For Those Who Give a Damn

Most people know about the cruelty behind fur and leather. But wool? It's just a haircut, right? While the industry sells wool as a natural, harmless material, the reality for sheep (and the environment) is far darker than most people ever imagined. To find out what really happens to sheep in the wool industry, we sat down with Sascha Camilli, Manager of PR Projects for PETA UK and author of Vegan Style. From cruel shearing practices to innovative plant-based wool alternatives, this is everything you need to know to leave wool behind, for good.In this episode, you'll find out:★ Why wool is nothing like a simple haircut for sheep★ What mulesing is, which country has already banned it, and why "mulesing-free" wool is still far from ethical★ What PETA found across 100+ wool facilities on 4 continents (and why it was never just a few bad apples)★ Why wool is one of the least sustainable materials in fashion★ And that you don't have to choose between wool and synthetics, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives already out there🐑 Learn more about Sascha Camilli's work: https://www.saschacamilli.com/💚 Stay in touch with Sascha Camilli: https://www.instagram.com/saschacamilliMentioned in the episode:📚Vegan Style: Your plant-based guide to fashion + beauty + home + travel by Sascha Camilli📚Animalkind by PETA Founder, Ingrid Newkirk📚Kind of Wild (Sascha Camilli's Substack): https://saschacamilli.substack.com/ 📚PETA UK: https://www.peta.org.uk/ 📚Wool facts: https://www.woolfacts.com/ 📚 Pulse of the Fashion Industry report: https://www.copenhagenfashionsummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Pulse-of-the-Fashion-Industry_2017.pdf 📚 Human hair sweater? If your first thought is “Ew”, read this: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/blogs/human-hair-sweater-if-your-first-thought-is-ew-read-this/bl-463 📚 Why Don't Vegans Wear Wool?: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/blogs/why-dont-vegans-wear-wool-/bl-261 📚 No wool collection (alternatives): https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/blogs/no-wool-collection/bl-411 Find us on: 💚 Website: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com 💚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplikeyougiveadamn/ 💚 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shoplikeyougiveadamn Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & introduction1:44 – Why so many sheep die prematurely in the wool industry4:12 — PETA's investigations in 100+ wool facilities6:21 — Is cruelty the exception or the norm in the wool industry? 8:37 — A sheep's life in the wool industry13:14 — Wool is not “natural” nor sustainable 17:04 — Why wool is not ours to use17:43 — Plant-based alternatives to wool22:19 — Final reflections

Wool is often marketed as a natural, sustainable, and animal-friendly material. But that's actually very far from the truth. What's really happening to the sheep in the wool industry? In this interview, we sit down with Claire Hamlett, PhD researcher in animal ethics & freelance journalist covering animals, environment, and climate. We pull back the curtain on the wool industry's less talked-about dark side, from selective breeding and routine mutilations to its high environmental impact.In this episode, you'll find out:★ Why sheep "needing" to be sheared is a human-made problem★ What sheep in the wool industry are put through: mulesing, tail docking, and castration ★ Why the so-called high UK animal welfare regulations fall short in practice★ Why sheep grazing in open fields isn't the idyllic picture it's painted as★ The environmental impact of wool, and how it compares to cotton★ What to wear instead of wool (and no, it's not synthetics)🐑 Learn more about Claire Hamlett's work: https://clairehamlett.weebly.com/Mentioned in the episode:📚 HOGWOOD: a modern horror story (about multiple investigations by Viva! into a pig farm in Somerset): https://viva.org.uk/animals/campaigns/hogwood-a-modern-horror-story/📚 Shear Destruction: Wool, Fashion and the Biodiversity Crisis by the Center for Biological Diversity & Collective Fashion Justice (environmental data comparing Australian merino wool sweater vs. cotton one): https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/pdfs/shear_destruction_final_report.pdf📚 Human hair sweater? If your first thought is “Ew”, read this: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/blogs/human-hair-sweater-if-your-first-thought-is-ew-read-this/bl-463📚 Why Don't Vegans Wear Wool?: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/blogs/why-dont-vegans-wear-wool-/bl-261📚 No wool collection (alternatives): https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/blogs/no-wool-collection/bl-411Find us on: 💚 Website: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com 💚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplikeyougiveadamn/ 💚 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shoplikeyougiveadamnChapters:00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:52 – Is wool a byproduct of the meat industry?03:26 – The UK's insufficient animal welfare regulations04:04 – Why sheep are always kept outside in open fields05:57 – The "sheep need to be sheared" myth09:19 – The mutilations in the wool industry10:39 – What's mulesing?12:55 – Why "wool is natural" is misleading13:40 – Animal-free wool alternatives & wool vs. cotton15:44 – Final reflections

