It's Christmas. Yes, we have reached the typical time of year when an apparent voracious need to consume and buy takes over us. Is it the fault of the lights that beautify the city? Is it the fault of the media , which drives this desire to acquire something more? Or is it the fault of our ego, which does not measure its ambition?
In the last times, fashion giants have contributed to the disproportionate growth of fast fashion , transforming the market and awakening in us the desire to acquire products that, in fact, we do not we need. Snapping your fingers and having the latest fashion in your wardrobe has been easy and it has worked so far. But is this reality getting closer to the end?
Apparently, minimalist standards and purposeful purchasing are taking over the consumption of new generations. Environmental ethics is beginning to take shape clearly and the need to assert unique styles is also beginning to take on proportions on another level. Apparently, vintage principles are rising in this environment, where using a Chanel or Vuitton bag, which was a trend in the past, constitutes a completely timeless and valid act. However, it is never enough to emphasize the urgency of being aware when purchasing. Do you really need another pair of jeans in your closet?
The proposals to create capsule wardrobes, which prove that we can create different outfits with just basic pieces, combined with the evolution of concern with ecological issues, are contributing, to a large extent, to a positive change in this entire theme. This is because, when we try to study a little of what the production of a wide range of clothing products involves, the more painful a particular purchase becomes, which, a priori , would merely be a small pleasure.
The fashion industry strongly impacts the ecological system in which we operate — this is one of the sectors that consumes the most water, and is also responsible for the emission of around 80% of annual greenhouse gases worldwide, among many other factors — and all of this starts to weigh on you when making smart consumer decisions.
According to some studies, it is in the younger generations that hope for more eco-friendly actions is placed, as they are much more aware of environmental causes that require greater concern. If fashion does not become more conscious, our future is at risk. Using creativity and choosing second-hand shopping are two excellent ways to cut down on excessive spending and contribute to more sustainable fashion. Buy less, too.
We don't need 20 identical white shirts. We do need to look at our future and make decisions that protect it. Reinventing the past can be an excellent way to start something new. So, this Christmas, think twice before completely using up your allowance on items that you actually know you don't need that much. Giving a gift is a nice gesture, but always do it conscientiously.
