I have been reading The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan which follows the life of four different types of meals. Pollan provides some very interesting insight into the process behind what we feed ourselves. The book has been thought provoking for me and has gotten me thinking about how his concepts apply to the apparel industry.
Certainly there are various ways that apparel is produced and we, as the consumer, get to "vote" about what production methods best suit us and our ideals. For the majority it is the cheapest and most common product that we put our money down for. But, what of the alternatives. Of course there is "organic apparel" which has had it's time in the lime light lately in American fashion; then there is fair trade, self made, second hand, re-purposed, couture (for those that can afford it)...au natural is an option perhaps.
The options are various, but the question I have been asking myself is: Are any of the options of apparel production actually sustainable? The industrial production method that fits our culture of consumption is in no way sustainable, of that I am certain...but then which option should we choose.
I would like to start processing this topic with you as I continue my journey. First, I think it is important to consider what the differences are between Sustainable Production and Capitalist Production so I began pulling together a dichotomy.
Capitalist Production:
Means of production are owned by few
Decisions are made in the interest of the few
Benefits are imbalanced
Hierarchy is deep
Branches are global
Practices are opaque
Businesses are competitive
Relationships are based on bottom line
Wages are cheap
People are a commodity
Focus is on quantity
Desire is to manipulate nature
Production is standardized
Production is fast
Production is wasteful
Product is consistant
Product is disposable
Sustainable Production:
Means of production are owned by many
Decisions are made in the interest of many
Benefits are balanced
Hierarchy is shallow
Branches are local
Practices are transparent
Businesses are collaborative
Relationships are based on mutual interest
Wages are fair
People are valuable
Focus is on quality
Desire is to preserve nature
Production is amorphous
Production takes time
Production limits waste
Product is unique
Product is durable
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