Hey #YugenCommunity - welcome to the first post in our #CarnivalSeries!
For Trinidadians (and most of the Caribbean community), Carnival is a time of revelry, freedom and good vibes. BUT - it is also a peak season for unsustainable consumerism patterns and waste production.
In 2019, Khadija Stewart wrote an article called "Mas Trash" which addressed the volume of plastic waste produced during Carnival, as well as the nonchalant response with regards to post-fete pollution (see her photograph below, taken after an event in 2019).
This got me thinking: what about the other, less obvious impacts? - for example, the effect of buying all our new fete-wear/carnival costumes and accessories?
This #CarnivalSeries, therefore, aims to address these patterns and educate readers on how they can make more sustainable choices; starting with what we wear.
But, why is what we wear important?
Well, the fashion industry is known for its massive waste problem, in fact, it is frequently called out for being one of the largest polluters globally.
While there have been active moves by some more progressive and conscious clothing companies to improve their business models and working conditions, the numbers are only just starting to sink in for many consumers.
This puts us as a set back because to truly improve the sustainability of the fashion industry, effort is needed from both brands AND consumers (i.e. consciously choosing to support more sustainable practices, and thus driving more unsustainable brands to improve their methods).
So, to help you make more sustainable and ethical fashion choices, I've created a simple list of things you, as a consumer, can do to reduce your support of unsustainable (fast) fashion, as follows;
Participating in a clothing swap - This is both cheap and sustainable as you not only give the pieces you get a new home, but you also prevent your older items from going to the landfill. If you While organizing a swap on your own might take some time, there are persons who already host such events that you can attend, such as @theclothingswaptt.
Buy/Sell Second Hand Clothing - This is another great solution because once again, you are avoiding the need for new clothes production. As a seller, you can also gain some quick cash, while as a purchaser, you can get stunning items at a generous discount! For my Trinidadian readers, you can check out the following pages for some amazing second-hand items: @renewconsignment_, @shopsb_closet, and @therack_tt!
Support brands using recycled or 100% materials - The truth is that only materials which are 100% can be recycled (because we do not currently have the technology to separate and recycle blended fibers). Furthermore, buying clothing using recycled (pre-existing) materials would save large amounts of water and slow down virgin textile production.
Upcycling - This process gives currently owned items a "second life" by giving them a new purpose. That is, upcycling transforms "unwanted" items into new, one-of-a-kind items through the use of creative means. This is a process that may not be for everyone, but for those who have a passion for expressing their creativity, it can become addictive.
This passion is exuded by Acadia Cato, a 17-year-old entrepreneur with an interest in charity work and educating others about the environment and sustainable fashion through her Instagram page, @upcycle.uplift.
Acadia started upcycling because she was interested in fashion. She shared that she has always had a creative side, and started trying to repurpose her older clothes when she was still a pre-teen. This prompted her to experiment and she is happy to say that while she at times used youtube for guidance and inspiration, she mainly developed her skill by just trying things on her own.
Acadia's passion was further nurtured in 2018 when she was awarded one of three $15,000 scholarships, provided by Republic Bank, for young creatives in the Fashion industry between the ages of 15 and 19. Noting her high potential, she was also accepted into a four-week mentorship program, (now turned into a 1-year internship) with Meiling Esau of Meiling Inc.
Acadia shares that her fascination with upcycling also stems from her concern for the preservation of the environment and the fact that she wants persons to see how the items that we discard can still have a purpose.
She believes that upcycling is quite beneficial as it helps to lessen the amount of waste going to landfills, reducing GHG emissions and preserving our resources, while also helping you to save money.
When asked if she thinks that persons in the Caribbean value sustainably-produced items she says that there is a mixture, with some persons trying to shift to make a change/educate others/purchase eco-friendly items and even upcycle, while others seem to make no effort.
However, she does believe that change can happen soon, once more brands continue to promote sustainability and influence consumer choices.
Considering that Trinidad and Tobago's carnival season is already up and running, Acadia to provided a quick upcycling tutorial for our blog readers to explain how they upcycle an old swimsuit top/t-shirt or vest into a stylish monokini or bodysuit, as shown below;
ITEMS NEEDED:
Old swimsuit top/t-shirt/vest
Chalk/marking pencil
Pins
Scissors
Sewing machine/needle & thread
STEPS:
Put on your item and pull it to the crotch area.
Pin in the middle and mark the ‘monokini style’ (you can use your underwear as a guide).
Cut and sew with a machine or by hand.
For a proper finish and fit; line the item and sew elastic around the arm- and leg- holes.
Acadia also challenges everyone reading this article to try upcycling a piece of their own. She also invites anyone who has questions about upcycling to contact her, as she soon hopes to turn her passion into a fully-functioning business which will offer many services.
That's right, the future is in good hands.
If you enjoyed this week's blog post, please feel free to comment down below and don't forget to come back next week for the next instalment of the #YugenBlog #CarnivalSeries which looks at local sustainable jewellery production! ~
- Jamala A.
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