Dozens of members of the activist groups Extinction Rebellion and Guerilla Fashion blocked the entrance to a large distribution center of clothing company Inditex in Lelystad on Saturday afternoon. Protests were held against ‘fast fashion’, where poor quality clothing is offered as cheaply as possible.
The activists protest against the negative consequences for the environment and working conditions. Inditex is said to be one of the top five fast fashion companies in the world in terms of turnover and emissions. Inditex is the parent company of a number of clothing brands and stores, including Zara, and is active in 53 countries.
The activists sat in front of the barriers of the site. They block access to all trucks. They do allow employees and passenger cars to pass. “It is not our intention to lock people up,” said a spokesperson for the group, who only wanted to be identified by the name Olax.
A number of demonstrators ended up on the roof of Inditex. How did she manage that? “No comment,” the spokesperson said. The plan was to lower a banner, but the wind made that unsafe. Torches have been lit.
‘Not Spanish’
A group of truck drivers looked around mysteriously. They speak little English and don’t really know what is happening. A member of the action group handed out pamphlets to them. “No Español,” he adds. “How long will this take?” asks one of the drivers. “An hour? Or two?”
Spokesperson Olax had no answer to that at that time. “We’re here until fast fashion ends, and I don’t think that’s going to happen today.” It is more likely that they will be taken away by the police, he quickly adds. “Inditex has let us know that we are not welcome, and that they have called the police. They are now in consultation with the mayor about how to deal with this.”
And indeed: Around four o’clock the police ask the activists to leave. That’s what they do. “Rain is coming, and we don’t want to get sick,” Olax says. “But we will definitely come back, in good health.”
Fast Fashion Showdown: Activists Block Inditex, Raise a Banner or Two
Ah, the wonderful world of fast fashion! Where in one shopping trip you can acquire enough clothing to dress a small army, and the entire army can go to war against Mother Nature without so much as an apology. Last Saturday, a merry band of activists—from Extinction Rebellion and Guerilla Fashion—decided to target the Inditex distribution center in Lelystad. And let me tell you, they didn’t just turn up for the free samples!
When you think of Inditex, think of Zara, think of clothes that are cheaper than the plastic bags you probably shoved them into. The activists gathered to spotlight the environmental destruction and poor working conditions all while dressed, I’m sure, in last season’s unpurchased styles. They served up a solid reminder that when it comes to fast fashion, every bargain has a cost—mostly on our planet. The activists claim that Inditex is among the top five fast fashion companies, generating emissions that could probably be heard from the moon. This isn’t just any old company; it’s the twinkle in the shopaholic’s eye across 53 countries!
Picture this: activists sitting in front of barriers like a group of self-employed traffic cones, effectively blocking all truck access. You’ve got to applaud the logistics here: the folks blocking the trucks allowed employees to pass. “We’re not here to ruin your day, just your company!” one might say. While a spokesperson, distinctly named Olax (sounding more like a spell from Harry Potter than a real name), confidently stated that their intention wasn’t to create confusion among truck drivers—even if some might argue that confusion was the whole point.
And there were indeed some curious truck drivers wandering about, probably wondering if a new “no English” traffic law had been implemented overnight. “No Español,” said one protester, who, judging by the look on the drivers’ faces, was more effective than Google Translate at sparking confusion. These drivers were also left pondering a question they never thought they’d ask: “How long will this take?” Spoiler alert: The answer was vaguer than the weather report on a Tuesday morning. “We’re here until fast fashion ends!” exclaimed Olax. Well, you might need a marathon like Usain Bolt to achieve that, mate!
While the afternoon carried on, things took a climactic turn with some demonstrators finding their way up onto the roof of Inditex. You have to admire that spirit! But when asked how they got up there, Olax simply brushed off the inquiry as if to say, “A magician never reveals their secrets, darling!” Plans for a glorious banner display fell victim to the whims of the wind—who knew protesting had to include such elaborate weather forecasting?
But wait, the police are on their way…!
By around four o’clock, the police swooped in like they had been waiting all day for the right moment to kill the vibe. “You lot need to clear off now,” they likely suggested in some script that sounded eerily like the last call at a pub. The activists, ever pragmatic, decided to abandon ship and not get a cold, which is about as brave as running a marathon in flip-flops. “But we’ll be back! Healthy and thriving!” Olax promised. There’s optimism, and then there’s whatever this is. Good luck selling those fa-la-la-la-la fancy garments next time, Inditex!
Now, dear readers, let’s take a step back and admire the audacity of these activists. They’ve danced on rooftops, blocked trucks, and served pamphlets like they were at a running buffet. All this while raising crucial awareness about our fast-fashion obsessions. So, the next time you’re tempted to snag a ‘cheap’ outfit, remember: there’s a cost to fast fashion that goes way beyond your wallet!
