On Avoiding vs. Living with Fast Fashion
This is the third post in a series of three posts that are all related. There’s a lot in these three topics, and I want to go deep into them.
On Fast Fashion
On Greenwashing
On Avoiding vs Living with Fast Fashion
Since my last blog post, a lot has changed. My life has changed! I’m a mom now, and that means sometimes the most convenient option is the right option. I’m actually glad that I hadn’t written this post yet because I think I have a new perspective on this topic. I don’t necessarily have advice on how to make these choices anymore, but I want to share how I’ve been coping with my eco-anxiety.
Eco-Anxiety is a real thing.
Chances are, if you’ve been on the internet in the last couple years, it seems like everywhere we look, there’s a new reason to worry. Even just this week, the UN’s Climate Report tells us what a lot of us already knew - climate change is here, and it’s here to stay. There is also a new focus from fast fashion retailers such as Zara pushing their “sustainable lines” and cosmetics products using “clean” and “green” to make consumers feel better about their purchases.
It’s hard to not feel overwhelmed by all of these choices, and deal with the cloud that’s looming over our heads that is global warming.
Curate a wishlist.
I honestly haven’t bought many clothes during the last year, because I’m not really going anywhere. I have a few things in mind that I want to buy, but no firm ideas yet.
I find that really having a wishlist helps me curb impulse spending. If I know that I want a white button down, I don’t go buy the first one I find. I will usually look for a few different options, read some reviews - and maybe the one at Target ends up being the one I buy, but giving myself time to explore other ideas and options gives me time to say “Hey. maybe I actually don’t need a white button down shirt.”
There’s a pandemic.
If you’ve been taking the pandemic extremely seriously, or if where you are still has strict lockdowns in place, online shopping might be your only way to get new items into your wardrobe. Of course, this means you can’t try things on and you might want to go with a brand where you already know your sizing and you’re comfortable.
If you feel like going shopping (hello retail therapy), you might feel like picking up a couple things that you’re certain you will wear, and not wait for shipping is the right thing for you.
Basically what I’m trying to say is - there is room here for grace and giving into impulse because [insert standard blurb about the pandemic and how the world is not a normal place.]
The Simple Take: Don’t overthink it.
Sorry if you came here for actual advice. I’ve been running to Target if I need things for the baby or the house, but I don’t think a global pandemic is the most fair time for us to be putting so much pressure on ourselves.
