You know what they say when you assume…

Okay. I got a little eager about the first blog post. Call it a post-event high. I seemed to skip the most important part of the resolution…WHY shop ethical. Sounds good, right?! Thankfully- and unfortunately- it is a little deeper than that.

When I graduated from Florida State with my master’s degree in higher education administration, I was not thinking about ethical anything. Meeting Sima Thorpe from Gonzaga University changed that for me- forever. She interviewed me at a NASPA conference for a position with the Center for Community Action and Service-Learning. Her first question was, “What are you passionate about?” This may seem silly, but it clicked in that moment. I knew I was supposed to work with this person. It didn’t matter that Gonzaga was in Spokane, Washington…a place that sees snow for 6 months of the year. All that mattered is that I worked for a person that cared and for a place that recognized people’s values (funny how that hasn’t changed in my job requirements).

Gonzaga introduced me to the most engaged students- eager to make real change in the world. I was there to help guide them with their endeavors; however, the very opposite occurred. They schooled me- big time. From a group of young men that started GUMAR (GU Men Against Rape) to those organizing alternative spring breaks, I was absolutely floored by the passion of these students. When I heard Zandra Rice talk about clothing from a chain retailer and how it was made by people who were not paid fair wages, this was the first time I even thought about who made the clothes. This started the exploration of the truth behind the labels.

So here is the “why” for me: treating people with dignity and respect. As a former friend used to say, I do not want clothes made by “tiny fingers”. I want people to earn a fair wage and for work in a place that is safe. I mean, basic stuff. Me feeling or looking cute because I bought a new sweater from (fill in the blank) retailer should not come before the well-being of another individual.

In addition to the “why”, I have found that shopping ethical checks some boxes off that makes my soul and brain happy. Shopping at thrift stores and consignment shops allows me to tap into my creative side. I sometimes wish for something that is truly new and allow that on rare, special occasions. When buying something new, I have to do a bit of research which helps the “problem solver” in me. I have also been known to be slightly political (athem…), so I can talk about how hard it is to find things made in America (I’m destined to be the 83 year old with too many cats…). I also have to be so thoughtful about any purchase. As someone who wants to spend money- but doesn’t have it to spend- this process of finding something allows me to truly think about what I am buying and if I really need it.

There is still so much to learn about the impact of “fast fashion” on people and our environment, but what I know is enough to make me shop a little differently.