Are you worried about saving the planet?
A 24 year old's take on sustainable fashion & where to get started if you're new!
I like to say, not everyone’s gotta give a damn about clothes like us crazies who live, breathe, and bleed fashion—strutting in it, following the ramps & runways, & deep-diving into its history. But it falls on us, the absolutely obsessed, to strip bare its truths, whether they sting or sing, for those who aren’t caught in the same style storm. It’s on us to hunt down ways to make fashion a little less morally murky for everyone, & being able to express individual style. At the end of the day, everyone’s gotta wear something, right?
The goal is that by accessing clothes and wearing them, one isn’t necessarily buying into systems of exploitation. How do we imagine that world to look, and how do we go about creating it?
Not everything is everyone’s responsibility, is what I’m saying. Everything can’t be. Sure, this world - the politics, the grind, the whole damn charade - it's rigged against the common human. But if we fancy ourselves as rebels with a cause, it's on us to find our groove, to shake things up in a way that feels right. Because if we're truly in the ring, fighting the good fight, then we must offer a helping hand instead of just tossing around hellfire and brimstone.
Ever found yourself staring at a price tag, hesitating, caught between your conscience and your wallet?
In 2023, Shein raked in a whopping $2 billion in profits. Many attribute its success to dirt-cheap prices, but let's dig deeper.
Yes, sustainable fashion often comes with a higher price tag. This is because it prioritizes ethical manufacturing, fair wages, eco-friendly materials, and practices. These costs trickle down to consumers, making sustainable fashion less accessible, especially for those on tight budgets.
But hold on. Revolve, Zara, Skims—none of them are bargain deals either. Even the trendy Stanley mugs aren't exactly pocket change. Yet, the same folks crying over sustainable fashion's price tag happily splurge at these places. Surprisingly, Shein's biggest spenders are not broke college kids but rather well-off 30-something women who could easily afford pricier alternatives. Meanwhile, sustainable brands with similar price points struggle to attract buyers.
Clearly, it's not just about the price. It's about perceived value, branding, and consumer priorities.
We're missing the mark by assuming people will buy sustainable just because it's "better for the planet." Fast fashion thrives by tapping into our deepest desires for validation, individuality, and status.
While we preach "buy less, buy better," fast fashion giants are making billions by selling us dreams of social acceptance and trends.
Let's face it: guilt-tripping won't save the planet or change buying habits. We need to create products and experiences that people genuinely want to invest in.
Yes, changing consumer behavior is tough, but it's impossible without understanding what drives it. Feel-good slogans won't cut it. Marketing, advertising, branding—they all work because they're rooted in behavioral science.
So, instead of shaming shoppers, we can focus on building irresistible alternatives that align with their desires and values. It's time to think smarter, not preach harder. 🌟
Three resources if you’re new to sustainable fashion:
Fashion Revolution: Fashion Revolution is a global movement that aims to raise awareness about the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry. They provide a wealth of resources, including reports, guides, and educational materials, to help individuals understand the issues and take action towards a more sustainable fashion future. Visit their website here: Fashion Revolution
The Sustainable Fashion Forum: The Sustainable Fashion Forum is an online platform that offers educational resources, workshops, and events focused on sustainable fashion. They cover topics such as ethical production, sustainable materials, and circular fashion practices. Check out their website for upcoming events and resources: The Sustainable Fashion Forum
Good On You: Good On You is a platform that provides ratings and information on fashion brands' sustainability and ethical practices. They offer an app where users can search for brands and see their ratings based on criteria such as labor conditions, environmental impact, and animal welfare. It's a valuable tool for making informed purchasing decisions and learning about sustainable fashion options. Download the app or visit their website here: Good On You
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Did you know I run a slow fashion clothing company called Purple Potato. Our message to the world is that clothing doesn’t need to be uncomfortable, ridiculously expensive, and only good-looking for size zero models. We’ve married the best of the fabrics with interesting spins on classic silhouettes to give our tribe what they want most - comfort that looks good, and feels even better.
I’m curious, how important is sustainability when it comes to your fashion choices? Have you made any changes to your shopping habits to be more sustainable? What sustainable fashion brands or initiatives do you admire or support? Write them to me!
By the way, my mom inspired me to write the way I do - but what you may not know, is that she’s the most stylish, fashion-forward person I have ever known. It was her birthday two days ago & I wrote this for her.
Nature is brimming with poetry, if you just take the time to listen. This 9-page guide offers everything you need to dive into the beauty of nature with a poet’s eye. From choosing the right location to engaging all five senses, this guide will help you unlock the writing potential hidden in leaves, birdsongs, and morning dew. Bonus resources included for even more inspiration!
Another way to show your love for my work is to share my posts, buy me a coffee to help me travel to America, & leaving sweet comments under my posts🧡