Entry 1 - Start of Challenge

Isabelle Perlada
ASA141
Entry 1

This Challenge is intimidating to me because I love shopping as a form of self-care, retail therapy if you will. I admit that I'm very held back by the feeling I get when I buy something new. It's satisfying opening the packaging but when it comes to actually using the item (clothes and makeup in particular), I don't use it as much as I would like since I do get too lazy to make a big effort to look nice on most days. I am a mindless spender, so over the course of this challenge, I know I'll learn to have a little more self-control and restraint.

Going into the Be Green challenge, one thing that concerned me was having to buy something new for any events I had coming up. But after learning about everything we did in class, especially watching the Made in LA Documentary, I asked myself, Why do I have to wear something new to every event? I really reflected on it because I shop at Forever21 very often, and most of the time it's when I need a last minute ensemble for a particular event. When it's not Forever21, it's FashionNova. Both of these retailers are huge Fast Fashion retailers and they are always adding new clothes to their store rotation. I was always aware of sweatshops existing, but for some reason I never thought that most of the places I buy clothing could be employing these unjust practices themselves. Perhaps during this challenge, I will learn to appreciate the clothing that I already have some more, or to borrow others' clothes instead of buying entirely new clothes of my own and even to utilize my sewing machine more.

I also hope to learn during the course of this challenge what brands I could be supporting instead that would also be financially reasonable for me as a college student/young adult. I feel like every brand that I've seen that is ethical does not fit my style, but I'm sure that there is something out there for me to discover that I can be excited about.

This video is an example of something I feel like I can learn to do and have always wished I had the skills to accomplish.

Week 1 - Be Green Challenge #1

Alyssa Vang - ASA 141 - Week 1- Be Green Challenge #1

When it comes to fashion and shopping I feel like I am very attached to it as a designer because you naturally have an instinct of wanting to shop all the time and finding new trends and finding new ways to change your style on a daily. After moving to California I had a large shopping addiction me and my mom would always go shopping and we would go technically every week and we would always buy something new we did it for about almost a month or two. During this time I wasn’t really aware of the consumerism and wasting a lot of clothes and fast fashion. For some reason after a long while of wearing out those Close I would just throw them out and then go shopping and buy new clothes again.  It wasn’t until really I got into College where I was able to learn about sustainability and Fast fashion and how badly it affects the earth.  

After getting into college I didn’t shop as much as I did because one I didn’t have money and two I never had the time to shop unless there was an occasion to dress for. When I have clothes that I don’t need anymore are usually donate it to Goodwill and the rest of that I didn’t really mean that was not a good quality I would just throw it out because it something that either does not fit me anymore anymore it’s not wearable. As a designer I recognized at that a lot of fabric goes to waste in the lab because when there isn’t a fabric that they don’t mean that they throw it in a box where people can use it for most of the time it’s thrown out.  Even though I am no longer shopping as much as I used it I am still wasting a lot of fabric when I buy it for my collections and I hope in the future when I make future collections I can change this habit of buying too much fabric. What I can probably do for my future collection is probably reuse the fabric that I did not use from the last one and do something unique with it.

I am hoping that this should be green challenger would help me fix my shopping addiction and ways that I can change the world. Even though I might not make a big change at least it will help a little bit more. 

Week1 Mixed Emotions

I decided to join my class this year for the Be Green Challenge. As a long time second hand shopper and hand-me-down enthusiast, I thought "no problem." I am also a sustainable activist of sorts so, needless to say, I felt confident. Well, I pre-failed. I was in search for three sandals for this spring/summer and spent a good portion of the weekend searching for them on the pre-loved market. Full disclosure, I'm an unapologetic maximalist.

For the sandal search, I am in the process of bidding on one but could not find the other two I wanted in used condition. I searched and searched but it was useless. Sure I could have waited a few months, but then summer would be half way through, and I have learned that if I need or want something, waiting is not always the best option.

In short, I caved and purchased two pair of new sandals in advance of the challenge going into full gear. In my defense, before I took the plunge, I researched on the sustainability factor of the brands, Fila and Dr. Martens. Uh, no luck, they both did not score high of the eco-meter. I then looked for sales and found the items for 40% off on both using online coupons. Afterwards, I committed a despicable act by making sure I purchased the shoes before the challenge started.  It seems I failed myself and am not presenting a good model for my students.

