Vegan fashion = ethical & fair fashion? What are the alternatives? ǀ Justine Leconte

[@amethyst_travelbug468]

You touched on one of my main concerns when it came to fashion alternatives... the replacement of organic and biodegradable products with plastic. Always found it strage that either the animal pays now or the planet pays later 😑

[@irenadomachowska6497]

Amii L I also find it strange and it’s not like the animals are NOT paying for it - the plastic particles are often eaten by fish or birds who then die a really slow and painful death!

[@amethyst_travelbug468]

Irena Domachowska Agreed!

[@masha7377]

I also find it weird how many people seem to care more about animals than humans. I mean, I know more people who are vegetarian or vegan for the animals' sake and wouldn't by leather, fur etc. but they participate willingly in the fast-fashion industry.

[@partyyyprincess]

Amii L but with animal agriculture, the planet also pays now. it's a no win situation, as animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change. So, using "organic" material, aka animal skin, won't do any good for the planet either. Mushroom leather for the win!

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Marie Bach, I couldn't agree with you more. I've also noticed that beauty gurus on KZbin dote on their pets but use products that are tested on animals. How does that make sense?

[@ketkim8821]

This is the most comprehensive vegan fashion video I've ever seen. Thank you so much for it!!

[@Dan_Chiron]

I always found odd that vegan option for sustainable consuming was wearing non biodegradable materials, thank you for presenting much more eco-friendly alternatives.

[@musicbox2466]

Dan GD veganism is corporate propaganda

[@musicbox2466]

gisforgary there are other countries besides your own, you know. or do you? the corporations may own your country, but they still do not own mine.

[@mandiraexotic]

Also, leather production create byproducts and dyes which completely destroy the environment. Agra is a prime example of it, so it's not just plastic which is harmful for the environment. Plus, raising animals for their skins/consumption in itself leaves a huge carbon footprint. So all in all, leather production is a worse offender for the environment and anyone who cares about the environment should downright reject leather as a lifestyle choice.

[@Dan_Chiron]

Mandira Popat That's exactly why I disagree with veganism (not vegetarianism): they are way quick and entitled to dictate what we all should and should't do from a self inputed moral superiority. What about plastic industry byproducts/carbon footprint? I think what we definetly must reevaluate as species is our production/consumption cicle.

[@asdabir]

Dan GD just FYI, leather is not very eco friendly either. The production is very polluting and renders it not very easily biodegradable. Hence the durability.

[@antarktiida]

thanks for making this video! since going vegan, the material and its sustainability is something I always consider when shopping for clothing/shoes.

[@barbararperkins1379]

Thank you so much for this video. As a long-time vegan, these issues are quite important to me and to the planet. I'm thankful for the greater awareness I've seen in society about the treatment of animals and the people who produce fashion. I truly appreciate your calling this issue to the attention of your followers. Bravo, Justin!!

[@CS-nw9si]

I have been vegan for over 2 and a half years and I still wear non-vegan clothing because I buy it secondhand and it's sustainable (never used fur, though). However, when I'm shopping for new clothing I will not buy anything with animal products.

[@jessicagonzalez-rk5qc]

I completely agree with you and I do the same.

[@ellen3093]

I eat a vegan diet but I did not completely cut out animal products from my life, mostly for this reason. I don’t want to pay for human exploitation and making environmental damage, my approach will always be to buy good quality and timeless designs and consume very little. It is also really difficult to find vegan quality & really warm winter clothes, which I need to survive where I live. I really liked your approach in this video, informative, pragmatic and thoughtful. Thanks!

[@Pomagranite167]

I completely agree with you. I don't follow a vegan diet, but I am making strides to consume less meat and when I do, find ethically sourced meat and animal byproducts when I have the money to do so. And the same with clothing. I would rather buy one pair of long lasting breathable leather boots made under ethical production and take care of them rather than have poorly made stinky, ill fitting, foot hurting shoes that ends up being giving up in a year and going in the trash and creating pollution for a long long time. Buying second hand seems to be the best decision for me. Sometimes finding middle ground is so hard.

[@vegansauce685]

I really appreciate this video. While eating vegan food is certainly better for the planet, it's not that as easy of a conclusion with vegan clothing. I'm glad you brought up animal cruelty, human cruelty, and environmental sustainability, as they are all important issues worth addressing in any industry.

[@arenl.s.6119]

Hey Vsauce, Michael here.

