The Un-Material Girl - Draw for Change
We take 5 with Leah for Draw for Change. Leah-Jane Musch is a business owner turned sustainable fashion advocate. She lives in Brisbane, Australia and through The Un-Material Girl she inspires people everywhere to change the way they look at the fashion industry and the choices they make.
How do you support sustainability and the environment?
I try pretty hard to I live my values. I am conscious of how I live and try to make my impact on the earth as light as possible. I don't eat meat, I don't shop fast fashion, I try to avoid single use plastic as much as I can. I'm currently work at an Eco store (Biome) and run my eco fashion blog/business on the side (The Un-Material Girl).
In one sentence what is your mission?
To educate and inspire others about Sustainable and Ethical Fashion.
How do you sustain your mission while fighting for a bigger cause?
It depends on how I'm feeling, if I'm needing a bit of a slap in the face then a rewatch films like The True Cost or other environmental documentaries. If I need inspiration I seek out news and stories about people in the fashion industry doing amazing and innovative things. Mostly, I go outside and take my shoes off and look up. I remind myself that this isn't about me, it's about us. We are not separate from the planet we live on and I truly believe nature is our greatest gift.
What keeps you fighting/ engaged or hopeful in the current climate?
I am an eternal optimist! I also surround myself with others who also have hope, passion and grit.
How do you believe we change as a society?
This is a complex question and I don't think I can provide a simple answer, other than the fact that I've already witnessed big societal changes since I first started blogging about Slow Fashion four years ago. There has been incredible growth in the industry and attitudes of consumers. People are asking more questions now, and they aren't afraid to.
How do you stay informed? Where do you find accurate information?
I'm a big fan of podcasts (Russell Brand is a personal fave), I'm always reading a book and the rest is through whatever social media I dip into that day.
If you could shake up one industry which industry would it be and how?
Fast Fashion for sure! I would want to challenge fast fashion companies to change their business models and instead focus on using materials that are already in existence. The circular economy is where it's at.
What do you want to see in the next 12 months?
More brand transparency and less textile waste.
If you could share one fact about fast fashion to everyone out there what would it be?
The fact that is takes approximately 3 years worth of drinking water to create a cotton t-shirt is a stat that sticks in my mind every time.
If there was one thing everyone could do to help the environment, what would it be?
Become an outfit repeater.
Find out more about The Un-Material Girl
Website http://www.unmaterialgirl.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/unmaterialgirl/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheUnmaterialGirl/
Draw for Change is a project that illustrates members of the community making a difference to our environment. The aim is to share positive stories to learn from and inspire action, no matter the size.
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Illustration by Stephanie Don, St.Clement Creative.