Last month, record-breaking numbers of people gathered together to join activist Greta Thunberg in her protest against the climate crisis. The message to leaders around the world, particularly climate crisis-denier Donald Trump, was very loud and clear: “There is no Planet B”. 

With climate change finally coming to the forefront of people’s minds, the eco-anxiety that comes with these conversations are very real. In fact, research by ethical bank Triodos Bank UK found that over a third of us are experiencing those feelings of fear and worry about the future of the planet. And 29% of us are feeling “overwhelmed” by climate change. 

So, what can we actually do to combat eco-anxiety while continuing to fight against the crisis? 

It’s something that Fearne Cotton has felt the need to address when it comes to her wardrobe. Known for her fun, experimental looks, the broadcaster’s attitude to fashion has changed dramatically over the years. 

“When I was presenting Radio 1 in my 20s, it did used to be ‘embarrassing’ to wear something that I’d worn before at events. I fell for that whole myth of  ‘oh I have to get something new’. Or it had to be something that was only just out. I couldn’t give a shit about any of that now,” Cotton tells Stylist. 

“I’m always very picky now with what I buy. I rarely buy new clothes for myself. I’ve had these jeans for the last ten years – I wear the same shit everyday.”

“The Molly Goddard dress I wore last night at the launch of my new jewellery collection, I bought maybe a year and a half ago on eBay. And the vegan boots are from Free People, because I’m trying not to buy any leather anymore.

“I am trying to be very transparent with ‘I bought this on eBay, at a charity shop or I’ve worn it eight times before’.  I think we do need to promote second hand fashion more.

“I don’t need to buy any new stuff at the moment and probably won’t for a long time. And if I do need to go to a work event, I’ll get something out of the wardrobe and style it a little bit differently. 

“We all have to think about that a little bit more, and certainly with spontaneous buying – when you buy a top and wear it once. I used to do that all the time in my 20s and I don’t do that anymore.”

This new attitude to conscious consuming and finding items with real meaning behind them is what inspired her new range with notonthehighstreet. 

Teaming up with designer Carrie Elizabeth, Cotton’s jewellery range features rings, necklaces and bracelets that have meanings and mantras inscribed on them. 

There’s a little locket that has a compass on the front, with “It’s OK to feel lost” written on the back. And Atzec inspired pieces are inscribed with “I am enough” – which Cotton thinks is “a good one for all of us to remember”. 

“It was so important to work with Carrie because she sources everything ethically. Because I’m not saying ‘go out and buy whole collections’, I’m saying ‘buy one really beautiful thing for someone or yourself’ so that it’s long lasting.” 

So, what piece of jewellery means the most to Cotton?

“It’s probably my engagement ring but also this plain gold ring. My dad doesn’t know if it was my nan’s or my great nan’s wedding ring. But I ended up with it, which is very, very special. 

“We’re not the sort of family that really has heirlooms, because unless you’re from an upper-class family that is not a thing, so it’s just a plain gold band but it’s very special.”

So, do as Fearne says and don’t even think about throwing out those 10-year-old jeans. 

FEARNE COTTON X CARRIE ELIZABETH is available to buy on notonthehighstreet now. 

Images: Getty, notonthehighstreet