Cotton is one of the most misunderstood materials in fashion. Is it really a “thirsty crop”? Does organic cotton actually use less water than conventional cotton? And what does regenerative cotton truly mean for farmers, soil health and the fashion industry as a whole?In this panel interview, we sit down with Anna Marie Pawliczek, Chief Sustainability Officer at DAWN Denim, and Ani Wells & Anne Oudard, consultants from Cotton Diaries, to unpack the complexity behind cotton production, supply chain traceability, certifications and regenerative agriculture.In this episode, you’ll find out:★ What regenerative cotton is and how it differs from conventional and organic cotton★ Why the “10.000 litres of water to make one pair of jeans” stat is misleading ★ What the limitations of fashion certifications are ★ Why knowing your individual cotton farmers might not be realistic or necessary★ How exactly brands can support farmers transitioning to organic and regenerative cotton★ How relationships in fashion supply chains need to change👖Discover DAWN and its collection: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/sellers/dawn/v-248 Mentioned in the episode:📚 Cotton: A case study of misinformation by Transformers Foundation: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5efdeb17898fb81c1491fb04/t/615e06bfe1c0673ad2ae61c5/1633552067271/CottonPaper_071021_TransformersFoundation_.pdf 📚 2025 Materials Market Report by Textile Exchange: https://2d73cea0.delivery.rocketcdn.me/app/uploads/2025/09/Materials-Market-Report-2025.pdf 📚 ICAC Cotton Data Book 2025 (paywalled): https://icac.org/publications/databookFind us on:💚 Website: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com 💚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplikeyougiveadamn/ 💚 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shoplikeyougiveadamnChapters00:00 Welcome & introduction01:43 – Cotton facts vs. myths 04:49 – What makes organic cotton better?07:37 – Why switching to organic cotton is difficult for farmers11:38 – Community-based cotton: more complex, but bigger impact21:07 – Where fashion certifications fall short26:31 – Traceability & rebuilding trust in supply chains32:07 – Regenerative cotton, explained39:25 – DAWN Denim’s approach to regenerative cotton farming45:26 – Final reflections & key takeaways

What does truly circular fashion look like? And how do GOTS certification and Cradle-to-Cradle principles make it possible?In this in-depth conversation, Larissa Wood, Sustainable Supply Chain Manager at MELA, explains what sets GOTS-certified cotton apart and how MELA is pushing the boundaries of circular fashion and innovation.In this episode, you’ll find out:★ What strict criteria GOTS certification imposes, and why it matters for your skin too★ Why MELA produces in India instead of Europe★ How MELA designs for circularity and recyclability★ What innovations MELA introduced to avoid virgin polyester in its collections★ What the limitations of recycled cotton are★ How MELA keeps sustainable fashion affordable without cutting corners★ Which cotton greenwashing claims to watch out for 👖Discover MELA and its collection: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/sellers/mela/v-307 Larissa’s favorite organic cotton products:⭐ Rib Knit Cardigan Bhuma Cream Melange: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/rib-knit-cardigan-bhuma-cream-melange/p-96189 ⭐ Socks 10x Cream Melange: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/socks-10x-cream-melange/p-110030 ⭐ Bed Linen Set Majuli Natural White: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/bed-linen-set-majuli-natural-white/p-97210 Find us on:💚 Website: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com 💚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplikeyougiveadamn/ 💚 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shoplikeyougiveadamnChapters00:00 Welcome & introduction00:48 – What makes GOTS certification special & strict03:35 – Chemicals in organic textiles06:04 – Why Mela produces in India08:01 – Cradle-to-cradle & circular fashion, explained09:16 – Mela’s innovations to replace virgin polyester11:24 – Mela’s textile recycling program14:28 – Recycled cotton’s limitations17:35 – Can sustainable fashion be affordable?20:33 – Mela’s favorite organic cotton products25:42 – Sustainability myths & greenwashing around cotton