[@veseyexclusive]

Yes! So true 🌿💚🌟

[@centroculturallacupula8291]

As usual, important information, coherently presented. I am not vegan but I’m trying to be more conscious about my actions and you are helping and inspiring. Merci Justine, et bravo.

[@mirandazhang2024]

Thank you SO much for this! As an environmental vegan, I struggle with considering plastic as the better option. The industry is constantly innovating and as consumers we need to be on the ball and conscious of ethical alternatives xx

[@ginaaccumanno8848]

I'm not a vegan but this video is very interesting. Well done!

[@tamcon72]

Thank you so much for this Justine; it is a constant--and I mean CONSTANT--concern for me as a vegan who is also worried about the planet's health and the safety of human manufacturing workers. I have a fantasy that there's a global syndicate of researchers working on innovations in vegan fashion alternatives, similar to the one that is working on innovations in vegan food technology : )

[@swisslions]

I appreciate your support of ethical fashion and considering the workers as well as the material. Thank you.

[@dragonscorpio2864]

🌟❤️Thank you for this video!❤️🌟I'm Vegan now 40+ years. Lots of great information here. Tencil/Modal is my favorite!!!

[@bookclubchd9588]

Absolutely amazing! This one is so informative and there were so many of those fabrics that i have never heard of. Pineapple and mushroom leather are genius and sustainable too. Love it!

[@tinamvin5359]

Thank you for explaining faux fur! It’s sometimes difficult to determine!

[@silviaesilvia]

We don't want animals to be killed or exploited for human use (food, fashion, etc..). This is my goal as vegan and my priority. The alternatives you talk about are extremely interesting. The concern related to plastic is big but while we wait for a good solution, I still prefer not to have animals killed in the meantime. Said that, I strongly believe in 'doing the best you can': I'm happy when my omnivore friends tell me they have reduced just red meat consumption for example. Anything is a good step forward. We need to focus on better alternatives, definitely, but in the meantime, let's not sacrifice innocent animals. This is my point of view anyway. Hope it's clear. And thank you for discussing this delicate topic without prejudice 😊

[@eizhowa]

+silviiasilvia Animals are being killed by plastic every day. That is my concern :/

[@silviaesilvia]

eizhowa you mean in the oceans? You're right unfortunately...but then I think our focus should be on better waste management or cleaning process. Anything really but killing animals. In my opinion, the real problem is that governments do not invest enough money (if any) as solutions exist but they are not applied or still way too expensive...

[@eizhowa]

+silviaesilvia Yes, the ocean. And seaguls, who will consume anything they find in the ocean. I would love it if all governments took charge, banned (or taxed greatly) unneccesary plastic (like toothpaste with plastic microbeads. Why do they even exist), etc etc. I can't really imagine that happening in the next 40-50 years though, and in many countries I can't imagine it happening in an even longer time (like develloping countries & the US). The enviromental party in my country only has about a 3-4% support, and we are pretty progressive. The ocean will probably look very different by the time the world get around to doing something...

[@silviaesilvia]

eizhowa I really get your concern. We need to keep speaking up. Things are moving faster than before. I remember in Italy in the 80s and 90s veganism was perceived as an eccentric lifestyle with no knowledge of its reasons whatsoever. Now Italy is full of vegans and vegan restaurant. Information now travels fast and yes, governments still don't care but we have to keep pushing as I do believe 'people have the power'. I want to believe also that once we develop good sustainable cruelty-free alternatives, it will be easy to implement then in underdevelopped countries. The world is changing and this discussion is a proof of that. Let's be part of this change! In any way we can 😊 (jesus, I sound like a politician now!!! 😅)

[@musicbox2466]

silviaesilvia your way is completely unethical and way worse than the meat industry's one. raising a cow to kill it has little to no impact on the world's ecosystems life, hence the nature remains unhrmed. Pumping garbage into the ocean kills all ocean animals and all life on Earth as a consequence, although there is nbo throat cutting. Vegan substitute nutrients food production, mainly algae farms, is corporate and designed to destroy water, air and the ocean, which cleanses the planet, cools it, gives oxygen and allows seasons favourable for food production. There is no time to find an alternative, our children will buy air and have water cuts because a dead cow that is not a part of a wild nature's ecosystem is more important than all life. I seriously think all vegans should have their IQs measured to prove they should not be allowed to vote, because the lack of logic in you guys is deadly.

[@NoorAlShihaby]

Excellent video, so many things to think about. Even though the materials might not hurt animals, they might not be sustainable, and they might not be assembled ethically. I never thought of these things. Very eye-opening!

