Sustainable Summer 2025: Voices From The Conscious Community
A series of interviews exploring how people are navigating Summer 2025 with purpose and creativity.
With faster trends and rising temperatures, this summer is shaping up to be one rooted in intention, not impulse. I wanted to dive into what real sustainable living looks like in 2025, so I reached out to nine conscious creators across fashion and lifestyle spaces. They shared how they're approaching this summer with mindfulness, originality, and purpose.
A Dash of Fashion
Amy, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
My fashion page started during lockdown as a creative outlet and to express my love for fashion, immersing myself in trends and fast fashion hauls.
That changed when someone messaged me, “This isn’t sustainable." I realised I was overconsuming and chasing trends. Since then, I’ve shifted to buying fewer, longer-lasting pieces. Now, I use my platform to promote imperfect sustainability. It’s not low-income shoppers driving the problem, but the corporations. Creators like me help spark change by encouraging thoughtful consumption.
How are you approaching summer differently this year regarding fast fashion and conscious consumption?
Not. Falling. For. Trends!!! Fashion is about individual expression, layering, decorating yourself, and choosing fewer pieces that spark that childish joy, as opposed to over-consuming, trying to keep up with trends for the summer season. My style is super eclectic and random. One day I’m looking like Sporty Spice, then someone’s grandad, and the next like a country girl fairy frolicking in the fields.
Is there a sustainable fashion brand or piece you're obsessed with this season? Why should more people know about it?
Molby the Label! An amazing, sustainable, female-run brand led by the wonderful Karina Molby. Their pieces are handmade with love and are in limited drops. My new favourite Molby outfit is a gorgeous blue gingham matching top and skirt with a pop of red.
Additionally, most of my wardrobe comes from Damson Madder, where more than 80% of their products' fibres are responsibly sourced and 100% are free from harmful chemicals.
Estie Joy
Estie, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
At school, I learned about exploitative labor in garment production and was shocked to discover most brands were implicated. Defeated, I continued shopping, unknowingly leaning toward sustainability due to budget constraints.
Since 2015, I’ve used tools like Good On You to find ethical brands, and by 2019, I committed fully to buying only items that met fair labour, sustainability, and longevity standards. Today, I’m a dedicated charity shopper, sharing my choices to show that doing better is possible.
How are you approaching summer differently this year regarding fast fashion and conscious consumption?
Resisting consumption this summer will be hard, as I've gone up a dress size, which always makes me feel like I need new things!
To tackle this, I am trying on everything and making a catalogue of items, selling on Vinted, charity shopping, and adding pieces that bring me joy.
Lastly, being kind and building myself up, as nothing makes me want to consume more than feeling bad about myself.
In what ways do you think living a sustainable lifestyle has supported your mental health or impacted your sense of identity?
Living out of line with my values left me with a sense of mental pressure and disunity with my deepest self, what psychology calls 'cognitive dissonance'. Now, by supporting sustainable brands and shopping second-hand, I feel more at peace.
Signing petitions, writing to MPs, protesting, making conscious choices, and getting involved when I have the energy. Loving the world feels like a part of loving myself.
Josie Barnes
Josie, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
I got into second-hand fashion young, thanks to my dad.
He’d buy and sell furniture, often sneaking pieces into the house so no one would notice. Growing up in post-WWII Lancing, he developed a love for their history and always hoped to turn a small profit.
One day, I’d love to open a shop with my dad, selling antiques and 90s–2000s clothing. It's been his dream, and I’d love to help make it happen.
Is there a sustainable fashion brand or piece you're obsessed with this season? Why should more people know about it?
The Damson Madder viral jeans! The quality is incredible, so I understand the hype. I love Scarlett Elizabeth for super comfy nightwear and Buttercup for their cute, ethically made underwear sets.
Also, I recommend Bailey Goldberg and Gbuck's work, it seems original and carefully crafted, making it feel unique and worth investing in.
In what ways do you think living a sustainable lifestyle has supported your mental health or impacted your sense of identity?
Online and in-person sales have helped me build a following and shape a potential sustainable brand. I've attended markets and plan to do a live What Not sale for people to tune in to save the clothes from landfills.
I’ve struggled with self-esteem, but sharing fashion and photography during lockdown helped me grow confidence. My Instagram became a creative outlet and a form of exposure therapy. And while being a sustainable creator has its ups and downs, the community makes it all worth it.
Liz Kombaté
Liz, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
My journey into ethical fashion began over 10 years ago during a geography class where I first learned about the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, where 1,134 garment workers lost their lives. Realizing that many of my favorite high street brands were involved made me feel complicit. While I didn’t directly pivot to sustainable and second-hand fashion until 2020, I’m so glad I finally did!
How are you approaching summer differently this year regarding fast fashion and conscious consumption?
Early in my ethical fashion journey, I was still overconsuming, justifying it because the pieces came from Vinted, Depop, or charity shops. Over time, I’ve improved on seasonal wardrobe audits whilst concentrating on what I truly need. This summer, my focus is a specific, select list.
Is there a sustainable fashion brand or piece you’re obsessed with this season? Why should more people know about it?
I have been working at the Well Worn slow fashion pop-up and own one of their yellow Luna blouses with strawberries dotted all over. To me, this is the perfect summer print! The blouse is made using 100% cotton dead stock, so not only is it super sustainable, it’s breathable, and I will be wearing it all summer long!
Millie | Sustainable living
Millie, what inspired you to live more sustainably, and how has that journey evolved over time?
