One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Although this is a reference to the first man on the moon, it is relevant today in many ways. 

Earth Day began in 1970 by an environmentalist that wanted to help our planet. It has been celebrated on April 22 every year since. 

We (collectively) have become a consumeristic society and a wasteful one too. We demand that everything and anything be available at any given second, even posting this blog! We expect that even though we continue to be one of the most wasteful, that as long as something isn’t affecting us directly, it is not happening. However, it is affecting each and every one that is reading this and the other billions of people on this planet. We are our own worst enemy. We continue to deplete or contaminate our natural resources and destroy the homes of millions of animals and other living organisms in the name of consumerism. Our use of plastic continues our reliance on oil and the oil itself causes habitat loss and pollution that affects the land and water and in turn affects every other living organism on this planet we call home. 

The fashion industry is not immune to this phenomenon or maybe disease would be a better adjective. Fast fashion is a huge strain on the environment. The pollution, poor labor practices and poor quality garments are so the least of concerns. The waste produced when this years fashion is no longer fashionable or the clothes were so poorly made – these have to go somewhere, usually in the garbage to the landfills. 

Every single year, the average cost of clothing per month is $161 per person. Yes, that is what I just said, $161 a month average. In two years that is $3864! That can buy you a custom, tailor made capsule wardrobe – that will last for years to come, as these garments will never go out of style. If you want something new or a new signature piece, you have now saved $161 a month to have a new garment each year or even two. 

When working with small businesses and dressmakers that do this for a living, you are helping yourself (save money year after year), you are supporting small business and a local community. You are helping the environment by taking one small step toward the future (one giant leap for mankind) and looking stylish and beautiful all at the same time.