Can jeans, one of fashion’s most polluting items, be made entirely from recycled denim?In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Bert van Son, founder of MUD Jeans, to explore the innovations and challenges of sustainable, circular denim. With over 40 years of experience in the fashion industry, Bert walks us through denim production, from turning old denim into new jeans to (non-)toxic indigo dyes and ozone denim washing.In this episode, you’ll find out:★ Why recycling post-consumer cotton waste (old jeans) is far harder than recycling pre-consumer waste (production leftovers)★ The difference between mechanical and chemical cotton recycling ★ Why stretchy jeans are a disaster for the circular denim economy★ How MUD Jeans achieves up to 55% post-consumer recycled content in their jeans★ Whether it’s possible to make jeans 100% from recycled old denim★ Why MUD Jeans cannot be cradle-to-cradle certified despite making the most circular jeans in the world👖Discover MUD Jeans and their collection: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/sellers/mud-jeans/v-202 Bert’s favorite recycled denim jeans:⭐ Jeans Wyde Sara Flow Stone Vintage: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/jeans-wyde-sara-flow-stone-vintage/p-81042 ⭐ Jeans Mid Straight Bryce Strong Blue: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/jeans-mid-straight-bryce-strong-blue/p-95580 ⭐ Jeans Mid Loose June Rinse Blue: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com/jeans-mid-loose-june-rinse-blue/p-110664 Find us on:💚 Website: https://www.shoplikeyougiveadamn.com 💚 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplikeyougiveadamn/ 💚 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shoplikeyougiveadamnChapters00:00 Welcome & introduction01:02 Organic & recycled cotton02:21 Why recycling old jeans is so difficult 04:54 What sets MUD Jeans apart from other brands06:38 Why pre-consumer recycling isn’t enough08:38 Bert’s favorite recycled denim products15:49 Traceability of MUD Jeans’ cotton 19:10 Further reducing the environmental impact of MUD Jeans21:25 Final thoughts

What makes your denim jeans (un)sustainable? In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Nynke Eggen, Sustainability Strategist at Kuyichi, to unpack how one of the pioneering sustainable brands approaches denim production, supply chain transparency and certifications, as well as how they reduce the environmental impact of their denim jeans.In this episode, you’ll find out:★ What genuinely surprised Nynke when she joined Kuyichi★ What cotton-in-conversion and regenerative cotton really mean, and why they matter★ Exactly why tracing your cotton back to the farm is far more difficult than it seems★ What it actually takes to get products GOTS-certified★ Why cotton being a ‘natural’ fiber doesn’t automatically mean your jeans are sustainable👖Discover: Kuyichi and their collectionNynke’s favorite regenerative & organic cotton products:⭐ Denim Jacket Bourne Dry Selvedge Blue⭐ Knit Sweater Brooke Oat Cream⭐ Jeans Lucy Loose Eflow RinseMentioned in the episode:Kiss the Ground (a documentary)Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment by Maxine Bedat (a book)Find us on:💚 Website: ⁠Shop Like You Give a Damn⁠💚 Instagram: ⁠@shoplikeyougiveadamn ⁠💚 TikTok: ⁠@shoplikeyougiveadamn⁠Chapters00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:32 – Sustainability is never “finished”03:20 – What sets Kuyichi apart from other brands08:04 – Cotton-in-conversion, explained09:52 – Regenerative cotton & climate impact11:15 – Why tracing cotton back to farms is so difficult15:10– Certification process, explained18:15 – Greenwashing myths about cotton18:41 – The hidden chemicals in “natural” fabrics21:34 – Nynke’s favorite products: raw denim & regenerative cotton