To redeem myself a little, I purchased online classes to be more eco-conscious with clothes. I also started watching Youtube vids on how to sew again and plan to start up my trusty sewing machine. I plan to fix and upcycle some of my clothes. I have also been "shopping" in my closet more and have put together items from my current collection. Look, I'm not perfect, but this class and the challenge is keeping me as honest as possible. Maybe I should re-watch "True Cost" for inspiration.

Week 1 | Be Green

Rida Riaz
Be Green Challenge Blogpost #1
ASA 141

Going into the first week of this challenge I don't really know what to expect. Part of me says it's going to be easy and the other part is slightly freaking out. As the past week and a half, we saw documentaries and read a lot of journal articles about consumerism as well as behind the scenes in fast fashion which has made shopping off putting for me for the time being. What's sad is that I might still cave into going shopping occasionally at an H&M or Zara because it's easy as well as affordable. However, this challenge will allow me to stop having the need to go shopping constantly and cut down not only my spending, but also partaking in the consumerism of fast fashion. I'm really excited for this challenge as I want to change my shopping habit and learn how to have control as well as persistence over wanting to constantly add things to my wardrobe. I want to spend wisely, not stupidly. The more things one has the more materialistic they become and I want to limit the things I have in life to focus on better, healthy living. I have a feeling that this isn't going to be too difficult for me since even though I love shopping and occasionally do it, it's not something I do on a weekly basis. Plus, I stopped shopping a week prior to this challenge to start getting ready for it rather than jumping straight into it.

I'm really glad the professor is making us do this challenge as it was the kick I needed to stop spending foolishly. Let's see how this goes! 

Week 1: What is the Untrue Cost?

Week 1: Be Green Challenge
Grace Petersen

After having reviewed the readings from last week on the environmental impacts, and now seeing what the true cost of fast fashion means for workers in exploited conditions I am committed to engaging in this challenge. For me, this will not be much of a change from my normal habitus. I don't typically spend a lot of time or money shopping, and as a matter of fact I prefer to make my own for most things people buy- including clothes! The interesting thing however, is in what must be some psychological preparation for the coming 5 weeks I found myself madly going through Amazon and ordering little pieces for crafts I was preparing to do after midterms. Even though it isn't necessarily fashion, I still wonder at the impacts of my habits, especially through Amazon. Apparently according to an article from PHYS.ORG "85 percent of the clothing Americans consume, nearly 3.8 billion pounds annually, is sent to landfills as solid waste, amounting to nearly 80 pounds per American per year." and to me those statistics are entirely horrifying.

For the next few weeks, I will try to keep in mind the fates of those workers in rana plaza who worked under conditions they did to produce cheap fashion for consumers like me. Not only is it an issue of environment or style, but one of justice across the globe. 

Morgan, Andrew, director. The True Cost. Untold Creative, 2015. 

Schoenherr, Neil. "How fast fashion hurts environment, workers, society. PHYS.ORG January 10, 2019
https://phys.org/news/2019-01-fast-fashion-environment-workers-society.html

Week 1 Be Green Challenge

Abigail Wang



I am looking forward to this challenge to see what difficulties and barriers I find on a weekly basis. For the most part I do not buy excessively, however I know I can still cut back on my consumerism. Especially, after watching the True Cost documentary in class, and our class discussions I feel sustainability is very important. I have started to look more at the labels on my clothing to find out where they were made, after watching the documentary. I have also began to imagine who could have created the clothing I wear and hope that they are treated fairly. I realize a lot of the time I just ignore the voice in my head that reminds me of this human rights aspect of consumerism because I can not afford to get more expensive clothes that are more sustainable etc.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

I am interested to see in this challenge how I can reflect on how to be more sustainable on a budget. For example, I have gone thrift shopping before and feel this is a pretty viable alternative. Also trying to save my money for only things I truly need, rather than want. I have started a list of items that I want to buy throughout this challenge but are not essentials i.e. makeup, clothes etc. and I will see if I truly still feel I 'need' these items after the challenge.