[@macystravel4868]

That's why i don't know where to buy anymore. What is the better thing to do? I have no answers. Everything seems so bad for nature. What is that i can wear and is sustainable, vegan, enough paid, that will last for a long period... ?

[@randigerber1926]

Thank you, Justine, for another thoughtful video. I have been contemplating these issues for at least four decades, trying to live responsibly. I was struck by your exclusion of COTTON. IMO cotton feels the best, and usually lasts the best. I know that how it is grown and processed is problematic, but feel that these issues could (and should) be addressed. As a young child in the 1960's, most of my clothes were made of cotton. (And were most likely sewn in the U. S. by garment union workers, as well.) In my experience cotton garments have been increasingly difficult to find here in the States, for at least the past 30 years. When my children were babies I had to shop at a boutique to obtain cotton clothing for them (frequently imported from Europe), or sew them myself. I was so glad when Baby Gap and Hanna Andresson came on the scene! And now I'be noticed more cotton clothing for babies at Target. Unfortunately humans are generally greedy and petty, so the results of their actions don't matter to them. 😔 Which is why the earth is in trouble. I appreciate your using your platform and voice to bring these issues into the open. Best regards!

[@sbrichcreek]

Thank you for bringing light to these subjects: ethics involving animals & human exploitation and environmental impact of industry! It is so important! Thank you!

[@marylynmiller5043]

Just love you to the moon! I never think your videos are too long btw. Always wish they were longer! I learn so much from you that i can talk to my fashion student daughter about. You are articulate, on point, clear and seemingly kind about everything. You are my favorite you tube channel! This is my second only comment and the first was to you as well fyi. Thank you for all you do Justine!💞

[@OfficerMimi]

Thank you for letting the consumer decide! I have a hard time listening to most vegan promotional videos, as they come off quite judgmental. I am not vegan, but I do care very much about the ethical treatment of animals and people in production. So thank you for bringing awareness of these issues in the fashion industry. It’s changing the way I shop, and helps me understand alternatives for the choices I make.

[@justineleconte]

It is a sensitive topic but I think that talking about it helps make it more "information-driven" and less emtional. Thanks for your comment!

[@LivLaugh]

I have been a vegan for years, but I kept all my leather shoes, as I didn't want to buy pleather as I heard it was extremely bad for the environment and is not biodegradable (also bad for your feet!) I thought it was a lesser evil than purchasing manmade monstrosities that just further the problem. I had no idea there were so many biodegradable, sustainable and cruelty-free options! After a quick google search there is a man in a nearby town that makes cork shoes and other accessories! thank you!!

[@jeanne_guitton]

Thank you for this! It's so crucial to get this information out there to the consumers, most of whom probably don't really want to hurt animals, pollute the planet or have slaves work for them. I also think it's very important to make clear that while the non-vegan options are certainly bad for animals, not all vegan options are animal-friendly. Plastic pollution (from production and waste) is a mass killer of organisms animal and vegetal. It destroys natural habitats on a shocking scale. Animals die slow and agonizing deaths because of plastic pollution in our oceans. So buying plastic may be vegan, but is really not animal-friendly. I also like your closing remark on fast fashion. It really cannot be said enough!

[@musicbox2466]

uclmu2008 algae farms are killing all life on earth at a pace we will never recover from, whereas the meat industry is killing animals that aren't a part of any wild ecosystem. go figure.

[@mscrystalmendez]

Justine, your channel is fantastic, friend. After listening to your videos for a few months now, mostly before bed, my fiancé listens to you as well and tonight he said “that girl always sounds like she knows what she’s talking about”-then I went on a rant about how much I love you and your videos. You share fashion in a way that seems true-you point out what’s truly important and have very little to do with the vanity-aspect so many try to sell today. I appreciate your work. I wish you well on your journey! Blessings!

[@elizabethlockhart532]

Hi Justine 😊, this video made me think of an article about the differences of plant-based fashion and vegan fashion: "Lucky for us, designers are slowly moving away from mimicking the beauty of nature’s plants to actually embracing them by making them an organic part of the fashion process. In the sustainable fashion world, plant based fabrics are slowly differentiating themselves from vegan ones by taking natural to the next level: while plant based is vegan friendly, the same can’t always be said the other way around. Vegan fashion still makes use of a whole hell of artificial fabrics including plastic in various forms, such as nasty PVC, acrylic and PU. Our skin is our body’s largest surface area for absorption, yet we carelessly cover it in chemically saturated fabrics, treated the toxic route for sheer reluctance to invest in some R&D that could uncover and harvest the environment’s naturally innovative properties - ie. working with the planet we live on as opposed to stripping it for parts that are worth way less in isolation than they are when they are taken as a whole." The whole article is here: eluxemagazine.com/fashion/plant-based-fashion/

[@megangallagher2187]

Wonderfully informative video! I have been meaning to purchase new boots and this inspired me to look into vegan leather options.