Organic cotton seems to be the holy grail of sustainable cotton. But could regenerative cotton be a better alternative, and the future of sustainable fashion?Join us in this in-depth conversation with Anders Langhoff-Jensen, COO of KnowledgeCotton Apparel, as we discuss the brand’s unique approach to fair and sustainable fashion. Anders, who has been with KnowledgeCotton Apparel for 10 years, shares how they challenge the fashion industry by prioritizing natural fibers, developing innovative materials, and maintaining full transparency across their supply chain, all while supporting and keeping cotton farmers at the heart of their work. In this episode, you’ll find out:★ Why KnowledgeCotton Apparel prioritizes natural fibers, and why they sometimes use recycled synthetic fibers★ The difference between organic and regenerative cotton, and how regenerative cotton benefits the farmers and the planet★ Why KnowledgeCotton Apparel produces in India, and how that has affected the local community★ Whether and why sustainable fashion is more expensive★ Anders’ favorite organic and regenerative cotton products & the innovation behind them👕Discover: KnowledgeCotton Apparel and their collectionAnders’ favorite organic & regenerative cotton products:⭐ Jacket Vent Canvas Shell 270 Vintage Indigo⭐ Jacket Vent Ripstop 90 Black⭐ T-Shirt Badge Regular Total EclipseFind us on:💚 Website: Shop Like You Give a Damn💚 Instagram: @shoplikeyougiveadamn 💚 TikTok: @shoplikeyougiveadamnChapters00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:27 – Prioritizing natural fibers 03:13 – What sets KnowledgeCotton Apparel apart from other brands05:39 – Regenerative cotton's impact on the farmers and the planet12:30 – Brands need to invest and support farmers13:11 – Supply chain transparency & sharing knowledge15:37 – The cost of sustainable fashion18:40 – Anders’ favorite products and the innovation behind them23:27 – Why KnowledgeCotton Apparel produces in India25:32 – Final thoughts on (over)consumption

So, what’s the real difference between organic and conventional cotton?In this in-depth interview, we talk with Philipp Reuter, co-founder of the ethical and sustainable fashion brand Dirts. Philipp shares how he went from playing professional handball to founding a sustainable fashion brand. With honesty and transparency, he offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at ethical fashion and the cotton supply chain, all the way from organic cotton fields in Turkey to factories in Portugal. Philipp explains how cotton is grown and turned into high-quality T-shirts, the challenges sustainable brands face every day, and his favorite organic and recycled cotton items.In this episode, you’ll find out:★ Why Dirts moved its production from China to Portugal★ The key differences between organic, recycled, and conventional cotton★ Why tracing the origin of the cotton in your T-shirt is so difficult★ What Philipp learned from visiting organic cotton fields in Turkey★ Why fraud tied to sustainability certifications happens and what we can do about it👕 Discover: Dirts and their collectionPhilipps’ favorite organic & recycled cotton products:⭐ T-Shirt Slim Premium Blank White⭐ Recycled Cotton Longsleeve Off-WhiteFind us on:💚 Website: Shop Like You Give a Damn💚 Instagram: @shoplikeyougiveadamn 💚 TikTok: @shoplikeyougiveadamnChapters00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:21 – Meet Philipp: How Dirts started03:10 – Why Dirts moved production to Europe 04:34 – Why Dirts switched to organic cotton05:46 – Visiting cotton fields & tracing Dirts’ cotton origins10:27 – GOTS certification & fraud concerns13:10 – Philipp’s favorite Dirts products made of organic & recycled cotton16:01 – Recycled cotton quality & durability17:35 – The challenges of a sustainable fashion brand19:17 – Knowing your supply chain matters20:26 – Debunking greenwashing: Water use & organic cotton21:36 – What sets Dirts apart from other brands24:15 – Final thoughts