In an exclusive interview, we speak with Charity Wakefield—celebrated actress (of new Netflix film Scoop, Sense & Sensibility, Wolf Hall & The Great) & green living advocate—to learn more about her career & passion for sustainability & conscious living.
An ambassador for the Woodland Trust, Charity champions the preservation of ancient woodlands, seamlessly blending her artistic flair with environmental commitment across her social channels. In the face of film and entertainment industry challenges, Charity also supports initiatives like Equity's Green New Deal, advocating for impactful lifestyle changes from within the industry.
From humble thrift shopping beginnings to making mindful fashion choices, Charity shares the origins of her enthusiasm for sustainable practices and what she hopes makes more impact in the future.
You’re passionate about creating a better world. What changes do you wish to influence & why?
I want to encourage people to be more in touch with nature and to try and live in a way that’s friendly to the environment. If there isn’t much nature around you, I encourage you to get out there and create some! There are lots of community projects to join, and if not, why not start one? Do a beach clean, volunteer your time to plant flowers nearby or grow your own veg. We all need to rewild a bit. It’s proven to be amazing for your mental health too!
What does your role as an ambassador for the Woodland Trust involve?
I work with the Woodland Trust to bring their wonderful ideas and diligent work—like saving ancient woodlands and planting new ones—to anyone who will listen! I grew up in the countryside and it comes naturally to me to understand the importance of trees and the good they do, like taking C0² out of the atmosphere, providing essential habitats for nature, holding the soils together etc. They do extremely important work. Lots of Britain’s most ancient trees are vulnerable; they need to become more loved, valued and meticulously conserved.
Charity wears Cornice Fitted Panel Dress
You're a passionate advocate for sustainable style. How has your approach to clothes evolved over time?
It’s come full circle. Growing up I had no money for new clothes, so I got everything from charity shops. I still thrift now, but there was a while when I hungered for new, changing trends, and had that feeling of needing to ‘keep up’ and be cool. I’ve since learnt so much about how harmful that is. Running my own vintage clothing store has also taught me so much about the power of traditional craftsmanship and quality fabrics.
These days, I either buy a few quality pieces I know will last, or choose second hand. Sometimes for work purposes (red carpet or promotional work for projects coming out on screen) I’m able to collaborate with stylists to borrow higher end outfits and jewellery, so I’m making a conscious effort to support sustainable brands and pair these with vintage or second hand too. I feel we need to be much more aware of how and where things are made, and who made them. Then we can choose the impact our purchasing habits have on the planet.
I’m hopeful that change is on the horizon. There is so much innovation happening in the fashion industry, and DEPLOY is at the very forefront of that. The designs are so unique & the craftsmanship exceptional. I particularly appreciate the thoughtful choice of materials, for example using FSC certified viscose and bamboo to protect ancient wood forests for the future.
"I feel we need to be much more aware of how and where things are made, and who made them. Then we can choose the impact our purchasing habits have on the planet."
What challenges do you face while trying to make an impact? How do you overcome them?
In the film-television industry, we often face myriad environmental misdeeds, like departments not mitigating waste, or not recycling or composting. On set, tons of things are built and thrown away and a lot of carbon footprint is used up on travelling. This has to change. I’m currently following Equity’s Green New Deal with interest, as it looks like it could be an excellent tool for ensuring actors have a say in how environmental concerns are managed on set.
You consistently speak out on the need to make greener choices. How can we all play our part & make a difference?
The best way is to just take action. I’ve found that simply making the effort to change small things at home, and being honest with my friendship groups, are some of the best ways. It’s actually a hard thing to do; to ask your family not to give you anything plastic, for example. But if you’re brave, and you do it in your personal life, it catches on. Start the wave. Be the change! Create the model in the workplace. Once, I made a feature film called A Serial Killer's Guide To Life and even with a limited budget, we used proper cutlery rather than disposable, we did car lift shares and had almost zero waste. It can be done!
