Our latest Australian Ethical Consumer Report made one thing clear: Aussies are engaging with ethical consumption resources like never before, with 43% checking out content like scorecards, articles or podcasts at least fortnightly.
With plenty of great resources out there and lots of ways to interact with them, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are some of our favourites. Bookmark this as your springboard into ethical fashion and sustainable consumption resources!
Read:
- Wardrobe Crisis, how we went from Sunday best to fast fashion by Clare Press
Clare explores the history and ethics behind what we wear and presents a witty, persuasive argument for a fashion revolution. We also highly recommend her other two books, Rise & Resist and Wear Next. - Consumed, the need for collective change: colonialism, climate change, and consumerism by Aja Barber
In her conversational and personal style, Aja Barber helps readers learn about the endemic injustices in the textile industry and its history, and unlearn the internalised narratives behind why we consume the way we do. - Unraveled by Maxine Bedat
Bedat follows the life of a pair of jeans to reveal what really happens to give us our clothes, and in the process, tells the story of the global economy and our role in it. - Loved Clothes Last, how the joy of rewearing and repairing your clothes can become a revolutionary act by Orsola de Castro
This book equips you to mend, rewear and breathe life into your wardrobe, and scrutinise your shopping habits to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. - Sundressed by Lucianne Tonti
Tonti affirms that you can be well-dressed in clothes that reflect your values. She advocates for a future in fashion filled with beautiful clothes made from natural fabrics that can support rural communities and regenerate landscapes. - The Conscious Closet, the revolutionary guide to looking good while doing good by Elizabeth Cline
Drawing from her expertise, research and personal experience moving away from fast fashion, Cline provides readers with everything they need to build a sustainable, safe, beautiful and mindful wardrobe. - Bonus: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, how to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world by John-Mark Comer
Though not about fashion or ethical consumption, Comer’s book is a breath of fresh air in the fast pace of modern life, encouraging rest, contentment, quiet and slowing down.
Watch:
- True Cost
This 2015 documentary, directed by Andrew Morgan, sheds light on fast fashion and the garment industry’s impact—from low wages for workers to pesticide contamination and river pollution.
- The War on Waste
Aussie public advocate and comedian, Craig Ruecassel, explores Australia’s waste crisis, empowering everyday families with actionable solutions to be a part of the war on waste. This is definitely one to watch with the family!
- Fashion Reimagined
Fashion designer Amy Powney takes the audience along on her journey to transform her entire fashion business to be a sustainable collection, from field to finished garment.
- The Shein Machine
Watch Iman Amrani investigate the incredibly successful and secretive business of Shein, bringing its ethical and environmental impacts into question.
- River Blue
In this documentary, conservationist Mark Angelo highlights the destruction of some of the world’s most vital rivers through textile manufacturing, and demands significant change from fashion brands.
Listen:
- Wardrobe Crisis
Clare Press has non-judgemental and solutions-focused conversations about the future of fashion, fair treatment of garment workers, and environmental stewardship. Guests range from supermodels, activists and economists to our very own Advocacy Manager, Sarah Knop (check out her episode here).
- Conscious Style
Join co-hosts Elizabeth Joy and Stella Hertanyo as they explore what it will take to cultivate a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion. Their conversations range from greenwashing to slow fashion and dressing for your best self.
- Dressed: The History of Fashion
Fashion historians April Calahan and Cassidy Zachary explore the who, what, where and why of fashion throughout history around the world.
- Pre-Loved Podcast
Host Emma Stochl chats with guests about vintage style, thrifting, mending and lots more.
- Critical Fashion Studies
Tune into this interview series to hear Australian fashion experts explore how sustainability and diversity are shaping our local fashion industry.
- Clotheshorse
Host Amanda Lee McCarty takes to decoding the fashion and retail industries in the longform conversations that cover topics like consumerism, workers rights, and capitalism gone awry.
- Conscious Chatter
Conscious Chatter is all about intentional fashion, and understanding the meaning and potential impact connected to what we wear. Host Kestrel Jenkins has created a place to learn about the fashion industry and the part we can play in positive change.
Learn:
- Ethical Fashion Guide
As one of Australia’s leading publications on ethical fashion, Baptist World Aid’s Ethical Fashion Guide helps consumers make better choices based on thorough data from 120 companies representing more than 500 brands.
- Australian Ethical Consumer Report
Read the latest Australian Ethical Consumer Report to find out what Australians believe about modern slavery, sustainability and ethical fashion, and how committed they are to acting on these values.
- Garment Production Country Guide, Fibre Guide and Certifications Guide
Learn more about some of the textile industry’s most common producing countries, fibres use, and certifications to understand some of the ethical and sustainable meaning behind the tags.
- Chocolate Scorecard
Use this Be Slavery Free resource to see how some of your favourite chocolate brands perform when it comes to producing chocolate that is free of child labour, poverty, deforestation and is good for people and the planet on this Be Slavery Free resource.
- RecycleMate
This app and website helps you recycle anywhere in Australia by searching products or taking photos. It gives you advice specific to your location!
Scroll:
- @Everyday_Slavery
Run by antislavery researcher and practitioner, Kyla Raby, Everyday Slavery raises awareness of modern slavery in Australia.
- @clotheshorsepodcast
Similar to the podcast of the same name, Clotheshorse’s Instagram account embraces the slow fashion movement and covers topics like consumerism, workers’ rights, and capitalism gone awry.
- @ellenmacarthurfoundation
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works with business, government and academia to build a framework for a circular economy.
- @ecoage
Eco-Age is a global agency that helps companies create sustainability solutions, focusing on the circular economy.
- @beslaveryfree
Be Slavery Free works with businesses, governments and global citizens to address modern slavery, and raise awareness about its prevalence in the world today.
- @baptistworldaid
Check out our socials for engaging stories of justice, ethical fashion and transformative community development.
- @betterworld.yth
Better World Youth is the page for youth living for God’s better world.
Act:
- Speak out
Use our Speak Out to Brands tool to let them know you care about workers and the planet, and challenge them to do better.
- Host a Clothes Swap
Have fun while doing your part to reduce clothing waste by swapping wardrobes with your family and friends!
- Reduce your consumption
Buying more than you need? There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount you consume, and encourage sustainability in your household.
- Talk to a friend
Want to have meaningful conversations with friends and family about ethical consumption? We have some tips to help you get started.
- Write to your local MP
Let your local member of Parliament know your concerns about modern slavery, the impact of overconsumption and waste, and advocate for systemic change.
