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“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” - Malala Yousafzai
Your decision to choose ethical fashion will matter. It will matter to the hands who made it. It will matter to the brands fighting hard to make a difference. It will matter to the future generations who can still enjoy the beauty and resources our planet has to offer. I know this because I live it. I see the impact purchases have on our artisans and their families. I cheer and find encouragement with every order that comes in. I touch the fabrics, bottle caps, and other “waste” that we repurpose into beauty, and think of the tragedy it would have been to burn it all away. Our simple shopping choices matter. You get dressed every single day. Why not wear purpose, love and power?
This blog entry is technically part three of a three part series. If you haven’t read “Dressed with Purpose” or “Get Passionate”, go back, it will be worth the 7-8 minutes. I promise. I mentioned in the last post that after becoming even more passionate about ethical fashion and fair trade goods, I decided that all of my Christmas purchases last year would be from brands reflecting and living out this mission. Not because it is “cool” or “trendy”, but because I could not think of a better way to celebrate the birth of my Savior, than by purchasing presents that protected and gave dignity to vulnerable people all across the globe.
Our family serves as missionaries in Haiti, but we typically spend Thanksgiving-Christmas with my family in Michigan. This season tends to be very overwhelming, joining the first world when materialism and spending at an all time high. But last Christmas I wasn’t taken over by such things, because I was busy researching and buying from empowering companies who are protecting people all over the world. I purchased gifts made by Syrian and Iraqi refugees, by mothers who were at risk of abandoning their children due to poverty, by young girls who were rescued from the sex trafficking industry, by impoverished men and women who were taught new trades so they could not just survive, but thrive. As these gifts arrived on my doorstep, each one came with a story. A name. A photo. A powerful connection. As I wrapped these presents I thought of them, and prayed for them. Then as my friends and family members unwrapped them, I shared their stories, and we became connected to people Jesus came to save from Syria and Iraq, Guatemala and Haiti, Peru and the United States.
Your shopping can spread hope to vulnerable people all across the globe. Did you know you hold that power?
Even now, months after Christmas, as I look around my house, or in my closet, I am reminded of the sweet hands who so skillfully made the pieces that I touch and see everyday (because I’ll just be honest, I bought myself my own presents as well).
One of the most common frustrations I hear from people as they try to pursue ethical fashion, is that sustainable/ethical/fair trade pieces are so expensive. This is true. They are more expensive than the prices you are used to paying with fast fashion brands. I want to share a few tips and tricks that have helped me afford this ethical fashion journey, because if I can afford ethical fashion on a missionary budget, trust me, you can too!
Remember someone has to pay - Those cheap prices you are used to are only cheap because someone, somewhere is paying for it. With their dignity, sweat, tears, and sometimes even blood. It’s a devastating truth that we cannot turn a blind eye to anymore. Not as followers of Jesus and lovers of people.
Quality over quantity - A recent statistic stated a person only wears about 33% of their wardrobe. If we cut down on the amount of things we purchase, we would be able to afford a higher priced item that we actually need. Buying things we don’t need becomes a hazard to our finances and our environment. Ask yourself before buying something, “will I wear this at least 30 times?” “Do I already own something similar?” “Is this purchase helping or hurting?” If you stick to buying the things you truly need, I think you will find that you are able to afford paying ethically priced items.
Research sustainable fashion brands in your price range - There are a lot of up and coming ethical brands that I love, but simply can’t afford. You can find an ethically made dress for $480. You can also find one for under $100. If you do a little research on fair trade clothing, ethical fashion, and sustainable fashion brands, you could compile your own list of “go to” brands that fit in your budget!
Shop their clearance and sales - And if you are on a pretty tight budget (my hand goes up), then you can also shop your favorite ethical brands clearance pages or watch for them to have a great sale! Often companies will offer a discount on your first purchase so you can see the difference and feel the power that an ethical purchase gives you!
AND as a bonus to help you get started, here is a list of ethical/sustainable brands and companies that I purchased from for my Christmas giving! I linked them all right here for you! I purchased a wide variety of gifts ranging from candles and jewelry, to wallets and key fabs, to clothes and dress socks, and even shoes and soaps. Happy shopping! You’re welcome!
His Kingdom come, His Will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Able
Preemptive Coalition
Gift of Hope Haiti
Fair Indigo
Haiti Design Co
2nd Story Goods
Purpose Jewelry
Pact
Nisolo
Liz Alig
Krochet Kids
