https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:45:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism/page/2#post-2001473 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 07:18:18 +0000 Jane 2001473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting read, well written - thank you for the recommendation Angie. </p> <p>Everything shifts so quickly it can be difficult to find a clear anchor point. I like especially when shops make reference to their ethics. The best ‘display’ I saw recently was in a bricks and mortar store Cotton Story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism/page/2#post-2001450 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 04:45:13 +0000 Anonymous 2001450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Noted to read when I have a few minutes tomorrow. Looking forward to it. The only thing I know for sure (eyeball) is that the barometer for making decisions and forming opinions changes, and it's up to us as consumers to try to stay abreast of the issues as best as we can. It's all we can do. Every action we take has an impact somewhere. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism/page/2#post-2001449 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 04:43:44 +0000 Jaime 2001449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for pointing out this article Angie. Widespread change in consumer behavior is a complicated interaction between the zeitgeist of the moment, and, ultimately, business decisions that reflect and perhaps exploit it. There is no one answer but even reading articles like these help change perspectives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism/page/2#post-2001420 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 03:39:24 +0000 Jenn 2001420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These issues are COMPLICATED. As I've mentioned before, my brother works in international trade policy for a large retailer and talking to him has really made me see nuances that I was completely blind to before (see Christina's comment above)...and I'm someone who regularly seeks out reading material about supply chains, labor practices and environmental challenges in the clothing industry.</p> <p>Just thinking about these things at all is a big step, though, and that's the point of, if not ethical, <i>mindful</i> consumerism. Every choice that we make differently because we're thinking through some of these issues is a choice that will have an effect on the big picture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001406 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:43:25 +0000 Gigi 2001406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing. I could really identify with the author's conundum as she laid out her choices for the running shoes. You simply can't find the perfect item, especially given the fact that you don't have all the correct information to begin with. The way I deal with the issue is I just try to buy clothing that seems like it is a fair price. If I see a t-shirt for $2, for example, I don't see how the garment maker could have been given a decent wage, so I don't buy. I also can guess that the shirt won't hold up to much laundering, so it will end up discarded quickly, which would be wasteful. </p> <p>I am very hard to fit and have to accept that my fashion choices are limited, and I sometimes will have to choose retailers that have some black marks on their record. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001394 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:03:27 +0000 Carla 2001394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the link to the interesting article. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001379 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 01:37:10 +0000 Style Fan 2001379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent article Angie.&nbsp; This is something I have been thinking about for the last few years and I certainly don't have the answers.&nbsp; I do try to buy carefully so I can buy less for many reasons.&nbsp; Organizations need to step up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001352 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:29:45 +0000 Angie 2001352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Peggy</b>, you are finding your way, managing what you can, and making it count.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Janet </b>and<b> Bonnie,</b>&nbsp;exactly.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001306 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 23:11:33 +0000 Bonnie 2001306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a very informative read. Thank you so much for sharing it. Change starts with awareness of a problem and supporting companies that are at least trying might be a starting point.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001298 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 22:48:22 +0000 Janet 2001298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good article -- thank you for sharing. No easy answers, indeed. One person's right decision is anathema to another.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001294 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 22:42:42 +0000 Classically Casual 2001294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the article and conversation, Angie. This is a topic I regularly chastise myself over.</p> <p>For much of my life I had a modest, small wardrobe. It was what I could afford, and I don’t think there was as much emphasis on dressing well, or if there was I was oblivious to it. </p> <p> Now with more resources, enjoying fashion is one of my pleasures. At the same time clothing pieces on average seem much less expensive relative to income. One can find trendy stuff at almost any price point. That is one of the effects of globalization.</p> <p> As we regularly discuss, storage issues are what limits the size of a wardrobe rather than budget. (I also am very aware that this is a first world, middle class problem). The whole “privilege” aspect is on my mind too.</p> <p>Meanwhile, as I’ve mentioned before, Patagonia is a company I willingly pay more for. The downside is the stuff lasts forever. This week in the snow I’m wearing a parka purchased for an anniversary trip 12 years ago.<br /> It’s going strong, but I’m a little weary of it. And that’s the point: I know if change is to occur I need to adjust my behavior, and not always be looking for the next shiny thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001289 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 22:37:15 +0000 Angie 2001289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure, <b>Taylor.</b>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Joy,</b> we can't prevent every situation, and doing what you can manage is dead right.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001263 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:31:54 +0000 Anonymous 2001263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is so complicated.&nbsp; Personally I am trying to buy less, better so chances of resale are higher, buy second hand and remade clothing.&nbsp; I guess that does not help underpaid women making clothes make a living though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001251 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:06:29 +0000 taylor 2001251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing Angie ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001226 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:34:29 +0000 Angie 2001226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>mtnsofthemoon</b> and<b> Sal</b>, thanks for the support and wisdom as always. We try to make the best decisions that we can manage given our context and circumstances.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001223 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:28:21 +0000 Angie 2001223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suntiger,</b>&nbsp; NICE. Personally, it's my choice not to eat or cook mammals but it's natural for our dogs to - so I don't deny them that instinctive pleasure. I can empathize with the difficulty of it.