British Vogue - 04.2020

NATURAL

PROGRESSION

Amber Valletta

• Vogue’s new
  contributing
  sustainability
  editor –
  presents her
  manifesto for
  living an eco-
  friendly life.
  Photograph by
  Craig McDean

AMBER’S PICKS

Fashionopolis

(Head of Zeus, £20),

by Dana Thomas

Water bottle,

£32, Hydro

Flask, at

Amazon.co.uk

Soaps, £4,50 each,

Savon de Marseille,

at Frenchsoaps.

co.uk

HAIR: TEDDY CHARLES. DIGITAL ARTWORK: DTOUCH

FORCES for CHANGE

TAKE OWNERSHIP

You are responsible for the impact of your choices. Make

mindful, conscious purchases, because there is a hidden

environmental or human cost to almost everything we buy.

Our power lies in the pause before we reach for our wallets.

CREATE ACTION IN YOUR OWN LIFE

Do what you can. If I fly for work or to fight climate

change, I buy carbon offsets via Carbonfund.org.

I also minimise my plastic use, carry cloth bags, shop in zero-

waste shops and find ways to detox my home from chemicals.

LET YOUR VALUES BE YOUR GUIDE

Ten years ago, I decided I wanted my life to have more

meaning and purpose. This meant defining my values,

which are awareness, innovation, collaboration, integrity,

creativity and sustainability. I encourage you to define yours.

REDUCE, REVAMP, RECYCLE

The fashion industry produces an average of 100 billion

pieces of clothing annually, with only 7.7 billion people

on earth. Reduce your consumption: buy for long-term style

not short-term trends, repair damage, shop vintage. Lastly, don’t

bin clothes! Donate or use a designated textile recycling bin.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE COMMUNITY

Research has shown that the most effective change

can happen close to home. Get involved by attending

local meetings and neighbourhood councils, or joining regional

organisations that are invested in your community. Do everything

you can to have an impact in your corner of the world.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO AMPLIFY YOUR

MESSAGE OR ORGANISATION

We can be followers and valued influencers. Colour

your feed with the values and issues you care about. It doesn’t

have to be a single theme but make clear what you stand for in

the world, not just what filter you’re using on the ’gram. Sharing

values doesn’t have to be preachy, it can be full of wit and fun.

TURN UP AND GET LOUD

I’ve been arrested in Washington DC while protesting

at Jane Fonda’s weekly Fire Drill Fridays, which demand

action on the climate crisis. Today, not everyone has the freedom

or luxury to get loud, so those of us who can, must. Sign

petitions and vote in people who care about climate change.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Research your go-to brands, you may be pleasantly

surprised or feel the need to speak out. Participate in

Fashion Revolution Week’s #whomademyclothes campaign,

which runs from 20 to 26 April and encourages brands to

show transparency in their supply chains.

RALLY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

I was raised in Oklahoma watching my mother stand

up for what she believed in. She protested against a

power plant being built near our hometown, and won. Uniting

behind a shared cause can be transformative. Lift up those

around you – we can be leaders of hope and change.

SPEND TIME IN NATURE

The wonder of nature offers a deeper understanding

of what we are fighting to save. My most cherished

childhood memories are of being surrounded by the fields,

water and trees of my home state. Nature nurtured me. The

Native American proverb, “We do not inherit the earth from

our ancestors, we are borrowing it from our children,” reminds

me to ensure that future generations have the same gifts.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

04-20-Viewpoint-Sustainability_2022271.indd 114 06/02/2020 12:07

114