What if everyone changed their mindset? What if the take-make-waste lifestyle became outdated?
We in the Western world live in a time when we can get what we want, when we want – food delivery at 3am, a package deliviery at our door the day after we have placed the order.

I had an interesting conversation with a man on New Year’s Eve. He was impressed when I mentioned that I worked in the fashion industry. He confidently told me that the most trendy brand right now was Zara, a brand that has been on the market for years. My response was a disagreement; (Zara is not at the forefront of changing its climate policy. While I’m certain they are implementing certain initiatives, I’m not aware of the specific details.) I think there is more to what is becoming trendy in the fashion industry. I think the coolest trend right now is awareness – awareness that the fashion industry has been identified as the third most polluting industry, after food and construction. A sad fact to share on New Year’s Eve, what a downer I am!, but still so important.
The bigger profiles in the industry have started to change their mindset (or is it just a wish). They have too, due to upcoming laws and regulations. You may not see it, but things are happening under the surface.

I told him that there are other organizations and smaller companies producing equally trendy clothes, but with more sustainable production, smaller collections and less frequent drops. His response was: “I think you are sweet to have dreams and be passionate, but the world will never change. It’s all about money and success. Don’t you want a man with money?”

He continued and said “Fashion is very important to me, it visually tells people who I am, what I stand for” 
My thought was, the words coming out of your mouth only visually tells me that you don’t see the bigger picture.

Don’t get me wrong; money is wonderful, success is fun, but can we have a successful industry, make money, and still become more sustainable? Can we create cool fashion, express ourselves, and wear amazing clothes without pushing the planet’s boundaries?
Of course, we can! We just need to educate people, take more responsibility for our value chain, be more creative with the resources we have, and work on all levels.

My answer to this was; I am not saying you are wrong, but I believe in another kind of growth. The way we see fashion, growth, trends and the endless consumption, need to change. We have a planet that is burning and people are screaming for help. I know our mindset need to change. We can still be successful but not in the way we know success today. It will take time, but you will see. (If we don’t crash first)

He didn’t grasp the idea when I mentioned all this. I wonder how many people share his similar perspective? I don’t blame him or anyone; we are addicted to growth.

Interesting talk show from Kate Raworth

“A healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow”