The sustainable student series is back! After I only posted once last year, before leaving university after a term, it didn’t seem right to carry it on for the rest of the academic year, given that most of it has been spent in lockdown at home, with an absence of study. The dynamics of working around coronavirus at campuses, the question of whether university will be online and thus not at the campus (so at home but still a student !!) and general uncertainty means this year will be a different one. What is, however, not uncertain, is that this series will last the whole year (no, I do not intend to drop out again). I want to highlight the sustainable lifestyle changes I’m making because they will be on a budget, as well as tips/tricks/things that can are more accessible.  

My business …

… will need to navigate new water when it comes to university; on a time management and sustainability front (both workload and practicalities). It would be unsustainable for myself to continue working at the same pace as I do when I’m at home, trying to study full time as well, so I think it is about finding what works best for both. Whether that means limiting made-to-order on some products and only doing necklace/bracelet releases, or just opening up orders for a set period. Also, in terms of supplies, I’m looking forward to hunting the best charity shops in and around Durham for beads for necklaces, perhaps making more curated collections and adapting to the student market (is this business-speak I hear you say)?! In the lead up to going to university and actually developing a greater plan for Felt Fancy, I also and will always ensure that everything is packaged in an eco-friendly way. I can remember starting my business and seeking out the most eco-friendly packaging possible. A recent find is Lil Packaging, selling plastic-free and eco-friendly packaging. I may, however, have to buy more when I’ve moved in as I’m not sure the car could stomach another box added to the load.* 

Whether Felt Fancy does continue at uni or remains my gap year/lockdown passion project we shall see, but I do want to continue raising awareness of sustainable businesses in some capacity, whether that be on my blog or extending the brand to be more (or less) than selling jewellery. 

New/old buys 

With every academic year, there seems to be an invisible pressure for ‘newness’; whether that be in regards to clothes, homeware or other academic paraphernalia. In the past few months, I’ve made two bigger purchases – a pair of platform converse from Depop and a ladybird jumper from Woolly Mammoth Knits. Both will last in my wardrobe for years. I’ve been sceptical about buying shoes secondhand for a while but buying new shoes sustainably is expensive (expensive in capitals) and so I just haven’t bought any shoes. My trusty Stan Smiths have been with me for years and are in fine condition, but the secondhand converse were almost new when I bought them. They aren’t a trend-led style either, so I can envisage them lasting my whole student journey (and beyond). The jumper was the one major purchase I will buy this year. It’s made-to-order, warm, is so beautifully made and knowing it is supporting a small business further augments its value as a garment in my wardrobe.

‘Does spontaneity exist in sustainable style?’ is a question that could merit a whole blog post, but my conclusions would be: in charity shopping maybe but when buying new; researching the brand is a must. When I was in the Isle of Wight a few weeks ago, I stumbled across a sustainable lingerie brand called Stripe and Stare. I bought a pair, excited at the prospect of being able to buy from a sustainable brand in a physical shop. Without researching, I put trust in the immediate marketing of sustainable as actually sustainable. The website does not disappoint; I have since researched the material of TENCEL, their ethics and values as a lingerie brand and I definitely will be buying again. I’ve found that, although sustainable underwear is more expensive, when cared for well it lasts years. My Organic Basics pieces are in the same condition they were a year ago. I hope these merit the same. 

The start of the academic year also coincides with #secondhandseptember, a campaign begun by Oxfam to encourage only acquiring second-hand clothes for September. This doesn’t have to be through buying second hand, but also swapping, upcycling, mending and still buying things you truly love. This September will be a much as a no-buy September as possible as I think lockdown made me realise that despite writing about ethical and sustainable fashion, my wardrobe hardly fits into the category of minimal. I found the notebook I used at university last year and in it, including a list of the clothes to take to university. Despite all great intentions to be minimal, I did end up piling the bag high with possible outfit choices. This year, I am going to try and bring only clothes I know I will wear whilst at university. Planning a suitcase wardrobe would be a good idea, in case of a second lockdown and need to travel home at speed. 

Apps/websites

Since lockdown, a lot more time has been invested in looking at ways to reduce my carbon footprint beyond the sphere of fashion. The Climate App is currently crowdfunding to develop an app to pledge, track and share carbon cutting tips which is ideal for a student; as part of a wider community and shared responsibility for reducing our carbon footprint. 

Is there any topic you’d like the sustainable student guide you’d like to see? Whether that be garment care, shopping, beauty or even sourcing books as a student? 

Lots of love, eleanor xx

*this post contains sponsored content but all views are my own.