preserve the planet. 

Additional Mentions:

Eco Warrior Princess

Originally by Jennifer Nini and now run by an entire team. They create so much content so if you have a question, you can likely find your answer there.

Founded in 2010 by Jennifer Nini a writer, activist, and certified organic farm owner, Eco Warrior Princess covers the topics that matter — environmental issues, conservation, sustainable fashion, conscious business, social justice, politics, feminism, eco beauty, wellness, green technology — in an analytical, intelligent and honest way – without any of the BS.

 Youtube

Jessica Harumi

A minimalist’s safe space! From lifestyle hacks to minimal styling tips, Jessica covers it all.

Atlanta-based fashion and lifestyle blogger. Building the perfect capsule wardrobe each season and finding the best wardrobe staples. I have a new video up every Wednesday & Sunday, new blog posts every Tuesday & Thursday and a new IGTV every Friday. Keep up with my day to day over on Insta @jessica.harumi and read my blog at https://www.jessicaharumi.com/

Aime Maggie 

Largely a lifestyle space, Aime addresses zero waste sustainable living and environmentalism from an intersectional perspective.

Hi, I share tips for helping people live sustainably without spending a ton of time or money. 

Jhánneu

More on low-waste living and minimalism! 

Hi there! I'm Jhánneu and I use social media to share my tips and tricks on how you can adopt a low waste lifestyle. On my channel, you will find all things low waste lifestyle, beauty, and fashion.

Tyler Chanel

For LA-specific, zero-waste, and thrifted lifestyle content, Tyler is the creator to follow!

I'm Tyler an ethical lifestyle blogger and model based in LA. I'm here to encourage you to give thrifting, sustainability, and your natural self a chance.

Additional Mentions:

Candice Tay!

Aesthetic vlogs and simple styling tips? Yes please!

Documenting my imperfect slow living journey. Sharing outfits and tips for a low waste lifestyle.

Who are some of your favorite creators in this space?

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