Topshop wants your rubbish this week...

At a time when few highstreet retailers can escape the tarnish of their neighbours' inethical practices, Topshop has taken the bold step of hosting its own 'green' week called 'Topshop wants your rubbish' starting today.

The week's events will focus mainly on recycling, with eco workshops taking place in stores around the country. In a more long-standing (and in my opinion, more interesting) move Topshop has also announced that TRAID collection banks will be permanently positioned in stores to promote recycling. But could there be a spot of greenwash going on here?

Related: TRAID recycled fashion goes online | Trouble for Topshop as War on Want demand sweatshop action | Global Mamas ethical clothing now at Topshop

This move could certainly be seen as a good idea in a climate of fast fashion, which encourages many shoppers to buy the latest micro-trends cheaply and dispose of them when they get bored, but I'm still hankering after the idea that consumers will soon tire of 'throwaway fashion' altogether and go after clothes that transcend the fads that see so many textiles jettisoned each year.

Being green does not stop me from loving a bargain and ocassionally being tempted by a good knock-off of a high-end style I like the look of, but the more I give in to that temptation, the more disillusioned I become with the whole fast fashion concept. I'd much prefer to buy more timeless pieces that will last longer and look original than buy trendy clothes with the intention of throwing them away -- whether there are recycle bins in place or not.

How do you feel about events like these taking place on the high street? Is it hypocritical for the giants of fast-fashion to promote 'green' practices among consumers, or are you pleased they're doing their bit?

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