Extinction Rebellion activists hide notes in clothing at Penneys to protest at ‘fast fashion’
UP TO 80 Extinction Rebellion climate change activists protested outside Penneys on Dublin’s O’Connell Street to voice their opposition to so-called ‘fast fashion’ and urge shoppers to buy secondhand.
The group staged a sitdown protest, stopping traffic for around 10 minutes, before moving onto the footpath.
A number of the activists entered the shop and hid handwritten notes containing ‘fast fashion facts’ inside pockets.
They hope these will be read by whoever buys the clothes. However, some of the messages were later removed by staff.
A larger group later marched into the shop banging drums, waving flags and chanting.
Among those taking part was Paula Martinez, a Brazilian student living in Dublin who said she took part in clothes swaps with other students every month. Asked why she had put the hidden messages in pockets, she said: “I just want people to be informed.”
Fellow protester Cillian Byrne, from Glasnevin, said 225,000 tonnes of textiles were dumped every year by Irish people. He said the fashion industry used huge amounts of water and was responsible for massive pollution.
Extinction Rebellion claims the fashion industry results in 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Shopper Marian Raftery, from Leixlip, Co Kildare, said she supported the protest and it gave her pause for thought.
“I think it’s fair enough. It’s great to see people protesting. If they’re doing something about it, maybe things will change,” she said.
The protest is part of a week of action planned by Extinction Rebellion activists in Dublin.
Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said she supported the protest and revealed that she had visited Extinction Rebellion’s camp.
“It was beautiful to see,” she said.
The climate activists have set up camp in Merrion Square Park and have caused some traffic disruption in the city.
Ms Zappone said such disruption was often the impact of protests, adding: “As long as it’s done peacefully, I think that’s really important.”
She said she had had to change her commuting plans and left an hour early for an appearance on RTÉ on Tuesday night. However, she said she did this “because I support the protests”.