Clare Press

Clare Press @mrspress is a sustainability-focused author, podcaster, and storyteller with a background in journalism, including being the first Vogue sustainability editor. Her podcast, Wardrobe Crisis, aims to find solutions for sustainable fashion and features interviews with innovators, activists, and policymakers.

IRK: Clare Press tell us your “Why” 

Clare: It’s shifting. I got into this work in 2014 when I figured out my industry (fashion) was linked to terrible environmental and social impacts. I was determined to be part of the change. But I’m disappointed that we haven’t addressed the volume issue – better fashion must mean less fashion, but brands don’t want to reckon with this. What keeps me going is the kindness of other humans, and their endlessly surprising complexity. On a personal level, maybe it won’t be about fashion for me going forwards – maybe it will be more about trees. On an industry level, I think we need to think bigger. Radically change the system not just make a slightly more sustainable sneaker.

IRK: What are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet? 

Clare: I am passionate about protecting wild places, forests and biodiversity.

IRK: Clare what are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?

Clare: In terms of fashion, I buy carefully, ask myself: ‘Do I really need it?’ and then try to support independent designers who care about sustainability. Second-hand and vintage are great options, swapping with friends is another one. Check out rental if you’ve got an event coming up and want to wear something new and fancy. That said, (just throwing this out there!) do we put too much emphasis on individual conscious actions?

Obviously, you’ve got to care, and leading by example does matter. I take public transport, buy less, avoid meat, etc. But I also fly long haul so I’m a hypocrite. I suspect we waste a lot of time feeling guilty over personal fails, time that’s better spent ensuring we have the right leaders in government. Don’t beat yourself up over that time you grabbed a plastic bag at the grocery store, or a single-use coffee cup. Vote for the leaders who will legislate all those things out of the picture. If possible, consider standing for election yourself! Others might consider what they can do in the education space or working with community groups. I just sometimes feel worrying about that coffee cup is a distraction.

​IRK: What’s your hope for the future of the planet? 

Clare: Ecologically and socially just. And post-capitalist – a much more level playing field where the super-rich have disappeared, and societies are much more equal. Where no one is a billionaire, and no one goes hungry.

What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? https://sdgs.un.org/goals 

Clare: SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, & SDG 13: Climate Action