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Sustainable Summer: Lucy Hall.

Take one browse around the physical or virtual high street, and it's clear to see that we have a fast fashion pandemic on our hands. According to statistics, the fashion industry produces over 92 million tonnes of waste per year, and when you see online stores dropping new launches every week, it's not hard to understand why. 

Most of us are guilty of wanting new clothes because they've already worn everything in their wardrobe before - but have you ever considered the impact this has on the environment? Lucy Hall has. She launched fashion rental community LOANHOOD last year in the hope to change how we view our wardrobes. We chatted to Lucy about her personal and professional goals and how sustainability should be at the forefront of ALL our minds, especially when we're tempted to do a Primark haul...

Hey Lucy! Please introduce yourself to the nuddy community and tell us a bit about your background and how it links to sustainability.

I am CEO and Co-founder of fashion rental community LOANHOOD. We are on a mission to change the face of fashion, an industry that impacts 1 in 6 people and by 2050 is expected to use a quarter of the world's carbon budget! We are working towards an alternative to the current fashion system that still gives you same buzz but which is kinder to the planet ... and your pocket.  

So, when did your interest in sustainability begin? What *exactly* was it that led you to the path you are on today?

My path to sustainability came through food when I ran my own restaurant. The connection between food and sustainability is more prevalent, stronger in our minds. I read a study the other day that reported a young girl thought all clothes were made via machines, she had no idea that PEOPLE actually make the items you wear!  There is a huge disconnect between the materials that are grown from the ground up or derived from oil and the clothes on our backs. 

In this crazy age that we live in, 'sustainability' can feel like a major minefield. What does the term mean to you?

There is a huge amount of greenwashing around sustainability and conflicting and confusing messages, like you said it is a minefield. We are all on a journey so for me sustainability means being more conscious with your choices whether that is what you eat, where you shop or how you move around this planet. 

Who are your BIGGEST inspirations within the environmentalism sphere? Shout out your faves.

Shout out to the legend that is Ellen McArthur who has been a fountain of knowledge and a beacon of hope within the sustainability sector. Mikaela Loach and Izzy Manuel are also great accounts to follow for top tips.

News about the environment can often feel verrryyyyyy overwhelming. Where do you look for informative and reliable resources? 

I look to places like Fashion Revolution, Slow Fashion Movement or Wrap and also to my peers and fellow founders. We are all working towards the same goals so constantly sharing knowledge.

What are your top 3 tips for someone who is looking to take the plunge into a more sustainable lifestyle?

Take it one day at a time, you don't need to turn vegan and stop driving your car tomorrow. 

Tip 1 - trying renting style rather than buying (check us out LOANHOOD) 

Tip 2 - switch your loo roll to Who Gives a Crap (love those guys) 

Tip 3 - Have a veggie supper once a week, unless your veggie than have a vegan meal once a week