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>FashIntern</b>, I very seldom document my research. Over the last almost three decades I've absorbed from many resources, worked in factories, worked with manufacturers, seen more factories than most, seen top retail management make the decisions they make, thrown the topic of ethical fashion around now and then, formulated my own opinions, and tried to make decisions based on my conscience and circumstances. I continue to absorb, make sure I trust the source of the info, and formulate with an open mind. &nbsp;Occasionally I share a piece of literature that really resonates - like this one. That's what I can manage and will continue to do.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001220 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:23:39 +0000 Sal 2001220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is a good article!! Shows the nuance...., and clothes are actually simpler than say, food. If I did not shop all year I would still be dressed and decent.</p> <p>With food there is budget, ethics, locality, health, culture, convenience, picky eating etc. all at play.</p> <p>And yes I added running shoes - I went to a retailer where I had a voucher ( son won a tournament with sports shoe voucher for $100), I chose the new version of my current shoes and paid the difference. I honestly did not think any further than that. I will look up ASICS now and find out more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001207 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 20:10:51 +0000 mtnsofthemoon 2001207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look forward to reading this article.&nbsp; Thanks for sharing Angie.&nbsp; No doubt ITS COMPLICATED.&nbsp; But having a dialogue and discussion of the multi faceted issues and their interconnection is a start.&nbsp; Torontogirl your comments resonate with me.&nbsp; As well as Angie's -&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;"What you choose to do with the knowledge is a personal choice" and every choice is an attempt to have a positive impact.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001190 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:39:44 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2001190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting! I'd still love to hear more about the research behind your decisions in this area. As you say, it is complex. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001183 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:34:50 +0000 Anonymous 2001183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Its definitely difficult! I dont want people, or animals, or the environment to suffer I'm vegetarian and wont buy any animal tested products, for example, but my beloved pets are carnivores-sigh... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001174 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:14:05 +0000 Angie 2001174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And that sweet <b>Helena</b>, is just one on the reasons why ethical consumerism is extremely complicated - and impossible to achieve fully. Landing in circles on the subject is about the best we can hope for, so well done! That way, we are at least thinking about the issues and impact, and trying to come up with ways we can manage to be ethical consumers OUR way.&nbsp; </p> <p><b>Rachy</b>, Sam is high pawing Lilypup.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001172 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:11:21 +0000 rachylou 2001172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lilypup is certainly proud of having her friends! And she also don’t want no raw meat diet: fire up the stove, if you please! </p> <p>Hehe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001168 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:03:32 +0000 Helena 2001168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article Angie. I think about the ethics of consuming all the time, and it lands me in circles: I buy less and then feel bad that I'm not supporting the economy; I buy more and am guilty about the environment; I realize something is made in Bangladesh and feel sick about the work conditions; I put it down again and wonder how bad their other options are, if the factory is the best one, and if no one buys and the factory shuts down, what then? On and on it goes. </p> <p>Every ethical thread pulled snags another one, it seems ... but if we all put our bit of conscientiousness and concern into it, brands are forced to follow suit (and indeed as the article points out, companies are made of people, and people in fashion have the same concerns for humanity and the environment that people outside of fashion do). Progress is maddeningly slow, but it beats stagnation or reversal to be sure.</p> <p>Really appreciate it Angie.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001167 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:02:49 +0000 Angie 2001167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom</b>, I know, right? Had to share.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Rachy,</b>&nbsp;more things to think about. Animals have it sorted. Most are so much more independent than humans. Sam though, would prefer to be dependent on said humans :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001163 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:54:51 +0000 rachylou 2001163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bingo to Christina’s bingo. </p> <p>I also have to say, when you think about the modern, specialized global economy we have... when you think about what the word Economy means... there are some built in problems. Individuals can’t take care of their basic needs by themselves. Even if you had the land to farm, how are you gonna clean your water? There’s a strong do-it-yourself individualism in the US, but a modern economy is fundamentally socialist and monolithic in nature, in terms of effort. Incredibly complex and a beast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001162 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:53:05 +0000 nemosmom 2001162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Angie - thank you for sharing such a great piece; lots of really great points to ponder in it, for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001161 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:37:46 +0000 Angie 2001161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Xtabay</b>, I bet you'll find the article thought provoking. I am STILL thinking about it. Knowledge is powerful. What you choose to do with the knowledge is a personal choice. I think most of us try to make the best choices based on our circumstances and means.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001158 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:34:51 +0000 Angie 2001158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Christina F</b>, I'm glad you can bring this type of knowledge to the forum. Thank you. It IS a top down solution for me too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001156 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:31:52 +0000 Anonymous 2001156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for keeping the discussion going on this, Angie. &nbsp;I will look forward to reading Vogue's take on these issues, which have been weighing on my mind of late. &nbsp;</p> <p>It's not as much fun to read about the other side of the fashion coin as it is to enjoy the bright, shiny, fun side of it, but the more informed one is, the better your choices are. &nbsp;And the world certainly does need that.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/excellent-article-on-ethical-consumerism#post-2001155 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:31:31 +0000 Angie 2001155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You gals are fast! And I'm sure you read fast too. I'm a slow reader.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>kkards</b>, YES. Wasn't "values compete" hits the nail on the head. Glad you're finding your way through what ethical fashion means to you. Me too.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, it's almost all your research done! A good starting point for your style goal. </p>