If you’re shopping…start small and local this season
Hi friends!
My kids have been celebrating the spirit of gratitude in anticipation of Thanksgiving next week. In that spirit, I would like to start by expressing my appreciation of and gratitude for YOU! You all have been such an integral part of my sustainable style journey and I’m so grateful you’re here with me!
In that spirit, and drawing on last week’s offer to bring mindfulness to our holiday experiences, I’m challenging us all to focus on supporting businesses that are small and local over the next 5 weeks while we shop for gifts, and ongoing thereafter.
What do small and local businesses have to do with sustainable style? I’m glad you asked!
Local businesses are more likely to offer locally produced products, which reduces carbon emissions.
Local and small businesses are more likely to be owned by people in your area – members of your community – shopping with them supports their dreams and their families.
Shopping in-person saves packaging – remember to bring your own reusable bag!
Tips for determining if your clothes are produced as locally as possible
Read the labels (or the ‘details’ if shopping online) – brands should be including the location of where the garment is made – shop from brands that are made in your country.
Consider what the garment is made of (I keep repeating myself but it is so necessary!) – if cotton or linen or hemp or bamboo don’t grow in your country, those fibers probably traveled a long way to get to you – this is not suggesting that you prioritize synthetic fibers, just encouraging us to buy products made closer to home, when possible.
Research the brand – who owns it? Who works for them? Where do they live/work? I try to champion brands that are female-owned and that pay their workers fairly.
I will be taking a break next week to spend time with my family and soak up the moments together. I hope you have a lovely week too!
xo Kevin