Gravesham's Extinction Rebellion protest 'fast fashion' outside Dartford Primark
06:00, 10 August 2019
A group of climate change activists protested against fast fashion outside Primark at the weekend.
Members from the Gravesend branch of Extinction Rebellion met at the store in Dartford High Street on Saturday to "educate shoppers about the real cost of fast fashion".
They were hoping to help members of the public make "informed decisions" about what clothes they buy.
Laura Manston, who helped found Gravesham XR, said: “The people we spoke to were shocked to hear that fast fashion has such a devastating impact on the environment and were sympathetic to our plight.
"It takes 700 gallons of water to make one cotton t-shirt. Viscose is often made from trees from endangered rainforests. Polyester microfibers, insecticides, pesticides and textile dyes are all released into natural water sources during the apparel lifecycle, endangering aquatic life, mammals and humans.
"These are the kind of things we are not made aware of when we make seemingly financially economical purchasing decisions within our busy lives.”
A spokesman for Primark said it takes its responsibility to the environment very seriously. She said the retailer has sourced more sustainable cotton and introduced more environmentally friendly ranges.