The outside source I have been viewing and thinking of so far in this challenge is Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, that has become so popular recently. I have watched a few of the episodes and think it ties in well with this challenge. Marie Kondo has her clients go through their wardrobe, item by item and choose to keep only the items that are very meaningful and 'spark joy.' She emphasizes cutting down on material items and taking good care in the items you have and love. I hope to apply this mindset to the challenge.

Week 1: Anti-Consumerism

https://mswin001.wordpress.com/2015/04/29/21/

Haley Bergman
Week 5
ASA 141



When we were first given this challenge, I was not too concerned since I only really buy necessities and do my heavy shopping at the end of the summer. So even though I planned to not struggle with this experiment, I did not fully understand the point of it. However, through the materials we have watched and read so far I have gained a better understanding of the anti-consumer movement and how we should be focusing on things like slow fashion instead of fast fashion. The documentary "The True Cost" showed me how consumerism is an all-consuming idea that material items which are often times temporary should be prioritized over the wellbeing of the environment or the workers who make the materials. Exposing this and showing how we can move away from this practice to something more sustainable I think is our duty as the next generation in charge of the well being of our planet. There are already so many designers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who have begun to pave the way for sustainable fashion with encouraging results. I am excited to continue to learn more through my own experiences and through materials we are given in class about this anti-consumerist movement and hopefully share what I learn with others outside of the course.

Work Cited:
Morgan, Andrew. The True Cost (2015).

Week 1

Sidney Siu
Be Green Challenge
Blog 1

From the first announcement regarding this movement, I was not put off by the challenge at all. I have always been more on the eco-friendly side compared to those around me, but I didn't have much knowledge as to how fashion was directly related to it. Of course, I was aware of the problems with consumerism, but I hadn't connected the topics learned in class until now.
Personally, I don't think I'll run into any issues or have a hard time with this challenge as it is only 5 weeks long and I don't shop that often to begin with. I usually just purchase necessities, but when I'm buying extra things, it's usually due to an upcoming event where I might have wanted something fresh. I do like to browse online, however, school work usually keeps me busy from doing so.
Watching True Cost in class really put more things into perspective for me. This documentary left me with a heavy heart as I was able to see with my own eyes just how terribly impacted other countries and people are/can be due to the fast fashion industry, in which I admit contribution to. It has made me rethink my shopping habits even more. As this challenge begins, I look forward to reflecting on the changes that I will experience and hope that it will further my "green" mindset.

Be Green Challenge (aka $ave Dat Money) 1

Ziyu Wang

I am broke. Very, very broke.

So this challenge will not be very difficult for me since I have been doing this challenge for quite a long time. Other than food, tuition, and rent I'm really not spending money on anything. Buy what you need, not what you want - unless its New Year or my birthday or something then I'll treat myself a little bit. But this challenge is obviously not really about saving money, that's just part of the benefits. This challenge is really about saving the environment.

Consumerism is like a plague in our society - it is slowly eating away our resources without us even noticing it. One example of such act would be fast fashion, which we learned in class through a documentary called "The True Cost of Fashion" is an industry that unleashes extreme harm to our planet. Yet we just seems to be purchasing more and more. If there is no demand, then there will be no supply. Our actions have direct consequences, so if we want to save ourselves, then we must act now.

Although the Be Green Challenge won't really be too much of anything for me, I still understand and appreciate the idea behind this. I hope we can really follow through with this challenge not just for this class but for generations beyond.


Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvHYWD29ZNY
https://twitter.com/green_consumers
https://truecostmovie.com/

Week 1 - Be Green

Week 1 (BLOG #1)

Fara Suiza

ASA141

April 28

When the Be Green Challenge was initially introduced, I wasn't entirely fazed by it. Buying new clothes is not a thing I do on a whim. The only time I really buy new clothes is when I'm with my mother and sister since we use shopping as a way to bond when all of us are together, but with both my sister and I in separate colleges now, the idea of shopping for clothes has not been on my mind since the Christmas holidays. However, it was only recently that I felt like the Green challenge may pose to be an actual challenge when I saw that one of the brands I'm trying to support Privé Alliance, which is luxury streetwear, announced they were having a sale. Now, what is usually $80-$100, it is only around $50-$80, which is a great deal for me. 