[@morgane1221]

Thank you for bringing this subject in your channel, it is helpful for me as a vegan. I took notes 😉 Have a nice day !

[@justineleconte]

Glad you found it useful ☀️🤗

[@Frenchforaday]

Hello Justine! As always I preferred to watch your video with my afternoon coffee. Thank you for this informative, thorough and perfectly edited video. I really appreciate the effort that you put in your videos because each video that you publish is useful and interesting and makes me want to see more. Your content is always original, and I always learn something new from your videos. (This one in particular was very important for me) And last but not least, thank you for not being one of the many bla bla channels. I truly admire your work, passion and professionalism. Have a wonderful Sunday!

[@rottfllacc]

Very, very, VERY INTERESTING! Wow!!! Great value in this video, everyone should watch it!!! Please do more on the same subject to go deeper on the question. Thanks Justine, well done ;)

[@mahtiel]

Justine, thank you for handling such sensitive topic with grace and straight-forward pragmatism. Although I am not vegan (yet), this is extremely important to me for enviromental reasons. It all helps, because I have only begun questioning my choices and habits in fashion, trying to make better and more ethical decisions with every future purchase.

[@denissaarsova5996]

Hi, Justine! I'm so glad that you made this video. I know it's quite difficult to discuss this topic, so I'm very thankful that you explained it in a very kind and deep way, bringing consciousness among all of us. I really appreciate your work and I'm following your progress with interest and respect :)

[@olgacmd]

I have a leather purse bought for my granny as a present for my mom, and I still use it, it possibly has more than 50 years, and is still in good shape, I had to replace the lining but is perfect. I really do think we have to be more aware of what we are buying. The green/vegan label is not always the more sustainable thing. How much water is needed to make a cotton t-shirt? How many acres of forest are being devastated in order to plant soy or cotton or linen? How many ecosystems are being sacked to get people an "ecofriendly" thing? I know a lot of vegan people that are very, extremely worried about the steak I'm eating but buy clothes at Zara...every season, new things... common sense seems to have died some years ago.

[@TailsMPrower]

So very true. One day people will come to the realisation that veganism is a trendy way to say you are better than others, because you care about animals. Humans are animals too. Care about humans and the planet with action, not virtue. Use animal products responsibly and take the time to learn how to maintain leather goods. It's the harder option, which takes time and care.

[@amandahhh6521]

i am not sure you are aware of how much water is used to raise cattle to create leather, wool etc first land is needed for the cattle and then land is needed grow crops to feed the cattle while we could just use the land to grow plants for ourselves

[@amandahhh6521]

+Pink Pepper how is sticking to the status quo - doing what literally everyone else is doing using leather the harder option?

[@TailsMPrower]

Amanda hhh Learn how algea production and plastics affect the earth, then come back. Also check how long vegan leather items last in your wardrobe.

[@TailsMPrower]

Amanda hhh At least it doesn't pollute the water like the production of plastics and algea. Whales have feelings too.

[@MsMegLily]

I'm so glad you brought a video out on this topic. Many of the reasons cited above are why, dispite eating a vegan diet, I don't stick to entirely vegan clothing and shoes. I bought a very good quality pair of black leather shoes for professional stiuations about 12 years ago, whilst I have had to get them re-soled I would have had to buy aproximately 24 pairs of pleather shoes in the same timeframe. That would be far more landfill than I would be comfortable with. I also prefer to buy leather or wool second hand so that I can avoid supporting the industry if at all possible. A really informative video, thanks!

[@lllovesalll]

Thank you for researching and offering a clearer picture, Justine! I get paralyzed while shopping because of this. I like to buy things that last a long time, to avoid going shopping! I like vintage leather and wool. One note on vegan leather: on every vegan purse I've had, the straps or handles crumble after about a year of regular use (I end up replacing the straps with leather ones, but I can look for hemp or other strong alternatives in the future!). Thank you for helping educate us all and helping to protect our planet! 🌏

[@bobmag5058]

You're gem Justine! Please do a video on creative person down moods. How to uplift when feeling down in creative work.

