Last month, I declared that one of my new year's goals (yes I am actively avoiding the R word) is to be a conscientious consumer. This whole process actually started though just before I left for the Southwest. I know. This technically isn't tied to the new year as it started back in October but I say it still counts. Initially, the commitment was to no longer buy clothing that doesn't sit well with my conscience but in the months that followed it sort of expanded into all purchases. And yes, I know. I am intentionally being vague.
When this whole thing began, I had all these buzzwords of things I would feel at peace with purchasing floating about in my head - ethically sourced, environmentally responsible, sustainable, fair trade. These are all good things but the distinction between how a product is advertised and how it is made turns out to be a bit fuzzy. Some companies are making genuine changes toward better products but there are also some misrepresenting their products to cash in on the sexiness of sustainability. Also, I ran into this personal dilemma of if I felt a company was making changes towards those values should I use my purchasing dollars to support them or should I only buy those items currently made in optimal conditions. And lastly, just because a product is made according to principles I value, it does not mean that it is well made. It's all swell and dandy to have a responsibly made item, but if it falls apart after the first wearing, it's a waste of money. So many things to consider. And all right before a trip for which I needed to buy things like hiking boots and a headlamp.
The weight of these decisions made me even more indecisive than my usual self, and in the three months that followed, I purchased for myself a pair of boots, a pair of hiking boots, and two tank tops. Except for the non-hiking boots, every item bought was for the #deathbysouthwest trip. Mind you during those same three months I discovered that two of my sweaters had holes beyond repair and I lost a pair of pants (don't ask). All of this is really to say that it is time for me to take the plunge and buy some replacement items. I knew going into this that not all of my purchases would be perfect… especially when I can't even figure out how to define what perfect would be. In light of that, I think it is important when starting an endeavor such as this to give oneself grace. At least that is what I am telling myself.
With all of that in mind, I've decided to create a resource list of what I have found so far. Granted, I am no expert so this list will be subject to many additions, edits, and updates. Please comment/email if you have any suggestions!
hats, socks, and everything in between
Alternative Apparel - long lasting and ridiculously soft tees and sweats
Appalatch - wool apparel and accessories made right here in the US of A*
Brook There - pretty underthings for the lady folk
Buffalo Exchange - sell your old stuff for gently use new stuff (actually any thrift store is good bet)*
Collective - sandals, tees, scarves, and hats from the UK
Everlane - tees, tanks, sweaters with the promise of more goods to come (I'm wearing their tee in this post's pictures)
Imogene + Willie - awesome jeans from Tennessee
Patagonia - all the outdoor gear one ever needs
PACT - mostly undies and tees and they even have a fair trade line
Prana - casual/active attire including bathing suits... and chalk bags
Smart Wool - love these socks and they love their sheep (or at least are working on the relationship)
shoes
Fluevog - sassy footwear from our neighbors up north (and on my feet in this post's pictures... snow approved)
OAT - ok, I probably won’t be buying these soon but I couldn't resist adding these to the list; you can plant them and they’ll grow flowers from seeds in the tongue of the shoe.
Oliberté - world's only fair trade footwear manufacturer based in Ethiopia
Osborn - oxfords, flats, loafers, and booties that are not only stylish but sustainable too*
Po-zu - another brand from outside the US and a bit expensive to ship for just one pair of shoes but they're pretty awesome from materials to manufacturing
Sawa - fancy kicks made responsibly in Ethiopia and for sale here
skin
Marble & Milkweed - baths, balms, and butters for your body with everyday ingredients made here in NYC*
Soapwalla - another neighborhood joint that has the best deodorant*
home
Rough Linen - sheets and the like made in one of my favorite places
Swans Island - cozy blankets, throws, and scarves made in Maine
Ten Thousand Villages - they've been selling their eclectic mix of fair trade goodies since 1946 [mic drop]*
some sites on responsible shopping
Good Guide
Environmental Working Group’s Consumer Guides
* denotes newly added companies
an exceptionally long note/disclaimer:
i want to take a moment here to acknowledge that even the definitions of these principles are pretty vague (except where there are regulations surrounding their use - i’m looking at you, fair trade). while these are things that make me feel better about purchases there are many factors that go into the items we purchase each and every day. i get that just slapping those words on a product doesn't mean that the people who made the product were treated well or that the environment is being cared for. and products that aren't advertised with these principles aren't necessarily made by people in terrible working conditions or are destroying mother nature. i certainly do not want to be denigrating people who are a part of the production of these items. it's complicated. i acknowledge that. i just would like to at least attempt to consider what i am purchasing and the effects of that exchange before it is made.
some other notes:
- wise words to keep in mind when sorting through all of these thoughts on manufacturing:
“It's taken for granted that Chinese factories are oppressive and that it is our desire for cheap goods that makes them so. This simple narrative equating Western demand and Chinese suffering is appealing especially at a time when many of us already feel guilty about our impact on the world. But it is also inaccurate and disrespectful. We must be peculiarly self-obsessed to imagine that we have the power to drive tens of millions of people on the other side of the world to migrate and suffer in such terrible ways.”
-- Leslie Chang
- Fibershed is an awesome project that “develops regenerative textile systems that are based on carbon farming, regional manufacturing, and public education.” check them out to learn more about the process of fiber to fabric.
- not all big businesses are bad. the Social Accountability International is a network of corporations (from Disney to HP), ngos, trade unions, and government entities working together to implement humane workplace standards across the globe. yes, the compliance standards are voluntary (compulsory for members) but at least it's a start.
- these photos were taken during a leg stretching moment at a little snowed in park off the nys thruway in the adirondacks. sometimes when adventuring, grace and i just need to get out of the car, be ridiculous human beings, and laugh at ourselves. i highly recommend it. better yet, use slo-mo on the ole phone.