The Tough Conversation

In the face of adversity we must be boldly introspective

Intersectionality. It is the nuance behind every historical and contemporary issue we have faced as a human race. In the fight for the future of our planet and earth, we must ask ourselves where we as individuals find ourselves within the issues of ethics and sustainability. I, as a socioeconomically privileged individual, recognize that I hold a responsibility to think consciously about my contributions, both negative and positive, to the sustainability movement.

Once we have been awoken to the harsh reality of the direct harm we have caused to our planet we wish that there was an easy solution to mend the wound we have created. I once learned of a word: panacea, a noun, “a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.” To believe that the world’s issues of climate change and infringements of humans rights could all be solved from one simple panacea is simply a fantasy. I have come to learn that while we all fight for the end goal of a greener, more ethically driven tomorrow, there can be many roads that lead us to that unified goal. In recognizing the intersections of class, accessibility, and privilege within issues of sustainability and ethics, we can better understand the complexities of the issues within the clothing industry. 

What if we reimagined the manner in which we consumed? Some people choose to only purchase clothing second-hand, some choose to only purchase from ethical companies, and for some these alternatives are simply not an option. In the fight for what is good and right, we must understand that all too often “sustainability” is simply unattainable, as it is not financially available to all. We must understand that there are other ways to get involved and make a positive change in a myriad of ways. 

As one enters the world of ethical consumption, one must not lose sight of their own situation, privileges, and ethics. The way that we communicate and understand each other matters. Everyone engages in socio-political activism in so many different ways. We must begin to understand one another in order to make an impact that lasts. 

I acknowledge my privileges and commit to being conscientious of the purchases I make and the language I use in conversation with others regarding these issues. As you dive into your journey as a conscious consumer, I encourage you to make a commitment tailored to your own experience and situation so that you may be reminded that ethics and conscious awareness make for inclusive and productive activism.