However, this class has made me question the ethics behind big and small brands. For instance, Privé Alliance is considered affordable luxury, and because of this, I expect their ethics to be better than those of retailers such as Forever 21. When buying clothes, I do think of the long-run. For instance, when thinking about sustainability, I often choose clothes that I know will last, even if it comes at a higher cost. In the article "Fast Fashion, Sustainability, and the Ethical Appeal of Luxury Brands" by Annamma Joy, she argues that fast fashion is "low-cost clothing collections based on current, high-cost luxury fashion trends". This includes places like Forever 21 and H&M. Before taking this class, I already had negative feelings towards Forever 21 because their clothes often ripped, faded, or simply wore out too fast, which was NOT a trade-off I could swallow despite spending between $17-$20 per clothing item. 

Fast fashion is not sustainable, but thee desire to keep up with trends is creating a consequence that the planet cannot keep up with. However, one of the focuses of thee Green challenge is to reuse or borrow clothing for this period of time. In a YouTube video by The Economist titled "The True Cost of Fast Fashion", they address the unsustainability of fast fashion (with the biggest culprits being big brands like Forever 21 and H&M), however, the alternatives to helping slow down the waste created by individual needs to keep up in trend IS to borrow clothes from one another. and reuse the articles of clothing we have.

Because of this, I am a little swayed to buy the Privé clothes now despite the fact that they are on sale; however, because I know that more expensive goods tend to have more ethical standards behind closed doors, I can’t stay I will feel bad if I do buy Privé in the future.

CITATION

Annamma Joy, John F. Sherry Jr, Alladi Venkatesh, Jeff Wang & Ricky Chan (2012) Fast Fashion, Sustainability, and the Ethical Appeal of Luxury Brands, Fashion Theory, 16:3, 273-295, DOI: 10.2752/175174112X13340749707123

"The true cost of fast fashion | The Economist." Youtube, uploaded by The Economist, 29 November 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfNUD0-8ts

Week 1: Be Green Challenge

Mahima Rupakula
913734418
4/28/19
ASA 141

Be Green Challenge: Week 1

When we were first presented this challenge, I thought it wouldn't be too difficult for me. I'm a very big fan of shopping, but recently I haven't had enough money or time to go out of my way to buy new clothes, so I thought it would just require me to continue with my current lifestyle. However, I can already see that I might run into some problems with getting athletic gear to train, as I usually wear out my athletic gear very quickly. Other than that, I do believe that it wouldn't be to difficult. I am especially not a fan of most fast fashion stores, which are some of the main contributors to the waste crisis surrounding fashion in today's world. For example, I get a lot of my clothes from my friends because I'm a very small person, and tend to fit into things most people grew out of. I think a really important component to this challenge is avoiding the brands that we discussed in class which contribute heavily to the waste present in the fashion industry. Watching The True Cost also further helped foster my feelings towards this project, as it was a very pathos charged argument that went deep into regions heavily affected by the fast fashion industry. This challenge is important to make us deliberate our consumer impact on the world in order to foster a sustainable future for generations to come. 

Figure showing how fast fashion forces workers to work for nothing, only to upcharge heavily in other markets.

References:
Kenton, Will. “Fast Fashion.” Investopedia, Investopedia, 22 Apr. 2019, www.investopedia.com/ terms/f/fast-fashion.asp.

Morgan, Andrew, director. The True Cost. Cmv-Laservision, 2016.

Week 1

Sapana Gautam
ASA 141
Week 1

The "Be Green Challenge" is focused on the anti-consumer culture and the pro-green movement.  Growing up, my parents taught me the difference between "wanting" and "needing" when it comes to shopping for clothing and shoes.  They told me to prioritize the things I need before I buy anything I want.  I admire the goal of this challenge, and initially, because of how I was raised, I did not think this would be much of a challenge for me.  However, now that it is time to start the challenge, I am beginning to reevaluate the difficulty level of this.  I was planning on shopping this month, especially this week, but I guess I will have to make do with what I already have.

I do think the challenge we all face is worth it.  After watching True Cost in class, I realized how much is at stake when we shop.  We often do not think about it, but the more we shop, the more people in other countries suffer.  They are forced to labor through unfair pay and unsanitary working conditions while we bask in our luxuries.  I understand that, as a small class, our efforts won't make much of a difference, but it is one step closer to eliminating sweatshops and unfair working conditions.

 

References:

Morgan, Andrew. The True Cost (2015).

