Earth Month reminds us why we do what we do to protect and preserve and even repair this planet we share -- Earth!!! It's about making a difference, no matter how small. Nothing is perfect but it's up to each of us to do the best we can and continue to learn new ways to do our part.
We all know about and hopefully actually reuse, recycle, compost, and take care with what we purchase and bring into our homes. Things like food and cleaning products with all their packaging may come to mind first when we think about excessive in-home waste but how often do we take a moment to consider our wardrobes and closets? There is always more we can do!
So today I thought we could chat about Lowsumerism. What is this? Well, when applied to your closet, it's a conscious, sustainable approach to reduce consumption and the first step is to shop your closet. This involves looking at what you already own and coming up with new ways to combine your wardrobe items to suit where you're currently at with your lifestyle, interests, and calendar.
As our lives change, we often only see how we've always worn our clothing and not consider how we could wear them now. When we organize our closets, we take out what no longer fits, what doesn't reflect who we are currently, what needs repair, what could be upcycled, altered, or donated, and what can be stored away until its season comes back around.
Doing these steps helps your closet stay organized, useful, and manageable. Which, in the big picture results in purchasing less and prioritizing necessities over excessive buying. Following these steps replaces the outdated work-spend-borrow cycle with conscious, intentional choices -- a big part of the slow fashion movement.
Another important step is to learn what your colour palette is so that when you do shop, you choose what actually suits your skin tone. And this leads to not only dressing with more confidence but also reducing unnecessary spending on items that just take up space and never really get worn.
Trends come and go and yes they are fun but if you have nothing to wear with a particular piece, you'll likely never wear it. Better to shop your closet, know your colour palette, and know what works best on your body type. Taking this all into account plus recognizing where you're at in life can make all the difference in how you feel on a daily basis AND keep your consumption on point.
Here are a few key aspects of Lowsumerism:
- Mindful Purchasing: Thinking carefully before buying to avoid unnecessary accumulation.
- Sustainability Focus: Finding alternatives to new purchases, such as repairing, swapping, or upcycling to reduce environmental impact.
- Cultural Shift: Moving away from the "volume over quality" fast fashion model and the pressure to constantly upgrade possessions.
- Intentional Living: Living with only what is necessary, aiming for a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Lowsumerism promotes a mindset shift where consumption is minimized to reduce environmental impact and break free from consumer-driven pressure.
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I personally feel this is also doing better for the planet by really getting a handle on your closet, combining your existing wardrobe in new ways, and taking care of your precious items. It's so easy to be influenced by social media, our friends or icons when really, you probably already have what you need if you look at your closet differently or have fresh eyes to assist you.
Yes, sometimes we have gaps in our closets but it's not always easy to recognize them and then know what to do next.
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, I'm here to help! I encourage you to reach out and book a consultation for one of my offerings like Colour Analysis, Wardrobe Stylist, or Closet Organizing.
Thank you for visiting my blog and Happy Earth Month!
~Laura~