Staying (somewhat) fashionable in a burning world.
News of the world environment
NEWSLETTER | MARCH 15, 2024
Wardrobe Woes
My wardrobe is in pretty dire need of a refresh right now — and I don’t mean because my clothes are out of style, which they certainly are. It’s that they are worn out. I have t-shirts with holes numbering in the double digits. I have tops that are worn so thin in places that they are translucent. I have jeans marred with stains, and socks missing entire heels.
It’s not that I never buy clothes. I get staple items from time to time, the occasional dress for a special event, and I certainly invested in some maternity wear while I was pregnant. But by-and-large, for the last decade(ish), I’ve survived mostly off hand-me-downs from my more stylish sisters, some gifts from family, and some truly well-made items that have stood the test of time. (I’m not alone in this — earlier this week, my colleague Maureen sported a skirt she’s had for two decades!)
These alternative supply chains have all served me well, but lately, I’ve been feeling a bit frumpy.
Part of the (privileged) problem is I don’t particularly love to shop: There’s generally something else I’d rather be doing. The other issue is that I’m acutely aware of all the harm done by the clothes we wear. Our synthetic fibers shed microplastics. Our waterproof outdoors clothing is laced with toxic chemicals. Even some supposedly “natural” fabrics come at a steep environmental cost. In addition, there is the massive waste associated with our fast fashion culture, as well as our online shopping habits.
Still, the truth is that I wouldn’t mind feeling a bit more put-together from time-to-time. So, I’m trying to update my closet — thoughtfully. I’m going for quality over quantity. I’m aiming for more natural, sustainably-sourced, fibers over synthetic ones. I’m trying to make purchases in person, rather than online. And I have my eyes on a local consignment store.
I know I can't avoid all the environmental and human costs associated with my clothes. But I hope I will minimize them — and add at least a few hole-free shirts to my rotation.
Zoe Loftus-Farren
Managing Editor, Earth Island Journal
Photo by Moses Janga
TOP STORIES
Silenced Voices
Last year, Australian voters nixed a legal measure that would have provided more political representation for the country’s Indigenous peoples. Why?
READ MORE
Lithium Conundrum
Mining companies are eager to start extraction in South America’s “lithium triangle.” The people who live there have something to say about it.
READ MORE
People-Powered Journalism
Because of generous reader donations, Earth Island Journal can say things that corporate media won’t say.
Reader support gives us the independence to amplify voices and perspectives that strengthen communities, especially communities that don’t have access to corporate media.
Your support is essential to our long-term success. And with your help, we can reshape the media landscape. Won't you join us today?
I Support Earth Island Journal
Italy’s Imperiled Bears
A group of conservationists is working to expand habitat for the Marsican brown bear, a brown bear subspecies whose population is down to some 60 individuals.
READ MORE
ICYMI
Toxic Housemates
This clever new ad campaign from the Gas Leaks Project tells us a thing or two about living with toxic housemates.
READ MORE >>
Image courtesy of Hot and Toxic
It Aint About Whales
How far will the anti-renewables camp go to keep fossil fuels around? Apparently, far enough to say it’s all about saving the whales. Hot tip: it’s not.
READ MORE >>
Photo by Dennis Schroeder / NREL
Did a thoughtful friend forward you our newsletter? Keep up with the latest from Earth Island Journal!
SIGN UP TODAY
Follow
Follow
Subscribe
You are receiving this email newsletter because you signed up on our website.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can sign up to the email newsletter here.
Support our work by subscribing to our quarterly print magazine.
Copyright © 2023 Earth Island Journal, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Earth Island Journal
2150 Allston Way Ste 460
Berkeley, CA 94704-1375
Add us to your address book
Want to change how you receive these emails?
Update your preferences
