Taking small steps together is the only way we’ll see big changes in the sustainability sphere, and the Conscience Collective is leading the way.
Not only is the initiative raising awareness of climate and social injustice, but it also gives a platform to ethical and PoC-owned activewear and lifestyle brands.
Their co-founder, Caitlin Talbot, said: “We felt it was crucial to tackle social and environmental issues together, given its heightened impact on women and people of colour.
“We’ve created a community of like-minded individuals across the world, acting as a group to tackle issues that matter.
“As a collective we can act in good conscience to challenge injustice and disrupt the unethical actions of multinational fast fashion companies.”
The five leading ladies believe an intersectional approach is the key to justice.
From giving visibility to those standing up to systemic inequality in Myanmar, to garment workers who are subject to exploitation and gender-based violence in Cambodia, they want the critical role of women across the globe to be known.
“We aim to renew thinking and by using fresh perspectives, we hope to increase the possibility of changing how we think and act,” said Caitlin.
The team collaborate with female entrepreneurs and activists from India, Australia, and the United States to ensure their work is seen and felt as far and wide as possible.
The 22-year-old co-founder added: “We are building a community across continents. This is not a national project, nor do we believe it ever could be.”
Their core message is buying less and buying well. Even if you’re faced with the most sustainable product, refraining from the purchase, and using something you already own is the best decision you can make.
Moving forward, the collective believes systemic change is needed to achieve a circular textile economy, which reduces waste and keeps products in use for as long as possible.
“We shouldn’t underestimate our power to push for these changes. Women are fashion’s primary consumers, meaning we have real buying power.
“Companies have to respond when we collectively choose to raise issues that matter to us and vote with our money. Through simple lifestyle shifts, we can demand meaningful corporate and policy action.
“Our mission is to encourage individual action and stop buying from fast fashion brands that contribute to the climate disaster and exploit the labour of women in low wage economies,” says Caitlin.
Although the initiative was only founded in 2020, their community now consists of 20 ethical brands and 1,500 conscious consumers.
The team will continue to offer their companies the support they need to set benchmarks for industry-wide improvements.
You can visit the Conscience Collective here.