Let’s talk about one of my favourite things to do: shopping. Now, just because I have a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean that I’m no longer interested in purchasing new clothes. I simply made a rule for myself that is one item in means one item out with the exception that if something is absolutely iconic I allow myself a pass.
But we do need to talk about the consumption of fashion and how it’s extremely unhealthy. Now I completely understand that sometimes you have to shop from the not-so-great brands and I’m also aware that this knowledge about the damages of the fashion industry is not widely spread but that's why we're here: to educate each other about things that are niche.
The Facts
Now I want to make sure the facts are the facts so full disclosure: the fashion industry is not the world’s second-largest polluter. It’s actually really hard to figure out how much pollution the fashion industry creates because it involves so many other sectors like water, electricity, air travel, packaging, etc. If you’re interested, the best source for facts supported by sources and data about the damages the fashion industry causes can be found on https://www.newstandardinstitute.org/.
The industry is improving but unfortunately not fast enough or to the extent that it should be. And the reality is, that for some major change to happen we need to pass legislation and the U.N. needs to push regulations.
The bottom line though is that fast fashion is horrible for the planet and the people. A lot of garment workers in the industry are mistreated, the planet suffers and horribly unethical practices go into cute clothes.
♲ Alternatives ♲
Some amazing alternatives to shopping for one expensive and really high-quality thing or a million really low-quality things is second-hand shopping. It’s really can be such a fun experience and you can find yourself owning items that no one else in your vicinity has. And there are so many options for that: thrift shopping, closet swaps with friends/in your community (check Facebook events in your area), online sites like Poshmark, Depop, TheRealReal.
Now if that’s just not your vibe, I totally get it. And I know so many sustainable brands out there especially the big ones that are being promoted are suuuper expensive but there are quite affordable ones out there too like Kotn, Los Angeles Apparel and For Days.
Hard truth time
Now you won’t be able to get 3 tees for $15 but that’s the thing y’all I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that’s just not normal. Buying new clothes for that cheap shouldn’t be the norm. The argument I hear most is “I want new clothes and so I buy from F21, Fashion Nova, MissGuided, Pretty Little Thing because they’re cheap” and the thing is, every now and then, I totally get it. There are some super cute items on there, what I'd recommend is making sure that if it's a specific trend, you'll still fuck with it even if it goes out of style and that you're going to wear it for a long time. Isn’t having something long term always better than short?
Do you know of any sustainable or local clothing stores or brands in your area? Share with us below!
Until next time,
Be present in the now and try out sustainable shopping alternatives~
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