I've spent my last few days of EcoChallenge researching a subject in which I've become interested in the last year: sustainable and ethical fashion. Fashion is one of the least eco-friendly industries in the world, though few people think as critically about their clothing and shopping choices as they do about their food or their transportation choices. Some relevant information - textile waste makes up approximately 5% of US landfills, it takes 1,800 gallons of water to make just one pair of jeans (this includes water used to grow cotton and to process fabric), and the clothing industry regularly uses toxic chemicals and dyes when producing clothes and often those toxins are dumped into the environments surrounding factories (e.g., http://riverbluethemovie.eco/dhaka/). Overall, I have learned a significant amount of information about clothing and fast fashion as an environmental and human rights issue, and I hope to share this information with people who are important to me. To take action regarding sustainable and ethical fashion, you can start by researching your favorite brands using https://projectjust.com/ to see what brands and manufacturers measure up to ethical standards. 

Today, I am feeling grateful for support, conflict transformation, and salad.

Today, I am feeling grateful for headphones, card games, and flexibility.

Today, I am appreciating washer machines, humidity, and handkerchiefs.  

This is exactly the challenge I need to keep up the pillar of simple living!

Continuing to put my reusable cups to good use!

 

Great to build community at the coffee shop this morning-- the guy in front of me was very happy to find a fellow human who also brings their own cup to Dutch Brothers! Sadly my "no refined sugars" challenge is out the window today, though... 

Today, I am grateful for chili, tea, and cookies.

Oh shoot, discovered a little *forest!

On my walk to coffee in Seattle this morning, discovered a little  .  Leschi Park!