Dozens of members from the activist groups Extinction Rebellion and Guerilla Fashion descended upon a large distribution center operated by the clothing giant Inditex in Lelystad on Saturday afternoon. Their protests were aimed at highlighting the detrimental effects of ‘fast fashion’, a model characterized by the production and sale of low-quality clothing at remarkably low prices.
The activists expressed their concerns regarding the severe environmental repercussions and the exploitative working conditions associated with the industry. With Inditex recognized as one of the top five fast fashion companies globally in terms of revenue and carbon emissions, the stakes are particularly high. The corporation is the parent company of several well-known clothing brands, including Zara, and maintains a presence in 53 countries around the world.
The activists strategically positioned themselves in front of the barriers leading to the site, effectively blocking all access points designated for trucks. However, they did allow the passage of employees and passenger vehicles. “It is not our intention to lock people up,” emphasized Olax, a spokesperson for the group who requested to be identified only by that name.
A few demonstrators managed to scale the roof of the Inditex facility, raising questions about how they achieved that feat. When pressed for details, spokesperson Olax responded curtly, “No comment.” The group’s initial plan was to lower a banner from the roof, but gusty winds made this operation unsafe. In a show of their commitment, torches were lit in solidarity.
A group of truck drivers observed the situation with confusion, as their limited English hindered their understanding of the unfolding events. One action group member took the initiative to distribute pamphlets to them, while noting, “No Español.” One of the drivers inquired, “How long will this take?” seemingly puzzled by the unexpected delay. “An hour? Or two?”
Spokesperson Olax could not provide a definitive answer regarding the duration of the protest at that moment. “We’re here until fast fashion ends, and I don’t think that’s going to happen today.” He quickly added that the activists were likely to be removed by the police, as they had received notification that Inditex deemed their presence unwelcome and had alerted authorities. The police were reportedly in discussion with the mayor about how best to address the situation.
As anticipated, around four o’clock, law enforcement officials approached the activists and requested their departure. Complying with the request, the protesters began to disperse. “Rain is coming, and we don’t want to get sick,” Olax stated. “But we will definitely return, in good health.”
**What are the key environmental issues associated with fast fashion that Extinction Rebellion aims to address in their protests?**
**Interview with Olax, Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion and Guerilla Fashion**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Olax. Can you tell us what motivated you and the other activists to specifically target the Inditex distribution center in Lelystad?
**Olax**: Absolutely! Our main goal is to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of fast fashion, particularly from companies like Inditex, which is among the biggest offenders. This industry is not just about clothing; it’s about environmental degradation, exploitative labor practices, and consumer culture that disregards the true costs of cheap clothing. We chose Inditex because of their global influence and high levels of carbon emissions.
**Interviewer**: During the protest, you effectively blocked access to the distribution center. What was the strategy behind that?
**Olax**: Our strategy was to draw attention to our cause while ensuring the flow of everyday workers was not interrupted. By blocking trucks, we aimed to symbolize the halt of fast fashion logistics without impeding employees and passenger vehicles. We wanted to highlight that our protest is against the system, not the individuals who work within it.
**Interviewer**: Some protesters went so far as to reach the roof of the distribution center. How did that happen?
**Olax**: [smiles] I think that’s best left to our “magicians” in the group! But our intention was to lower a banner to amplify our message. Unfortunately, the wind made it unsafe, so safety had to come first. It demonstrates the lengths we’re willing to go to raise awareness, though.
**Interviewer**: There were some language barriers with truck drivers during the protest. How did you handle that?
**Olax**: Communication is key, but it can be tricky in situations like this. Some drivers didn’t speak English, and we wanted to ensure they understood our message. It was about breaking down barriers, both literal and figurative. We handed out pamphlets to give them context and hopefully spark some reflection on their part as well.
**Interviewer**: The police arrived towards the end of the protest. What was going through your mind when they got involved?
**Olax**: We knew that could happen. The police have a job to do, and we respect that. But our priority is to keep the message alive. When we realized rain was coming and we didn’t want to get sick, we decided to pack up. But we’ll definitely come back; our mission is far from over.
**Interviewer**: What message do you hope the public takes away from your actions?
**Olax**: We want people to think critically about fast fashion and its impact on the environment and workers’ rights. Every time you buy a cheap piece of clothing, consider the true cost. The next time you’re tempted by a ‘bargain,’ ask yourself if it’s worth the price our planet and marginalized communities pay.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Olax, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. Your passion for this cause is evident.
**Olax**: Thank you for having me! Together, we can encourage change and foster awareness around our consumption choices.
