In October 2018 I decided to quit fast fashion. That year I placed 12 orders on ASOS, and in 2019 I placed just two: one order to try something on, the other to use up my vouchers. And I’m not even going there with my regular trips to Zara, Mango, Topshop, H&M, & Other Stories, … Continue reading
Author Archives: Katie Poole
Vintage shopping secrets
Let’s talk about vintage shopping “secrets”. Lately several of you have asked for my vintage shopping secrets to finding the “best” items. And I’m really sorry to say: I have none. I wish I did, but I don’t! Instead what I do have is an interest in vintage items, access to online marketplaces, access to … Continue reading
Making coffee runs more sustainable
If like me you love your morning (and mid-morning, and mid-afternoon) coffee you’ll likely have noticed the increase in cafes offering single-use compostable cups for takeaway. And if you’re like me you thought: “This is awesome! Finally a guilt-free way to enjoy coffee on the go when I forget my re-usable cup!” But wait right … Continue reading
Saving time, money and CO2 emissions travelling by train
Holiday incoming! I’ve always wanted to travel around Europe by rail, and on 29th February we set of for that adventure! But how did it measure up in terms of time, money and CO2 compared to a plane holiday? Continue reading
Sustainability isn’t one size fits all
Sustainability isn’t one size fits all. We all live different lives, in different places, with different levels of access, different finances, different needs and different responsibilities. What works and is realistic for one person could be totally unrealistic for another. Continue reading
Plastic vs cotton tote bags
Sometimes our assumptions about what is environmentally friendly don’t always stand up to scrutiny. For example, plastic and re-usable bags. Continue reading
Wear what you love
Apparently flute sleeves and cold shoulders are out, peasant tops and tiered skirts are in. And as much as I like trends, I like this top more. So I’m going to keep wearing it. This fast fashion top from 2017 is not something I’d buy again for so many reasons (blended fibres so can’t be … Continue reading
Rewearing what we own is the most sustainable option
Another day, another old outfit. This dress is from Topshop 2017, which is a brand I stopped shopping with because of the sexual assault and racist accusations made against Philip Green. Vote with your wallet, right? And while I put this dress away for a while, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve already got … Continue reading
Not buying new for holidays
Last summer, for the first time in my adult life, I bought no new clothing or accessories for a weeklong holiday in Spain. In the past, shopping for my holiday was almost as fun as being on the holiday. This meant new clothes, new accessories and new shoes. And I’m not alone here: in the … Continue reading
Water is our most valuable resource
Water is our most valuable resource, and water scarcity already affects every continent. (UN Water) In 2017 South Africa experienced a water crisis so severe the government announced “day zero” was coming – the day the water levels would be so low that the taps would be turned off. Today England is facing water shortage … Continue reading