Care for Creation
July 16, 2023
Fashion – Circular? or Fast?
It’s interesting that two current trends, “fast fashion” and “thrifting,” present different approaches to fashion.
I’ve seen younger fashionistas enjoy “thrifting” to find outfits, often with a “retro” look; at the same time, there can be peer pressure to wear the latest “in” look that everyone on social media is posting but that will be outdated and discarded after just a few wearings.
So why does it matter, fashion is about looking good and feeling good in our clothes, right? As implementors of Laudato Si’, it does matter because we care about the impact of our actions and decisions, so we ask questions about clothes as we do about everything we purchase. Some of these questions are:
What is it made of? Where is it made, by whom, and under what conditions?
How long will it last? What happens when I’m finished with it?
Choosing new items from companies that pollute less, cause less waste, pay fair wages, use natural, sustainable materials, are transparent regarding sourcing and pricing and give end of life options for their products can make the difference we seek. At the same time, we can enjoy looking good and feeling good.
By buying used clothes (“thrifting”) we support re-cycling and save raw materials, natural resources, and transportation. Often, we also support local non-profits and spark our creativity, putting together a look that’s all our own.
Take a look on the web, where information is easily available about fast fashion and circular fashion. A documentary by Andrew Morgan, The True Cost, is a great place to start.
Pope Francis reminds us that all of creation and all people are connected, if we take the time to think and research a bit about how we are using the gifts of the earth and how we are impacting one another, we will want to make choices that benefit both planet and people.
July 16, 2023
Fashion – Circular? or Fast?
It’s interesting that two current trends, “fast fashion” and “thrifting,” present different approaches to fashion.
I’ve seen younger fashionistas enjoy “thrifting” to find outfits, often with a “retro” look; at the same time, there can be peer pressure to wear the latest “in” look that everyone on social media is posting but that will be outdated and discarded after just a few wearings.
So why does it matter, fashion is about looking good and feeling good in our clothes, right? As implementors of Laudato Si’, it does matter because we care about the impact of our actions and decisions, so we ask questions about clothes as we do about everything we purchase. Some of these questions are:
What is it made of? Where is it made, by whom, and under what conditions?
How long will it last? What happens when I’m finished with it?
Choosing new items from companies that pollute less, cause less waste, pay fair wages, use natural, sustainable materials, are transparent regarding sourcing and pricing and give end of life options for their products can make the difference we seek. At the same time, we can enjoy looking good and feeling good.
By buying used clothes (“thrifting”) we support re-cycling and save raw materials, natural resources, and transportation. Often, we also support local non-profits and spark our creativity, putting together a look that’s all our own.
Take a look on the web, where information is easily available about fast fashion and circular fashion. A documentary by Andrew Morgan, The True Cost, is a great place to start.
Pope Francis reminds us that all of creation and all people are connected, if we take the time to think and research a bit about how we are using the gifts of the earth and how we are impacting one another, we will want to make choices that benefit both planet and people.