If you’ve been reading my blog for some time, then you know The Lavender Daily started because I began my ‘journey’ into the sustainable fashion world. And it changed a lot of parts of my life, which I’m so happy about. But my thoughts on sustainable fashion has changed.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve researched a lot in how producing clothes negatively affects people, the planet and animals. There’s so much work fashion and retail companies need to do to make their supply chain and business practices sustainable + ethical.
However, I was putting a lot of guilt and pressure on myself to shop sustainably in every aspect of my life and it just wasn’t sustainable (no pun intended).
I’m still not at the stage in my life where I can afford to do so – and that’s still coming for a lot of privilege. I also started to think that some of my most loved and worn items are old non-sustainable brand items and I wear them more often than some of my sustainable + ethical brand items.
I was putting additional pressure on myself to feel the need to buy something often and sustainable, so I can write about it on my blog. Again, that mindset is truly not sustainable in any way.
Inside, I was having quite the dilemma. Anyone else feeling this way? If so, you’re not alone. So then one night while aimlessly scrolling through Instagram, I saw this graphic and a wave of clarity hit:
I saw this graphic too a couple of weeks later:
And all of those words summarized everything I was feeling and it gave me such a sense of relief.
Basically, sustainable fashion means so many different things and it’s not a one size fits all for everyone’s lifestyle. At the end of the day, it’s about being conscious of your shopping habits and that needs to always come first before purchasing.
For me, I try to buy less as often as I can and that’s why I create wish lists or seasonal edits to process what I truly need in my closet (+ even at home for decor). After that, I prioritize secondhand options. Then I’ll look at sustainable brands next. If the sustainable option is too expensive for my current budget, I’ll focus on a quality basic piece next / and or if it has recycled materials – and so forth.
I’m not perfect by any chance. So you should not feel bad if you can’t purchase sustainable all of the time. Everyone is doing their best. I’m a firm believer that small changes over time creates a lifestyle and that’s the goal out of all of this.
Take your time, choose wisely and do your best.
xx
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