[@annebronn4592]

Very articulate, as usual. Great content. Always something to learn.

[@Celiaa666]

This video is even better than I expected. I'm super excited for the natural alternatives for leather you mentioned, but I live in Spain, studied fashion and never learnt about those :( The first thing that came to my mind before clicking on this video was "often pleather shoes are tagged 'vegan' to make people think they're ethical but they're just made of shitty quality material and expensive at the same time". It's SO HARD to find good quality pleather shoes...

[@dsarah60]

But is leather really more environmentally friendly than pleather? It probably depends on how the leather was made because leather is often made with toxic substances like chrome in developing countries.

[@phantomkate6]

Sarah D Yes, it does depend and a lot of people here are missing that point!

[@mademoisellesachaaa]

Vegetable tanning is a method that's considered far more environmentally friendly, which is why the term has been popping up more in advertising campaigns for leather goods. It's definitely the best choice from an environmental standpoint if you're looking for leather goods.

[@saammmy7]

It's possible to make leather with less toxic chemicals. Leather is often more durable than pleather, scratches in leather can be fixed with shoe polish whereas the polyurethane layer of (cheap) pleather simply starts to fall off after a few years. So I'd say if you plan to take care of your item and keep it for 10+ years leather wins out.

[@amyjelacic909]

This is a very important point. Tanning has an enormous environmental impact - even though the end result is a good quality biodegradable animal leather product, the process of producing it does great and immediate harm. People wanting to use leathergoods who also care about reducing environmental damage should look to secondhand items, learn to care for their existing products to improve longevity, and reduce consumption of new items.

[@monicarocca514]

Thanks for this video! It's great that someone brings up this theme. If I could give more than one like I would do that! Your contents are always quality

[@cristinaborges999]

Thank you for this video. I really needed this information. Have a nice weekend!

[@tati3861]

Yesss I'm so glad you made a video on this topic ❤️ Love you!

[@shinee_onew]

Your hair caught my attention...lol so long and nice like Rapunzel. anyway, very informative as always

[@margaritaeklund4311]

Just read an article yesterday written by a Finnish environmental scientist. According to the her one third of the plastic pollution in our oceans comes from washing clothes made from synthetic fibers. One solution she mentioned was adding filters to the washing machines but we could really just move on from all the useless plastic in the textiles. There are so many options. Even cotton fleece exists so we can produce plant based warm clothing. Also I’m exited for eco leather (made from plant fibers). Change might be slow but we can make it happen!

[@Marion89gr]

Thank you so much for the information ❤. I like your raising awareness for more ethical products. I would like to see more designers make quality non animal based products 🌟

[@xiovandijk933]

Thank you so so much for addressing this dear Justin, you are the best! As a sustainable Vegan minimalist I do struggle and have made a lot of changes towards better options as the years go by , researching & educating myself : this is an extremely clear explanatory video, great job. P.S. I love linnen & bamboo :D

[@istrala]

I avoided watching this video for months. The facial expression you have in the thumbnail made me think you would speak against vegan values. I should have known better, because you have always presented very classy and professional work. Thank you for providing such helpful advice about alternatives and for making sure we also consider human rights and environmental responsibility!

[@milie7200]

Hi Justine! Have you ever heard of "american silk" aka milkweed (asclépiade in French)? It is a natural fiber used in winter coats. It's really warm and more insulating than feathers & down (when they tested it in the Himalayan at -22°C it was too warm, they had to compress the insulation). The first coats using milkweed were commercialized in 2016-2017 but it's getting more and more wide spread.

[@claymountain1300]

Love that you are bringing awareness to this subject! The fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world. I always advice on buying second hand: it is affordable, fun, and the most sustainable way of shopping because you are not creating a new demand for clothes.

[@sony8591]

As someone who has lived in areas where silk us produced let me talk about something called ahimsa silk. In this process, after the worms turn into moths and leave the cocoon, the cocoon is used to make silk t shirts or sarees. It won't give the same look as a normal silk clothes but for anyone wanting to go vegan it's a great alternative.

[@naomilowe7114]

This is a fantastic video! While I am already a conscientious buyer, there was more in the video to give me food for thought. Thank you! Good job!!!

[@pseudohase]

Thank you for sharing. What an important and helpful video. Food for thoughts at its best!

