Earth-Kind Reads for a More Sustainable 2023

If you love a good book and are keen to build on what you may already know about ethical-friendly fashion, the good news is there are some seriously brilliant and hugely informative titles out there to help you on your journey.

We’ve picked out a few fantastic reads we think you’ll enjoy dipping into whenever you get a spare moment to get you falling even more in love with conscious fashion. We’ve also included some television watches and an audible book just in case you’d rather get your info that way. Take a look…

1. How To Break Up With Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo

Subtitled “A guilt-free guide to changing the way you shop - for good”, London-based journalist Lauren Bravo’s book (published in 2020) will hopefully help you to shop a little more considerately and sustainably as well as to fall back in love with the wardrobe you already have. She’ll talk you through charity shopping, too, plus how to choose your “good luck dress” and lots more. Intrigued? Check it out.

2. Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went from Sunday Best to Fast Fashion by Clare Press

When it comes to insider knowledge from the world of fashion, Clare Press definitely has more of it than most. Having spent many years as a journalist in the business, with articles published by Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, The Australian, the Sydney Morning Herald and The New York Times Magazine, Press uses her knowledge to explore the fashion eco-system from haute couture to sweatshops, and offers a persuasive argument for a major revolution in the industry - as well as helping the reader to find simple ways to feel good about their wardrobe again.

3. Loved Clothes Last by Orsola de Castro

This book is a great read if you’re looking for super-practical guidance to get you repairing and re-wearing your clothes. It also has some really good ideas for how to make your outfits last longer (think darning, hand-washing, spot cleaning and air drying). Get inspired and have your sewing box handy…

4. The True Cost

Watch on Amazon prime (rent for £3.49)

If you’d rather watch a documentary than read a book, “The True Cost” is one that’s definitely worth a look. Author and climate justice activist Mikaela Loach wrote her first book, “It’s Not That Radical”(due out in April 2023) partially inspired by seeing this doc which, when it came out in 2015, seriously rocked the fashion world. It explores how the desire for fast fashion is negatively impacting the planet in ways many of us may not even have considered. While it may not be a new release, it’s definitely a powerful one.

5. SLAY

This documentary - by the makers of “Cowspiracy” and “What The Health” - looks specifically at the animal skins trade industry, with filmmaker Rebecca Cappelli travelling around the world to uncover some of the darker sides of the business. It brings up mislabelling, animal cruelty and cover-ups. Not an easy watch, but an important one if this is a topic close to your heart.

6. The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth C. Cline

We love the subtitle of this book (read aloud by the author on audible): “The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good”. Cline is a clothes resale expert, fully qualified to offer super-helpful guidance on creating a sustainable wardrobe and where to shop if you want to make purchases that are kinder to the planet. A style guide and a call to action in one - this book will hopefully inspire you to make choices that better serve the beautiful world we live in and the creatures we share it with.