For the question “What positive future do you envision?” The first thing that came to mind for me more sustainable shopping, in particular with clothing. Recently, the common norm for women’s fashion consists of articles of clothing that have relatively less materials than they would have 10 years ago (as most are cropped now), poorer quality, as well as higher prices. I did think that this trend would pass however it is now the new norm and people are expected to buy such things.
My vision for this would be that there would be changes in production of these clothing that although they may be newly produced, that they are made of different materials to last longer, especially enough that if people wish to get rid of these clothes (after the trends pass), that they are still durable enough to be sent to vintage/thrift stores to be repurposed. This would align also with the current world interest in thrifting.
My values around this topic center around that fashion has always been established to be of trends and this fact that clothing is worn and then not will never be changed. However, by adjusting the clothing material itself, to allow it to last longer so that they can be donated and worn by someone else will contribute towards a more positive future that will allow for less environmental burden through the production of even more clothes that would arise from more people wanting to purchase new trends rather than just thrifting it at a lower price.
What I am committing to do is partake in more thrifting rather than purchasing directly to take my first step in reducing consuming as it is difficult to start immediately cutting off shopping habits.
Hi Sara,
I think it's wonderful that you are committing to partake in thrifting! I remember watching a Dragon's Den episode where a woman was presenting her business that aims to reduce the environmental impacts of shopping for children's clothing. Since babies and toddlers are rapidly changing sizes, she designed a membership based company where you pay a monthly fee and get access to different sized clothing for a certain amount of time. For example, if your toddler is currently 2Y, you can select the 2Y collection and return them when the child grows to a different size. How cool!
Hi Sara, I completely agree with you. To add to your point about the change in womens fashion..I find it frustrating how companies are designing clothing items to encourage more consumption. Escpecially for women. Having small pockets in womens pants being a tactic to increase the need for sales in womens purses is an example.
Hello Sara! Just like you mentioned I think thrifting is a great way for unwanted clothes to find a new purpose and is a sustainable way to shopping.
I like your ideas! Very interesting.
Hi Sara! Curious what your thoughts are on why women's fashion has started experiencing this trend towards using cheaper materials? Do you think we can draw lessons on why this has happened in order to prevent this trend from continuing in the future?
Thrifting is a great idea, but is also prone to abuse in a capitalist society. In the past few years, I've noticed that thrift stores have increased prices of goods while quality is also decreasing. It's very frustrating trying to find quality goods at good prices.