[@galinam1081]

Justine, thank you for bringing this thought provoking subject to light. I try to stay away from all animal-harming practices. I think people should check out some videos on the leather production process. Unfortunately, most of the time the footage is so cruel and heartbreaking that most people rather stay ignorant. I wanted to add one more fact about leather production - that humans are badly harmed in leather production as well as animals. Leather is often produced in very poor regions, where workers are submerged waste-high in chemicals. They are often paid very little and usually develop terminal health conditions. This is something, of course, no fashion brand talks about...Just another thing to consider when choosing leather over other materials.

[@tori_chiken]

May I just say I love your videos and your content, and your videos are so helpful and tackle topics that are very essential. You are one of my favourite channels on KZbin and you bring me such joy whenever I see you upload new videos, and whenever I watch your videos I feel happy especially when you’re smiling ☺️ I wish you a great day today and everyday 🌸

[@dmlkcs8620]

I didn’t know that about silk. Feeling guilty for buying so much silk products without giving that a thought. Thanks Justine, that was a very interesting video. 👍

[@TailsMPrower]

DMLK CS Take care of the silk you have and make it last and most of all enjoy it. Don't let anyone shame you out of wearing it, because then those silk worms died for nothing.

[@greenknitter]

Look up peace silk. A far more humane method of cultivating silk.

[@traceynguyen6655]

Fantastic video as always. I think you did a fantastic job presenting the pros and cons of each option - very well rounded points.

[@annmarie757]

Thank you, thank you! This was something I requested, and it appears many viewers requested too! This is great information!

[@mariamehnum8555]

Every time I get a bit more educated by your less than 10mins videos!!! God bless you and thumbs up :D

[@Meksinkler]

I really needed this! :) Thank you for clarifying where the industry confuses us! :)

[@YamIa3gypsy]

I shared this one. A lot of great information that we don't often think about. Thank you Justine, you ROCK!

[@sydneyfreeman3461]

I love this more intersectional approach to sustainability, looking at animals, people, and planet and how certain alternatives can definitely do a lot more harm to our environment and fellow humans. I would LOVE to see more videos like these! I’m trying to do my part by only buying second hand clothes (with the exception of underwear and socks- but trying to source organic cotton so they can be composted). I’m also trying to ditch plastic and plastic products as much as possible. For me, videos like this are really inspiring and help me to be critical of my purchases and actions. Thank you!!

[@KatieM786]

Thank you Justine, I LOVE your informative videos on these subjects! These are my favourite kinds of videos on your channel together with how to find a good fit on clothes. 😊👍

[@TheBurrowByTheCreek]

Thank you for the video Justine! We’ve been vegan 🌱 for 1.5yrs now and still going strong....but needed more info on vegan fashion. Our turning point was when we saw a documentary called: “what the health.” Love to see more of your videos on the topic.

[@adrianagalli7504]

Fed up of not ethical fashion and food. Feathers! Ever seen geese after the treatment? The same for foie gras. Great video, Justine!

[@lisam-q2696]

Thank you so much, Justine. I have been vegan for a year this April and it has spilled into all aspects of my life. I try very hard to buy with intention, but it is a fact that so many of my pleather garments (purses, belts etc.) just do not hold up as well as my leather items (I am fairy careful with them even)- some which are over 20 yrs old and for sentimental reasons I continue to wear and would never give away. Also, I don't consider myself exceptionally fashionable, but I do not feel connected the style of vegan clothing that is, at the moment, being offered. Hope with time this will change- I do have well loved vegan Dr. Martens and clothing items that certainly are vegan, but they are pricier and often hard to come by. I realize this is not the case for all; only my own story. It is my hope this will only improve. One way which I feel will help to combat this is to consider 2nd hand. There are many wonderful sites that are catering to this such as "Thread up" if you are a die hard online shopper for instance. Also, I have a "crew" of individuals who know to ask me/I ask them if they want to swap items when we tire of them vs. throwing away, randomly purchasing new etc. Another option is simply learning to live with less. I certainly am not a full on minimalist- more power to you if you are- but I do not jump to buy as I had in my earlier years. I try and think more thoughtfully about what I need and then, when I actually find an item, I do not feel poorly purchasing things. Being vegan is important to me, but I want to practice being more sustainable and ensuring those who work hard to create wonderful things for us are treated as respectfully as possible. Thank you for this topic and continuing to bring us thought provoking ideas with your weekly content to a wide variety of audiences. All the best, Lisa

[@judiewoodward8786]

You always have valuable information. This is why I view all your 🎥. Keep up the good work. Have a great week.

[@LexiePersonForever]

since being vegan, i've just ended up buying second hand a lot. so if i buy something that isn't vegan, it's not supporting the industries, and there's some great deals! i found two fully cashmere sweaters there this last winter. amazing place.

