Thank you for this - it's very inspiring, and to me shows a natural evoltion, progression. I began my own journey when I saw a photo taken inside a factory where clothes were made in the Far East. The women were sat at machines, and their babies were brought to work and were lying on blankets on the ground. I can still see the scene now - it made me sick to my stomach. I, too, tried (and continue to try!) to stop buying into the crass commercialisation and environmental destruction behind much of the fashion industry. But I love fashion (and used to work with young designers!!) ... like you, I am into thrifting and making my own and have gradually reduced what's in my closet. You continue to be a real inspiration, thank you!
So much of what you wrote about here resonated with me. To realise that slowing down consumption (and really internalising the ethics around it) is a multi-year-journey has been one of my biggest takeaways, and made me feel less guilt during the moments I struggled. The headspace you are in now is very inspiring!
I love this account of your journey. I was in awe of your sewing projects and you are right, sewing is there for you when you need it! You are also one of the few people I see who has a capsule wardrobe full of interesting pieces rather than playing it safe.
Trying to live ethically, with care for other people, seems like such a no-brainer, but as a society we're so used to praising the bargain that people are often largely oblivious to the larger impact. I wish thrifting was more of an option for me, but in the meantime, my own no-buy is making me face up to how very much I already have, and is a constant reminder that I don't need more.
Thank you, Louise! I think you have seen a lot of this journey and I will forever appreciate your support!
I think that once that part of the puzzle clicks for people, and they start to think about the ethics behind what they buy, it gets so much easier to shop with intention. I just wish that it was easier to reach people above all the noise of marketing!
And I also wish that thrifting was a great option for everyone but I know that is not the case. But, as you illustrate, being a conscious consumer is about so much more than thrifting, and buying items that are ethically made, even. I think it's about buying things for the long haul, not for a season and then discarding it!
I’m definitely buying for life, and you are right, having that ethical checklist means that if I’m tempted by something from a high street brand, I automatically think that I’d rather pay a little bit more and buy from a small brand who treat people and the planet well. But convincing other people is the hard bit when the marketing noise is so loud and catchy!
Gillian, as always, your words resonate deeply. I started reading your blog late lockdown, or shortly after, and you've inspired me to drastically curb my spending. I'm not ready to commit to a no-buy just yet, buy I've enjoyed your videos and letters detailing yours.
Thank you for this - it's very inspiring, and to me shows a natural evoltion, progression. I began my own journey when I saw a photo taken inside a factory where clothes were made in the Far East. The women were sat at machines, and their babies were brought to work and were lying on blankets on the ground. I can still see the scene now - it made me sick to my stomach. I, too, tried (and continue to try!) to stop buying into the crass commercialisation and environmental destruction behind much of the fashion industry. But I love fashion (and used to work with young designers!!) ... like you, I am into thrifting and making my own and have gradually reduced what's in my closet. You continue to be a real inspiration, thank you!
So much of what you wrote about here resonated with me. To realise that slowing down consumption (and really internalising the ethics around it) is a multi-year-journey has been one of my biggest takeaways, and made me feel less guilt during the moments I struggled. The headspace you are in now is very inspiring!
I love this account of your journey. I was in awe of your sewing projects and you are right, sewing is there for you when you need it! You are also one of the few people I see who has a capsule wardrobe full of interesting pieces rather than playing it safe.
Trying to live ethically, with care for other people, seems like such a no-brainer, but as a society we're so used to praising the bargain that people are often largely oblivious to the larger impact. I wish thrifting was more of an option for me, but in the meantime, my own no-buy is making me face up to how very much I already have, and is a constant reminder that I don't need more.
Thank you, Louise! I think you have seen a lot of this journey and I will forever appreciate your support!
I think that once that part of the puzzle clicks for people, and they start to think about the ethics behind what they buy, it gets so much easier to shop with intention. I just wish that it was easier to reach people above all the noise of marketing!
And I also wish that thrifting was a great option for everyone but I know that is not the case. But, as you illustrate, being a conscious consumer is about so much more than thrifting, and buying items that are ethically made, even. I think it's about buying things for the long haul, not for a season and then discarding it!
I’m definitely buying for life, and you are right, having that ethical checklist means that if I’m tempted by something from a high street brand, I automatically think that I’d rather pay a little bit more and buy from a small brand who treat people and the planet well. But convincing other people is the hard bit when the marketing noise is so loud and catchy!
Gillian, as always, your words resonate deeply. I started reading your blog late lockdown, or shortly after, and you've inspired me to drastically curb my spending. I'm not ready to commit to a no-buy just yet, buy I've enjoyed your videos and letters detailing yours.
Thank you so much for this lovely comment, Karen. Your words mean so much to me!