A Promise
I would say that a lot of you readers don’t actually know me. Maybe you know of me, maybe we have mutual friends on Facebook or maybe you just stumbled upon this blog – whatever the case may be, I think we need to set the record straight. Throughout my time at UNC Chapel Hill, I’ve focused the majority of my studies and research on fashion and sustainability. I’ve talked to leading experts in the fields. I’ve attended many, many webinars focused on those very subjects. I’ve done so much research on my own…and I’ve learned a ton; and quite honestly, I feel very guilty. I would say that I can talk the talk, but I am not a die-hard, sustainable, ethical consumer; in other words, I do not believe I have walked the walk.
Honestly, I love, love, love clothes – clothes, accessories and everything in-between. For the majority of my life, I have been the exact type of consumer that our society loves – a want-er, a need-er, a “I’ve got to have it”-er! But since really diving head-first into this blog and my own independent research, my consumer habits have been weighing heavy on my heart. Particularly after my post focusing on the environmental implications of cashmere production, I’ve done quite a lot of thinking. Each and every time a photo of a cashmere sweater pops into my view, all I can think about are the sweet, little goats who are robbed of their warm coats far too early to accommodate my greedy desire for another grey cashmere sweater; but it goes even further than that. My studies and research have made me curious. When I shop now, I ask questions – what material is used in this? Do you know where the brand sourced the materials? Do you know where this brand produces these goods? Do you know anything about this piece’s life cycle? As a sales associate myself, I am trying to educate myself on the boutique for which I work’s brands. I want to be a resource for consumers. I want to champion sustainable alternatives. I truly believe that consumers want to do the right thing – the problem is that consumers aren’t educated on these topics, they don’t know the direct impact that their purchasing behaviors have on the environment and its inhabitants. I believe that if consumers knew the direct, environmental impact of their purchasing behaviors, they would feel similarly to how I do now – guilty.
If you’ve gotten to this point, I’m sure you feel as if I’m venting – potentially clearing my conscience. In part, that is surely true; but this post is meant to be more than that – it’s meant to be a promise. I promise you, my lovely readers, that I’m going to do better. I promise to do my research. I promise to purchase based on need rather than fleeting want and desire. I promise to ask questions. I promise to pass my knowledge forward – to educate my family, my friends and customers who come my way. I’m not saying that I’ll be perfect…I surely won’t. I know that another grey cashmere sweater will come along some day that seems too perfect to pass up; but I promise to try and to hold myself accountable. I request that all of you hold me accountable too – ask me questions – questions about my knowledge, resources and behaviors.
Ultimately, I challenge you all to do the same; but I understand that that can feel intimidating. Rather than guilting you into joining me on this lifestyle change, I am going to leave you with a set of four questions. When shopping, I challenge you to ask these questions – both to yourself and the people from whom you’re shopping.
Do I truly, truly want this piece? Will I treasure it for years to come? Will its life cycle last past the next few years? Or do I just want it right now?
How much does this item truly cost? Remember when a price is lower for the consumer, that often means that the true cost of that piece is hidden in other places – its environmental impact, its impact on the workers who created it or its impact on the animals who unknowingly supply the materials.
What brand creates this piece? What do I know about this brand? Maybe take a minute to pull out your phone – I know you have it with you – and do some quick research about the brand and its sustainability practices.
What is this piece made of? What material is being used? It is recycled or organic? Is it synthetic? Check out the little tag that’s often hidden on the inside of the body of the product. What does it say? Do some quick research about the materials listed.
I know it feels daunting or like the effects of our purchasing decisions on the environment are only minuscule, but the very least we can do is try. Try to do better. Try to ask more questions. Try to hold yourself, and others, responsible.
Listen, I’m not perfect either. Heck, I’m writing this post to essentially call myself out – I’m right there with you. So, let’s hold each other accountable. The little goats will thank you.
Bye for now,
McGee