Transitioning to Sustainable Fashion: My Narrative of Change
Allow me to introduce myself before I get into a topic I am very passionate about. My name is Regine-maria Sinatra, and I come from a fashion, retail, and film background. Nothing about my previous working environment or what I wore was ever about putting our planet first. I was very much contributing to the mass destruction of our planet. This wasn’t because I didn’t care; it was pure ignorance. I was living mindlessly, caught up in the allure of a fast-paced lifestyle, inadvertently supporting the rapid consumption culture of the fashion industry.
I was stuck and had no time to look around to see the immense damage and harm it was causing to people, animals, and our environment. Sitting here as I weave these sentences together with the intention to share my evolving knowledge, fueled by my vision and passion for supporting the planet and its biodiversity, I hold the firm belief that raising ample awareness will ignite transformative change.
Fast fashion emphasizes high volumes of low-cost clothing and accessories. Fast fashion prioritizes mass production of affordable clothing and accessories, with new collections introduced weekly to align with ever-changing trends. Keeping pace with these trends is deemed essential. Many of us find ourselves trapped in this lifestyle and mindset, but it’s time to lift the veil and awaken from it. It's time to empower and infuse ourselves with knowledge so that we can create a positive legacy for future generations.
Manufacturing is usually carried out in impoverished countries with weak or nonexistent labor and environmental regulations and using low-quality textiles and dyes. Fast fashion companies can mass-produce cheap clothing to satisfy short-lived consumer fashion trends. This leads to tons of CO2 polluting our atmosphere and contributing to increasing global temperatures. Exponential amounts of microplastics and fibers are contaminating oceans and poisoning the food chain, including ourselves. Millions of people, mostly young girls, and women, even children as young as 5 years old, are working in inhumane conditions for an unlivable wage and facing all kinds of abuse.
Many of us have experienced the allure of inexpensive shopping, only to find that cheaply made items don't stand the test of time, often resulting in more frequent replacements. This echoes the sentiment captured in the adage, "Buy cheap, buy twice." However, there is a conscious alternative: shopping ethically and sustainably, with a genuine regard for our planet.
Recognizing that not everyone can afford high-quality goods, it's essential to explore alternative avenues that align with ethical shopping principles without straining budgets. Thrift store visits, do-it-yourself projects, upcycling, and clothing swaps offer accessible options for mindful consumption. Moreover, the thrill of uncovering unique pieces adds a layer of authenticity to our choices.
Ultimately, as stewards of this planet, shouldn't we prioritize its preservation for both present and future generations? By embracing ethical shopping practices, we not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also affirm our commitment to authenticity and conscientious living.
And why does it matter?
Because…
“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.”
Anna Lappé
Shouldn't we prioritize living with purpose, especially now more than ever? Wouldn't you prefer owning timeless pieces that endure and maintain their longevity? We often fall into the trap of believing that adopting flashy trends flaunted by celebrities will bring us immense satisfaction and recognition, only to discover mere weeks later that we're already seeking the next trendy fix. This perpetual cycle ensnares us in an endless pursuit, constantly striving to keep pace, ultimately leaving us feeling empty.
Undoubtedly, the initial thrill of donning something new is undeniable. Yet, how long does this euphoria truly last? Its fleeting nature should prompt us to reassess our consumption habits, gradually steering away from impulsive buying tendencies. In doing so, we embark on a journey of mindfulness, rediscovering the significance of our purchases and their broader impact on both ourselves and the world around us.
“Demand quality not only in the products you buy but in the lives of the people who made them."
Orsola de Castro
In the beginning, this can all be a bit overwhelming. The key is to make small changes, and these small changes lead to bigger results. It all starts with awareness and better choices. You don’t have to quit shopping; just start by examining the significance clothing adds to your life. Our clothes should be cherished and valued; they create our identity, and we shouldn’t have to dispose of them after minimal use. Slow fashion embodies mindfulness and consideration for both the planet and its inhabitants.
Embracing it transforms not only what we consume but also how we live our lives. It’s through our deep awareness and understanding of the environmental and ethical implications of our clothing choices that we truly appreciate and honor the interconnectedness of the world around us.