Like many, I used to find identity and validation in constantly buying and showing off new clothes on social media. But after reading The World Is on Fire and We’re Still Buying Shoes, I realized this overconsumption was at odds with my climate anxiety.
With fast fashion churning out cheap, disposable clothes that overwhelm landfills, I knew I had to make a change. So I pledged to go one year without any non-essential clothing purchases.
Through this tangible step, I aim to reset my relationship with fashion and focus on curating a thoughtful, sustainable wardrobe. No more mindless hauls or keeping up with every fleeting trend. I want to rediscover my personal style and view clothing as art rather than social currency.
To help others along the journey, I launched Consumption Project, a community for fashion lovers who want to move away from the “more is more” mentality. We offer resources and support to limit overconsumption, from capsule wardrobes to no-buy pledges.
This won’t be easy. But this year without shopping will teach me how to find “enough” and stick to investment pieces that spark joy. I hope to gain a healthier relationship with my identity and self-expression. And make my wardrobe an intentional reflection of my values.
The fashion industry still has work to do. But as consumers, we can take tangible steps like shopping less and keeping clothes longer. With thoughtful consumption, we can balance our love of fashion with building a sustainable future.