I used to be the kind of person who always had something in their online cart. Sales, newsletters, new drops, I was there. I loved the thrill of buying new clothes. It felt like self-care, self-expression, and sometimes even like progress. I thought, “If I just find the right pair of jeans or the perfect dress, then I’ll finally feel like myself.”
But lately, that feeling has started to shift.
A few weeks ago, during one of my conversations, we began discussing the environmental cost of fast fashion. Without even thinking, I said out loud: “I think I’m done buying clothes for a while.” Someone nodded. I nodded. It just came out. And as I heard myself say it, I realized I meant it, or at least wanted to.
That didn’t mean I stopped overnight. But for the first time, I paused before buying. I asked myself: Why am I doing this? Do I really need it? That shift in awareness was the beginning of something bigger.
That pause. That shift in awareness. The numbers helped me get there too.
The fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. And over 80% of our clothes end up in landfills or are incinerated, even though most of the fibers used could be recycled.
📊 Source: European Parliament – Textile production and waste
And here’s the one that really stuck with me: It takes 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. That’s enough drinking water for one person for 2.5 years. Suddenly, my shopping habit didn’t feel so harmless anymore.
So I’ve started slowing down. I still enjoy style and aesthetics, but I try to choose timeless pieces, buy less, and focus more on what I already own. And if I do make a purchase, I try to understand where and how it was made.
I’m not perfect. But I’ve realized that sustainability isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. A growing awareness. A shift in mindset.
This personal decision is now part of my larger journey in sustainability. One more way I’m trying to align my lifestyle with the values I write and talk about.
And hey, even if I mess up and fall for a sale again… I’m learning to forgive myself and keep going.
—Morena
Curious how individual actions can (and can’t) fight climate change?
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