Written By: Anke Bezuidenhout

The fashion industry is one of the world’s most polluting industries. The problem is often described as three-fold in that current fast fashion is neither environmentally sustainable, ethical for workers or animal friendly. This is such an overwhelming issue to face head on, and though it might feel hopeless, every effort helps. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite podcasts to help you learn how you too can make a difference.

1. Wardrobe Crisis
   Hosted by Australian Vogue’s sustainability editor Clare Press, and named after her second book, Wardrobe Crisis is a must for your podcast library. As an advocate for circular economy, sustainable and ethical fashion, Clare dedicates this platform to exploring the real issues in the fashion industry. She lends an engaging and informative perspective on consumerism, activism and identity.

2. Fashion: No Filter
   If you want a unique perspective on how the fashion industry operates, this is the podcast for you. Fashion journalists Camille Charriere and Monica Ainley take you behind the scenes with industry insiders view on a range of topics including social media, ethical fashion and feminism. We love their episode Eco Warriors which is a culmination of ideas from activists, experts and authors on how the industry can improve.

3. American Fashion Podcast
   Veterans of the fashion industry Charles Beckwith and Cathy Schepis host the long-form interviews that compose this podcast. Here they explore all realms of the fashion industry, from design to making to selling with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Two episodes that we love and believe embody the two focuses of this podcast are episodes 206 and 190. The former is a hopeful and fascinating account of how the brand Rothys is spearheading innovation within the industry by weaving shoes from recycled plastic water bottles. The latter, is a more solemn discussion around corporate social responsibility and one overseas factory inspectors experience in China and Bangladesh.

4. Conscious Chatter
   Kestrel Jenkins is passionate about two things; social responsibility and fashion. Conscious Chatter is the marriage of these two passions, a platform which assures you that you can be fashionable without sacrificing your values. Tune in to this podcast if you want to consider the meaning and impact of what you wear and how you can play a part in enacting positive change in the industry. We love how this podcast offers its listeners practical advice on all things sustainability as well as offering pioneers of ethical fashion a platform to voice their story. Check out our favourite episodes below to get you started.

• Episode 136: The Minimalist Wardrobe
• Episode 129: The Garment Worker Center + One Woman’s Story
• Episode 85: The Good Trade + Social Good
• Episode 54: Good On You + Apps For Consumer Action

5. Pre-Loved Podcast
   If you’re new to ethical and sustainable fashion Pre-Loved podcast has got you covered. Emily Stochl chats all things fashion and sustainability with an emphasis on shopping pre-loved goods. The conversations here are light and hopeful as guests share their love for vintage and second hand clothing, discuss their favourite pieces and how they source creative inspiration. Episode 4 with Annete Vartanian is a great one to check out if you’re new to shopping pre-loved goods and wanted to learn how you can incorporate vintage pieces into your own modern personal style.

6. Conscious Style Podcast

What will it really take to create a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion? Each week, host Elizabeth Joy interviews fashion changemakers — from labor activists to slow fashion entrepreneurs — to explore this very question. Hear about topics like greenwashing, garment worker rights, consumer psychology, secondhand fashion, making the most of your closet, and more.