Week 1 - Be Green Challenge

Jinia Lee
Blog Post #1

When I first heard about the Be Green Challenge, I was a little worried because I tend to buy more clothes during Spring to fit the season and I online shop a lot for products that I rarely use. After thinking about it, I don't think it's going to be too difficult because I haven't bought any clothes or other products besides my graduation dress and my cap and gown which are things that I needed. I'm actually kind of excited because I've started cleaning out my closet to either sell or donate them to others. It also forces me to become more aware of my spending habits and take more time considering what I want versus what I need and what is a good purchase versus what is not.

The reading, Santa's Sweatshop by Holstein et. al and the documentary, The True Cost, both opened my eyes about the dark side of fast fashion and the industry itself. When reading about the contrast between the experiences that producers went through to make the products and what the consumers receive is so different and sad. It makes me realize how much we don't know about who is making our products and in what conditions they are being made in and I wonder why we don't question these things. The documentary supplemented the reading because it gave me a visual of the people that have to experience these unethical and unsafe working conditions which gave me a reality check on where I stand and how I contribute in mindless consumerism.

On top of this, consumerism in fashion affects our environment and I think this TEDx Talk is pretty informative and brings into perspective on our own actions.

Works Cited:

Holstein, Palmer et. al. 1996. “Santa’s Sweatshop: In a Global Economy, it’s Hard to

Know Who Made Your Gift – and Under What Conditions.” U.S. News and World Report. 

121(24):50-54, 56-57, 60.

Morgan, Andrew. 2015. The True Cost.

TEDx Talks. 2016. "The High Cost of Our Cheap Fashion | Maxine Bédat | TEDxPiscataquaRiver." YouTube. Retrieved 28 April 2019.

Week 1 - Verduzco

Week/Blog: 1
ASA 141
Alejandra Verduzco

When we were first introduced to this Be Green Challenge I honestly thought this seemed so easy because I hardly ever go shopping and have no money to buy any food. However, now that this challenge has started I just realized that it is my father's birthday this weekend and I can't buy him a gift because I forgot to buy it in advance. But perhaps that's a good thing. My family always buys gifts for each other that often times is a waste of spending because it is unnecessary purchasing. I have never been one to like shopping, I never liked shopping at malls or high fashion outlets, I've always preferred goodwill, salvation army stores, yard sales, swap meets, basically anything cheap and used. Most of the clothes I have in my closet in the present day I've had either for years or are hand-me-downs from family. However, I will admit I am in need of summer clothing and I was originally planning to go to the U-Mall and buy something from Forever 21 since its one of the nearest stores. But after watching the documentary "True Cost" by Andrew Morgan it made me realize that even though I hardly shop there I don't want to think about even spending a dollar in fast fashion companies such as this one. The reason for this is because of the truth behind the prices of these clothing items. The only reason they are cheap because of the pay and conditions of the workers. The documentary showed the horrific event that took place in Bangladesh killing thousands of workers young and old, and yet many people are unaware and uneducated that their clothes are being made from the sacrifice and struggle of others.

So how is it that so many people are unaware of the poor conditions that workers are working in? This is because the companies don't want to admit that they are producing cheap clothes to their customers at the expense of others life and well being. They are doing it for their own selfish reason to gain more profit out of each item sold. In order for the companies to sell clothing so cheap, they need to lower the wages for the workers. In the Los Angeles Times article "What's Our Responsibility Towards Sweatshops" is an article with a surveyed conveyed to a variety of people who stated their opinion to the question What can be done about the proliferation of sweatshops? Many responded with the usual respond of not shopping at those stores anymore, but some actually said its to late to change the way things are now because a majority of the consumers will continue to shop no matter knowing the truth. After reading that, it got me thinking whether the public would be able to take on a challenge such as the one we are doing for class.  Along with how many people in the class will struggle with this challenge. I don't think this challenge will be very difficult for me as I stated but I am intrigued to read others experiences in the class will be like, and possible witness myself struggling with this challenge.

REFERENCES
"The True Cost." Directed By Andrew Morgan. 2015.

