vintage skirt found on our road trip this summer along with a handmade bracelet found on a trip long ago…almost vintage :)
as i've learned more about where the average clothing in american shops comes from, i've struggled with the actions i can take to change it. yes, i am only one consumer. if i focus on this thought... one person can't change the fact that some garment workers are working in terrible conditions far away... i will become complacent and do nothing.
every purchase tells someone somewhere, "keep doing what you are doing".
i want my purchases to be sending my messages…"i value and support what you are doing! keep it up!"
every purchase tells someone somewhere, "keep doing what you are doing".
i want my purchases to be sending my messages…"i value and support what you are doing! keep it up!"
two favorite tops i sewed for myself
since deciding to go simple in my closet, i've learned some things.
i really feel like a simple wardrobe is a foundation for change..mostly in me, but also hopefully, in the world.
having a small number of items in my closet and knowing that they are enough has enabled me to:
1. need and want less, and as a result consume less
2. have the time and space to think about my purchases carefully, because there aren't many
3. have a bit more time to make my own clothing or thrift, because i don't need many new items
4. have a bit more money to support independent makers, again because i don't need many items
5. have a little more money to buy organic, local, whole food, because i am spending less on clothing
i know that not buying mass produced clothing may not provide more food, money or employment for the suffering workers overseas immediately, but i hope that enough of us not buying cheap clothing and supporting ethical companies will convince fast fashion companies that they are not providing what consumers want.
ann voskamp says, "be different and know everything you do matters. it’s what the Christ followers know: one man with God can change a culture. God didn’t put people in your path mostly for your convenience; He put you there for theirs. loving the poor will make you rich, i promise."
and for a little more: this. i love when the author, katrina rodabaugh says, As one of my environmental studies professors in college told me, "Focus on what you can do to make a difference, not on what you can't."
i do have a voice. and so do you.
let's make them heard!
love, jane
i really feel like a simple wardrobe is a foundation for change..mostly in me, but also hopefully, in the world.
having a small number of items in my closet and knowing that they are enough has enabled me to:
1. need and want less, and as a result consume less
2. have the time and space to think about my purchases carefully, because there aren't many
3. have a bit more time to make my own clothing or thrift, because i don't need many new items
4. have a bit more money to support independent makers, again because i don't need many items
5. have a little more money to buy organic, local, whole food, because i am spending less on clothing
i know that not buying mass produced clothing may not provide more food, money or employment for the suffering workers overseas immediately, but i hope that enough of us not buying cheap clothing and supporting ethical companies will convince fast fashion companies that they are not providing what consumers want.
ann voskamp says, "be different and know everything you do matters. it’s what the Christ followers know: one man with God can change a culture. God didn’t put people in your path mostly for your convenience; He put you there for theirs. loving the poor will make you rich, i promise."
and for a little more: this. i love when the author, katrina rodabaugh says, As one of my environmental studies professors in college told me, "Focus on what you can do to make a difference, not on what you can't."
i do have a voice. and so do you.
let's make them heard!
love, jane
