So, I've been recently feeling this urge to do more and be more active in my future. I think I've always felt a pull to try to be involved with our environment but only recently did I feel a push, or even a shove, to try to be a little more out-spoken about it. I've been lucky to have been able to visit different parts of the world and to see how other people live and the environment that surrounds them. We really are influenced by the land around us. For most people it is what we live off of, where our food comes from, and what determines our shelter.
In the U.S. we are a little more fortunate to have so many things available at our fingertips that I feel like we forget we need this land just as much. We also have such incredible natural wonders that maybe not too many people know about or have been able to visit. it is so important that we try to do what we can to protect what we have.
All this to say, I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone and do more. But I'm taking baby steps. I live in NYC and being surrounded by hundreds of stores and so much fast fashion it had been very easy for me to pop into a store and grab the latest trend for very cheap prices. I hardly ever thought of the consequences of those purchases or the footprint it ends up leaving behind. Like the factory where the clothing was made may be emitting fumes that aren't good for the environment or the workers, the fabric might be damaging when inevitably the garment breaks and I need to toss it, the people who make the clothing might not be getting paid what they deserve, the garment is wrapped in plastic when it is shipped, the fuel of shipping, or the fabric itself isn't good for the environment. All of these things have been weighing on me. So for the past few months I've been trying to shop with brands that either are helping the environment, are more ethical, or are helping a cause. It really has made me stop and think and be more strict with what I buy.
I've been trying to research brands that do more. A friend of mine told me about Krochet Kids. All of their products are made by Women in Uganda or Peru. This company is empowering women in regions that have higher poverty and allowing them to have a better income and chance in life. And what makes them even more amazing is that each piece is signed by the woman who made it! Once you get your garment you can look that woman up on their site and send her a message. It really is a beautiful thing! The dress below is from Krochet Kids. Another great brand that I actually found through Instagram is called Ekkos, all their styles are made in the U.S. and they help to support orphans in Africa receive secondary education.
A glasses Brand I like is Warby Parker, I'm sure you have all heard about them. They have definitely been trending a lot in the past few years. I'm not sure if you know this, but they donate glasses to a nonprofit company that trains men and women in developing countries to give eye exams. The company also sells glasses at an affordable price to people in those countries.
Another thing I have been doing is to shop locally. It's a great thing that everyone can do, and it lets you buy something that could be very unique! The dress I'm wearing below I got in a local market when I was in Thailand. But, you can also do this in your hometown by finding stores that are family owned or even buying products from Etsy that are handmade. Also, another thing that is next on my list is to try and buy more vintage or thrift store clothing. There is so much waste with our fashion and clothing that it really does help to give new life to the clothing that already exists.
The last brand I bought from is Everlane. I love their 100% Human line. Depending on the style you buy they either donate $5 to Equality Now or to the Human Rights Campaign. They also do this amazing chart where they show you for each product how they got the price they are selling it for, they call it "Transparent Pricing". This allows you to see the exact footprint of the garment and how they are paying their workers. It really is amazing and they have great styles!
This is just my beginning. I am going to try to find more brands that are out there that are doing things worth supporting! I'm also not getting rid of my current wardrobe, because that would be very wasteful. I'm just trying to shift my habits from this point forward and putting a little more meaning into what I choose to buy. The causes and companies I'm helping to support by choosing to buy from them also helps me feel like I'm being a little more active in my life. It's allowing me to dip my toes into doing something that could help. I'm hoping to soon do even more.