The link between our fashion choices and the well-being of our oceans is often underestimated. Each year the fashion industry produces 100 billion garments with 92 million tonnes ending up in landfill. In light of Earth Day and this year’s theme ‘Planet vs. Plastics’, we spoke to our brand ambassador Anna Bunney, who works for ORCA, one of the UK’s leading whale and dolphin conservation charities.
More than 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone with 71% of oceanic sharks facing the threat of extinction due to the impact of overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change, a situation that demands our attention.
"Something I get asked every day is; what can I do to help the oceans? It only seemed fitting to write something on Earth Day…"
What is fast fashion?
"In a nutshell, fast fashion outlets produce thousands of garments at a rapid pace, with a huge carbon footprint. These items have a short life-span, often ending up in landfill very soon after they were produced. It’s estimated that washing synthetic clothes releases 500,000 tons of microplastics into the ocean each year - that’s the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles!"
How does this impact ocean wildlife?
"Plastic is detrimental to all wildlife in the world’s ocean. Not only can animals get entangled in large pieces of plastic, meaning they can suffocate and can’t swim or feed effectively, but plastic the size of a grain of sand all the way up to large items like yoghurt pots and plastics bags, can be ingested by animals, who mistake it for food."
How can your wardrobe affect the planet in a positive way?
"As said by Anna Lappe, 'Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want'. Every time you choose to rent, buy second hand, or choose a more sustainable choice you really are making a difference."
Live Whale and Dolphin Sightings, ORCA UK
So how did a conservationist get involved with By Rotation?
"Good question! I have always loved fashion, and if you look at my By Rotation profile you’ll find colourful pieces full of texture! I discovered By Rotation in 2022, where I had made a New Year’s Resolution to cut down on my fashion consumption.
So I bought a Needle and Thread dress for £100 for a wedding I was attending that year. That one dress has made over £800 in two summers and it really was the catalyst of my By Rotation journey!"
What have you learnt through By Rotation?
"Through By Rotation, I have learnt so much about sustainable fashion, researching the companies that I purchase from, the materials that clothes are made from (trying to choose natural materials or clothes made out of recycled plastic, that would otherwise have ended up in landfill) and overall focusing on quality over quantity."
If you want to try renting for the first time in 2024, use ANNA15 for 15% off your first rental.
Head to the app to book your next rental now & read more about Earth Day here.