Before COVID, I noticed how cheap and accessible things were getting. It was initially great until I realised the clutter and frequent sort-outs.
It clicked. These low-quality, cheap items were going straight into landfills because we were following trends and not buying things to last. I then decided to go to university to study Environmental Biology, which opened my eyes to other sectors like air pollution, microplastics from fast fashion, transport methods, etc.
What’s one sustainable mindset, habit, or choice you’re carrying into summer 2025? And why does it matter to you personally?
Recycling soft plastics in my local supermarkets. I save the packaging from previously purchased fruit and veg outings and recycle it next time I shop. It is a great way to be mindful. In my family home, we never did this, but now that I live independently, I have taken up this habit and feel so much better!
In what ways do you think living a sustainable lifestyle has supported your mental health or impacted your sense of identity?
Being more sustainable has impacted my mental health in a positive light. I feel more wholesome and aware of my surroundings.
I feel grateful and proud that I am positively impacting the environment; there’s always more you can do, so it keeps you on your toes and eager to continue to learn and listen.
Laila
Laila, what inspired you to live more sustainably, and how has that journey evolved over time?
My parents were my first inspiration. My mum taught me to mend clothes and shop second-hand, while my dad showed me how to grow food, forage, take care of animals, and reuse materials creatively. He always found an alternative to pesticides and would repurpose old bits of wood! When I moved in with my now-husband, I carried these values into our home and started an Instagram account to document our sustainable swaps, stay accountable and inspire others.
What simple swaps or habits would you recommend for someone wanting to live more sustainably this summer?
Carry a reusable bottle, explore second-hand shopping platforms online or charity shops, try colder showers in the warmer months to conserve energy, add dandelion leaves to your salad from clean and pesticide-free areas, and if you're abroad, avoid activities or experiences involving animals!
How do you weave sustainability into your lifestyle during the summer, especially when things can feel more fast-paced or disposable?
One way I incorporate sustainability is by unsubscribing from brand marketing emails, which has significantly reduced impulse buying and falling for tempting deals.
I'm also mindful of greenwashing! It’s frustrating to see products like non-recyclable refill pouches marketed as sustainable to follow trends. Doing the research helps spot these tactics and avoid them. Trust your instincts, they're usually right!
POPPYELLA OAKEY | eco fashion
Poppyella, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
During furlough, I stumbled across thrifting content online and began to understand the true impact of the fashion industry. I was shocked by big names getting away with environmental and ethical issues, which pushed me to create an Instagram account to learn more and contribute to change.
Since then, my approach to fashion has transformed and is still evolving! I focus on conscious habits like re-wearing my wardrobe and only buying pieces I truly love, avoiding micro trends and staying true to my personal style.
How are you approaching summer differently this year regarding fast fashion and conscious consumption?
Due to the ever-changing female body, I needed a few new pieces for the warmer season in a size up. Instead of impulse buying or falling for ads, I finally treated myself to my dream swimsuit. I also did a full wardrobe review. Pulling everything out, identifying real gaps, and making a list. My biggest personal challenge has been avoiding spontaneous, low-quality buys - something I’m still working on!
Is there a sustainable fashion brand or piece you're obsessed with this season? Why should more people know about it?
My good friend Evie of Daines Atelier makes the best skirts. I am not a mini skirt kind of gal, but with an amazing front panel that holds everything in just correctly, I am swayed. Her clothing is deadstock/second-hand/vintage and made in the UK. Can’t get much better than that!
Felix | Sustainable Fashion Blogger
Felix, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
Overconsumption and how consumer behavior changes! Because I work in fashion, sustainable fashion feels closer to me, so I have more confidence to speak about it.
I also don’t have a fixed style. But, not buying more helps me express my creativity in re-wearing and repeating my clothes.
Is there a sustainable fashion brand or piece you're obsessed with this season? Why should more people know about it?
It’s an American brand called SUAY based in L.A. They are a vertical sewing and production shop, which means they produce their products by themselves, sourcing materials from waste and then designing and making them into a product to sell.
In what ways do you think living a sustainable lifestyle has supported your mental health or impacted your sense of identity?
Besides teaching me to appreciate and understand craftsmanship, it has stopped me from comparing myself to others and prioritized my growth.
Always keep an open mind, celebrate successes and stay curious by learning from the good qualities you see in others.
Zoe - Surrey & Sussex Lifestyle
Zoe, what sparked your journey into sustainable fashion, and how has it changed the way you approach style?
Much of my consciousness lifestyle stems from my dad being somewhat of a hoarder and a 'just-in-case' person. He was also a great recycler and a not-so-conscious champion of biodiversity.
Hearing more about the downsides of fast fashion made me reflect on my habits, shifting from impulsive buying to more mindful consumption. I now focus on building a capsule wardrobe: fewer pieces that mix and match easily, with longevity and purpose in mind.
How are you approaching summer 2025 differently regarding fast fashion and conscious consumption?
I need new swimwear, and while I often shop on Vinted, I am hesitant this time since the fit is crucial, and I can’t try things on. So, I am opting for a sustainable high-street brand, as long as the piece is durable. It is all about balancing practicality, impact, and trust.
Is there a sustainable fashion brand or piece you're obsessed with this season? Why should more people know about it?
My go-to is a beige shirt, the perfect layer to throw over a vest top when there is a chill in the air!
Vinted can be overwhelming, but if you're familiar with brands like H&M and know your size and fit, it's a no-brainer. You can find great secondhand pieces for a fraction of the price, often in excellent condition.
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