Hello Fashionistas!
The other day I was at a trendy fashion store when I noticed a really cool pair of denims retailing for Rs.1000/-. Yes. Rs.1000/- only!! I thought to myself , how could something that popular retail for that low a price?
What’s at the other end is nothing pretty. In Bangladesh, where big chunk of fast fashion gets produced, men , women and sometimes even children under 14 years of age are made to work 14-16 hours a day and they earn as little as 20 cents an hour.
Beyond the human damage that an economy of “Buy the latest trend for cheap and then throw away and move on to the next thing” creates there are also vast ecological ramifications.
The fashion industry is the 2nd largest polluter in the world.
We can protest the appalling work conditions of the sweatshop workers, the truth is that the battle needs to start at the end of the chain. It needs to start with us.
Listen, I know it’s hard to resist the siren song of a cite skirt or pair of shoes, especially if you have a first date!
Here are my tricks and tips to keep it at cool while actually being cool to Mother Earth;
- Shop Vintage and Second-hand Stores:Thrift and Vintage stores are not only inexpensive but are a fantastic source for finding unique pieces for the fashionable you!
- Up cycle: Wear clothing made of recycled fabrics. There are a lot of clothing brands, designers now doing this.
- Look Out for Fair-Trade Labels: We shouldn’t support clothing made overseas in terrible sweatshop conditions, there are companies that are taking steps to make it a fair and safe trade!
- Go Local: Support small businesses that engage in sustainability and make things locally. When we purchase locally made products, we reduce the environmental impact by cutting down on packaging and transportation waste.
- Buy Less, Buy Responsibly and Wear Longer: Instead of buying 10 pieces that cost Rs.2000/-, lets try and buy 5 and use them longer! They will be of way better quality.
The revolution begins with you!
Until next time!
Sanaa Khan
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