[@kwethsipa2776]

Great video! I love your channel because I always learn new things. Videos are always very well structured and very informative! Please keep it!

[@bakingwithpetitepistache]

The Louis Lucano brand makes designer bags from apple leather in Italy and the structure looks original like real leather, they also look very high quality. My sister bought one and is thrilled!

[@carolinefreak]

I'm really interested in these topics you post about, Justine. I always look forward to your videos. On the topic of down: not all down is "harvested" the same way. I work for an Inuit-affiliated company and one of the economic activities of these people is the collection of eiderdown. In this case, the down is actually the soft feathers the birds use to make their nests so it is already not attached to the birds. The harvesters simply look for the nests, take the feathers and replace the down with another material to provide the insulation. The feathers, in this case, are not ripped out. Please note: I cannot speak for any other form of down collection, nor can I guarantee that all eiderdown is collected this way - I can only speak for the ones collected by our partners. That being said, I am always looking for alternatives that don't rely on animal sources while still keeping the environment in mind.

[@GuiLovegood]

Thats exacly why i follow you! Please, do more videos like that!

[@tortagialla]

Would really love to learn more on this topic and related, making better choices and moving towards better consumption!

[@alionakrotiuk7258]

I guess it's the first time I see an approach like this - totally reasonable and wise. Replacing real fur with faux fur actually kills animals too, it's just a matter of time - when the garment is tossed away and ends up somewhere in the ocean, polluting it. While synthetic may be vegan, it still does harm the environment. Thank you for this deep-deep-deep piece of content!

[@slima90]

Thank you for your informative video. People need to be aware of this. PS: The color of your top is so lovely on you. ♡

[@danadz2383]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive video! Besides having allergies to animal products & foods I do care about how the animals are treated. Finding alternatives can be tricky because of concerns about the environment and the alternatives not being biodegradable or actually harmful to the environment. Thank you again for making this one!! Have a beautiful day. 💚

[@glitterandpearls]

Thank you for the informative video and start a discussion about this👍🏻

[@moonraccoonkatyafedotova2277]

Very interesting topic. Thank you for this video, Justine! You always give so many interesting information and it changed my view at fashion. I realized how much I do not know.

[@me75702]

Thank you so much Justine. Very informative. Was wondering especially about wool as knitting is a hobby of mine. Definitely need to rethink the wool issue. 👍♥️

[@ufosrus]

You are the most concienscious fashion advisor in KZbin. Je vous remerci!

[@KristineMaitland]

Well done, Justine! I am pleased by how you have covered all the materials and the pros and cons of each. You missed one I think - cotton. My understanding was that cotton was hit with a blight some years ago leading to the increased use of modal and the like - and that blight is back in the southern US. Also (and I just found this out) cotton is a water wasting crop. Your fans may be interested in this so here is the link wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/about_freshwater/freshwater_problems/thirsty_crops/cotton/

[@Rhaeenyss]

Amazing video Justine, thank you so much for your work and for trying to promote ethical fashion and empower consumers 👏👏

[@GreyChemical]

Thank you for bringing up these issues! They're incredibly important for various reasons (animal welfare, human rights, sustainability and ecology, to name a few), so a growing creator such as yourself addressing them is a good way to show that by being vegan you don't really need to give up on things, but rather adapt. ❤

[@Experimetal]

I really like to see you doing this kind of informative videos, this is exactly why I love your channel

[@christinat.7171]

Thumbs up :). Never heard of some of those materials. Enjoyed another of your videos. Have a great week.

[@Victoriasm31]

I sometimes prefer acrylic yarn to wool because it's softer. Thanks for this video; I recently went vegetarian so this is so helpful.

[@ImSupposedToSleep]

Very interesting Justine! I learned a lot of new things about vegan clothing, for instance the new alternatives for leather. Didn't think about dyes and glue having animal contents though, will have to look further into this. I really enjoy these kinds of videos because I want to support eco-friendly and ethical clothing.

[@rosie341]

Thanks for this video Justine. As someone who both loves animals and the environment this has always been something I’ve struggled to balance. I appreciate how you discussed this sharing multiple points of view and different options available. I look forward to a time when fashion is both cruelty free and environmentally friendly!

