Leah Thomas is an environmentalist writer and creator based in Ventura, CA. She is the founder of eco-lifestyle blog Green Girl Leah and The Intersectional Environmentalist Platform, a resource hub that aims to advocate for environmental justice and inclusivity. Despite all her accomplishments, she believes that there is no such thing as the perfect sustainability activist. She explains to us why a communal effort between individuals, corporations, and governments is key.
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● CAPITALISM IS INHERENTLY EXPLOITATIVE

"Affordability and access play huge roles in what sustainability looks like in practice, and that differs from person to person."
"But in a capitalistic society that exploits both people and the planet, this is hardly surprising."
● NOT ALL SUSTAINABLE COMPANIES ARE ETHICAL COMPANIES

"I used to work at Patagonia HQ, a pillar of sustainable fashion, and even in that space, I realized that what “sustainable fashion” means differs from person to person. Some people narrow in on materials and fibers, others on shipping emissions, and others prioritize the overall health and wellbeing of their employees and diverse workforces. Some of the most “sustainable” companies are unfortunately grappling with racist pasts and poor internal treatment of workers — even if the supply chain is “ethical,” their own offices are not."
● CHANGE IS COMMUNAL

"I believe in working towards accountability versus cancel culture: If brands like H&M or Zara want to explore conscious lines, is there a redemption story there? Is there an internal team that’s trying to infiltrate the system from within, fighting an uphill battle to change? This isn’t to absolve corporations of guilt; I am a firm supporter of sustainable and ethical manufacturing. However, I want to hold space for both individuals and corporations to evolve. Shaming anyone for being imperfect in their activism is no way to move this conversation forward."
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PHOTO CREDITS: @allbirds@markgriffinchampion, and @cherthismoment, all via @greengirlleah
This piece originally appears in The Highsnobiety Better Earth Manual, a guide for style enthusiasts in the age of ecological crisis — a crisis caused in part by the fashion industry itself. Here, you’ll find a growing set of resources about conscious consumption and the pioneers who are making a change in our industry.
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● WE'RE MAKING MOVES TO STOCK SUSTAINABLE BRANDS
If you could encapsulate STORY mfg. brand one word, it would be "natural." The label only uses biodegradable natural materials, and any offcuts will either be repurposed to become new items, used as tags on clothing, or get turned into nutrient-rich fertilizer. In addition, the buttons on each piece are made from nuts, and the clothing is packaged in biodegradable cornstarch, while the brand’s production facilities are almost entirely powered by renewable energy.
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