Ethical sourcing. Is it just a buzzword?

If you’ve ever talked with me over coffee, ethical sourcing probably came up. It’s something I can rant on for days. And for good reason to. It’s pretty simple actually. I want every worker in the clothing industry to be paid a fair livable wage in a safe working environment. Is that too much to ask for? Apparently, it is and I find myself using it as a buzzword, (similar topics diversity, hearing people’s voices, and reconciliation). Unfortunately, it has become a topic where a lot is said, but individually not much gets done. I get it though there are SO MANY EXCUSES for why we don’t shop ethically. And here they are…

I DONT HAVE TIME TO DO RESEARCH

IM A POOR COLLEGE STUDENT

I DONT CARE ABOUT PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES

BUT I LOVE SHOPPING AT H&M

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE

UGH STOP. I FEEL BAD

IM GLAD YOURE PASSIONATE ABOUT IT, BUT IM NOT

*EYEROLL* WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THIS AGAIN

ETHICALLY MADE CLOTHES ARENT CUTE

To all of these excuses, I call bullshit. Our time and money, for most people, is a limited source. So where we put it MATTERS. The time it takes for you to scroll through your Instagram (if you must scroll, follow @fash_rev)  can be used spent researching the stories of building collapses in Bangladesh or the rad way companies like Everlane, Known Supply, and Patagonia is showing us that it is possible to be a conscious consumer.

Okay, now that I have hopefully guilt tripped you (for good reasons too, because we live in America where we have so much privilege to do this kind of research and be an advocate and fight for those that can’t) I want to say that it’s okay if you feel like you’re failing. Learning is a process and nobody is perfect. I’m still learning how I can change my clothing consumption habits, but I do believe that it is possible. I mean if the youth of the punk rock scene in the UK could change a whole economy, so can we.

Anyway, if ethical sourcing is a buzzword/ phrase then fine, but I want it to at least be a word that makes people uncomfy and pushes them to learn and change how we shop because at the end of the day it is still people making our clothes.

grace + peace,

Tab

#sunglasses #faceshape #classics #fashion