The last time I wrote (which was a while ago sorry!) was on my decision to start making better choices on the clothing I buy. Having made that decision its always nice to remind yourself why you got there in the first place, and to do some background research and education to really solidify your beliefs and to motivate yourself.
Someone close to me recommended that I watch a newly released documentary called The True Cost. I found this doc very informative about the whole fast fashion issue, and appreciated the different perspectives it provided about the various stages and aspects of clothing production. The documentary included interviews from fashion designers, textile sourcing, marketing, economists, right down to the garment workers.
I was particularly moved by the way one Indian garment worker spoke about her working life. That she wanted people to know that the worker’s blood (in a manner of speaking) goes into the production of these clothes. The very clothes that we wear and so often throw away after a season. She talked not only about the largely known Rana Plaza collapse which recently brought the issue of fast fashion more prominently into the forefront, but also about the daily hardships faced by hundreds of workers that don’t always make it to press.
This documentary is definitely worth the hour or so of your life to watch, and if you’re a Netflix subscriber, the doc is right there at your finger tips. I’m glad this issue is starting to receive more media attention and exposure. As more consumers become aware, we can take charge at home through our collective buying power giving hope for expedited and long-lasting change for our fellow humans overseas.
Another highly recommended and more condensed/satirical view on the matter, John Oliver’s take on fast fashion on Last week tonight.
