Sure, I’ll join you—with the following provisions:
First, I can hand over items in a way that respects the “no discard” theme. For example, handing an almost unworn pair of shoes over to a reliable third party (friend, relative, DFS, or other appropriate agent) because said shoe creates a painful pressure sore on my foot is legit. At 70, I can’t afford to mis-treat my body, but health needs alone can’t absolve me of the responsibility of finding an suitable party who shares my concern with what happens to discarded clothing. Appropriate end destinations need to be identified for all items handled this way so I’m swearing off the convenience of bulk bags of re-cycling being dropped off at a convenient depot for 2020.
Second, I can’t use a holding zone as an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” refuge for my poor decision-making. Items in the holding zone must have a reasonably high probability of being restored to my wardrobe in the future—or be items I’m holding temporarily while I’m ACTIVELY searching for a better home or new use. Since I have very limited space in our condo, my holding zone will be one medium-size container which fits on a closet shelf.
Third, unless an item is truly unwearable, it must be mended, remodeled, or re-purposed, NOT discarded. Being a fashion devotee does not give me license to throw away items just because of my fashion whims and shifts. I’m actually hoping that taking responsibility for my fashion mistakes and impulsive purchases will lead me towards making better decisions in the future. If I’m forced to find a creative solution for a scratchy, droopy, sequined top, it will be a good reminder to not get sucked into the latest hype.
Finally—and this is a very personal decision—I’m now considering any online purchase to be automatically classified as part of my wardrobe. Soooo, that means NO RETURNS. Once an item is in my possession, I’m going to force myself to take responsibility for its ecological footprint because I’m increasingly dubious about how vendors are handling the issue of returns. I’m positive others will have different thoughts about this, but, for me, I can’t find a way to reconcile my reading about the environmental and ethical impact of online fashion shopping with my own willful ignorance of my part. And, again, hopefully, by the end of 2020, the payoff will be I’ll be a much more cautious and intelligent user of online shopping as a resource, not a playground.
So, Suntiger, If you’ll let me join, I promise to report back next January on how I did with my promises. Right now, I’m off to contemplate if said sequined top might be re-purposed as a pillow in my art studio? Or as an evening bag for the theatre...