[@eleanor.shadow]

Thank you for this video! I've been wanting to sew a down-type jacket for myself but didn't want to use real feathers for ethical reasons... now I know which alternatives I have for the filling :)

[@Lighthouse1852]

Thank you for a nuanced perspective on ethical fabric choices! It's obviously complicated. Sometimes the people who loudly judge others over "immoral" consumer choices don't seem as aware of the tradeoffs involved. Nor do they think about what certain options would mean to ordinary people living in a different climate. Solutions in London or California won't work in Minsk, Jakarta and Rio. I guess we should be mindful consumers, but maybe a bit slower to judge. I like the idea of buying fewer but durable things. My parents' pre-1970 clothing had interesting cuts and lasting quality, and I enjoy wearing some of those garments to this day. That's what I hope for yet seldom find in my own purchases. You've given us some good advice on how to recognize well made clothing. Some day I'd enjoy similar tips on finding good, ethically OK leather footwear and jackets. Brand names, terms, anything to steer us toward better choices. Would you be willing to help us in some future video? It happens that I'm in need of a new jacket and winter boots, but I don't know who makes durable leather jackets and boots today (if one can't afford Hermes). Living in a cold weather climate I thought that longevity would make leather as ethical as the alternatives. Your news about animals being raised for leather, and new processing methods, will make choosing even harder.

[@marypavlou]

Always great content! Well done Justine!!

[@enarose7062]

I like your videos before watching lol. Fantastic content and so beautifully explained, as always. Plus I love the sound of your voice! Thanks for another great video :)

[@mirelaavdic8658]

I just love those videos. There is always something new to learn. Thank you!

[@vegjax2201]

Thank you so much for this video

[@Dillidee]

Thank you! I'm trying to move towards cruelty free purchasing. This video was very helpful.

[@Ms.Mel.Creates]

I really appreciate you making these videos and for sharing as much as possible - environmental, labour, and animal welfare. It kind of feels like I’m looking for “the least bad of the horrific” to shop from and these are extremely helpful videos! Love from Canada!

[@hanahanusova9143]

I love this video ❤️ I became aware of ethical fashion just a few weeks ago and I researched so much about it. I even decided make my own clothes again after 10 years of being fast fashion consumer. I used to be a tailor but left the industry because it was difficult to compete with clothes made in China. My costumers didn’t want to pay lots of money to get something made and for me it wasn’t worth it financially. Now I’ll just make clothes for myself ✂️ Pls make more videos about ethical fashion. It’s the way to go 🙂 xx

[@jessfromruawai]

Hi Justine! Great video, as usual! Just wondering, can you do more videos about you? Being French? Growing up in France? What you eat/do in a day? Q&A? You are an inspiration, keep it up!

[@WitchyMamaof2]

As a knitter I have always preferred to use natural fibres, but there is one thing I will always use natural fibres for whether it is for knitting, sewing or buying. I refuse to give anything synthetic to a baby. When natural fibres burn they usually flash up in flame and then it is gone, when a synthetic fibre burns it melts. If a baby is wearing synthetic clothing and it catches fire it will melt into their skin, causing their injuries to be potentially worse than if they were wearing a natural fibre. A secondary plus to natural is it usually breathes better, making baby more comfortable.

[@UseLess_dk]

LOVED this video Justine! Really needed this information.

[@Sechari]

I eat a plantbased diet (98% vegan) and my solution is to buy almost all my clothes and accessories second hand. I'll still buy leather and silk/wool though on the other hand. I actually even own a fur coat.

[@jessicagonzalez-rk5qc]

I do the same, i eat a plant based vegan diet while shopping second hand for clothes and shoes. I've tried it the other way where I buy all the alternatives and they don't last me at all also the shoes hurt me and make my feet stink. Second hand I think is the best option, the materials get reused, it's affordable, you support the thrift store, find unique items and they last longer plus are biodegradable.

[@Sechari]

jessica - yeah, and I'm really weird with tactile sensations. If i feel a cheap polyester fabric I actually physically cringe. I can wear some poly, but not most of them. Plus I really like the clothes I like - I HATE it when they fall apart after a season. Bought an H&M sweater that I absolutely loved 2 years ago and after the winter the quality had so noticeably deteriorated that I haven't touched fast fashion since (still salty about that one). Second hand really ticks all the boxes for me - I can wear what I want, the environmental impact is far less than that of anything brand new, I can find great quality items that hold up well, and it's cheap. Just yesterday I picked up two dresses that would've been 300+€ each for 40€ a piece, both barely worn and in perfect condition. My fav are consignment stores and websites where bloggers sell really great stuff they've worn once or twice.

[@Offensive_Username]

Why aren't you 97.99535% vegan?