Rachael Guiles

Rachael Guiles
Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Specialist, Oregon

“I care about sustainable fashion because it uplifts talented makers and garment workers, protects our planet, and spotlights organizations that prioritize people and the planet over profit. Having worked with conscious brands and movements, I’ve seen firsthand how this space fosters meaningful connections and collaboration. It’s an area where I can see the path forward for business to be done with equity and compassion, allowing for a more transparent and accountable system. I particularly love how the sustainable fashion community is a tight-knit group that truly wants to work together to find solutions.

I am a responsible sourcing and sustainability specialist, working with mission-driven organizations to ensure their practices align with ethical and sustainable values. My niche is focusing on traceability to uplift garment workers and provide transparent supply chains.”

What do you think about fast fashion?

“Fast fashion is inherently exploitative. Garment workers are paid far below a living wage for items that aren’t made to last. Yes, the clothing may be cheap initially, but in the long run, it costs more due to its lack of durability and the environmental harm it causes. I’ve seen fast fashion brands prioritize speed and profit over both worker safety and product quality, leading to devastating consequences for people and the planet. No one wins in this situation except for corporations exploiting both labor and resources, which only intensifies environmental degradation and inequality.”

How do you hope to see the fashion industry change?

“I hope to see the fashion industry embrace strong policy changes in the coming years. Voluntary efforts by companies, while admirable, are not moving the needle fast enough to protect communities from the effects of climate change and worker exploitation. I envision a future where mandatory regulations ensure more than fair wages and reduced environmental impact. I also hope to see more collaboration between the fashion industry and other sectors, like energy or agriculture, that have made strides in sustainability, so that we can build an interconnected approach to solving these complex issues.”

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