Heffernan, Mark."What's Out Responsibility Towards Sweatshops?" Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times Paper, 21 Jun. 2013, www.latimes/articles/responsiblity-towards-sweatshops/.com

Week 1
Christian Funk

I love the idea of the be green challenge. I don't think it will be too challenging for myself however. I love clothing, I have a passion for fashion. I love clothing and I love adding new items to my wardrobe. I always want more, and I can identify this as a symptom of the sickness that is capitalism and consumerism in our fast-paced, every-changing world that is our reality. I'd love to add more, have this, have that, I want more, more, more, but I can also identify that even in my current state, I can say I already have too much. I don't need any more.
I already don't do much retail shopping for clothing. I love thrifting and I love being creative and customizing and repurposing to make my own unique piece. I used to like buying cheap, getting a good deal from retail shops and fast fashion stores such as H&M and others --but then I was exposed to the reality of it all. This wasn't my first time seeing True Cost. I watched it once previously for a class of mine during my first year at Davis. Seeing just how much it truly costs for that good deal we get from the store really changed the way I thought. Since then, I am anti-fast fashion. For me, it was the combination of the sweat-shop labor as well as the bulk of it all. So much is being demanded. The more that's demanded, the more that's thrown away. In this fast fashion world, clothing is seen as dispensible when in fact it is not. Fast fashion is not sustainable. When does it stop? I love True Cost and I hope more people see it and see what it truly cost for that good deal. It's peoples' lives as well as the planet that is at stake here. Something has to change before it is too late.

Works Cited:

Morgan, Andrew. "The True Cost" (2015)

Week 1 - Challenge

Elaine Yang
Blog 1
ASA 141

When I first heard about the Be Green Challenge, I thought it would be very difficult considering that I am an avid online shopper and Amazon enthusiast. I often find myself online shopping once or twice a week, bringing home products that I do not even use more than once. When I have free time, I also find myself mindlessly browsing through online clothing websites when my clothes fill up the entire walk-in closet. Online shopping has become a habit for me, and 28 days taking a break from my long-built habit will be a difficult task. However, as the midterm season is coming, I believe I will be less motivated to find time for online shopping or hitting Forever 21 often. I will tightly monitor my purchases and try to donate or trade the items that I no longer use.

(Image: A pile of left-over clothes being sold on a website) 

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/women-s-clothing-huge-box-full-413-c-69c4968ad5

After learning about consumerism and the environmental, social effects of fast-disposable products in “Fast Fashion, Sustainability, and the Ethical Appeal of Luxury Brands”  as well as the Netflix film about workshop conditions in developing countries. It made me realize that cheap and convenient is only a temporary measure, there are devastating effects that will haunt us for years. Fast Fashion will not be sustainable with the current methods.  Finding long term sustainable alternatives would not only secure the number of resources, but it will also promote a healthier consumer lifestyle.


Annamma Joy. “Fast Fashion, Sustainability, and the Ethical Appeal of Luxury Brands.”

Green Challenge #1

So-Hyeon (Diana) Park
Green Challenge Post #1

I am well aware that my consumer patterns have to be fixed since my expenses on clothing and cosmetics are ridiculous compared to the amount of money my friends usually spend. I have this habit of buying a ton of products as soon as a new billing period starts and abstaining myself from buying necessities towards the end of the month. It's a bad cycle too as it is difficult to get out of it. Last week was the beginning of this month's billing period, and I probably spent 1/3 of my income already. I actually just realized that the Green Challenge starts from today and I panicked for a bit - thinking I should have bought more before it began. To be honest, I am scared to enter this temporary phase of the absence of guilty pleasures, yet I know that it is going to be a good cleansing time to break my consuming habit and start new.

This whole Green Challenge reminds me of our group project through which we attempt to encourage people to use recycled materials. It will be absurd if I advocate this campaign but do not practice what I say. Here is a link to the article that sparkled our project idea.

Additionally, here are some tips I found on Forbes to help us break bad spending habits - more like a note to myself. Hopefully, by the end of this quarter, I will exhibit better consumer habits and make responsible choices when purchasing goods.

Citation

Auten, John Schneider and David. “5 Steps For Breaking Bad Spending Habits.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 25 July 2018, www.forbes.com/sites/debtfreeguys/2018/07/25/5-steps-for-breaking-bad-spending-habits/#71a7c8706842.

Smith, Tammie. “Repurposed and Reused: Thrift Store Industry Flourishing.” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 29 Mar. 2019, www.richmond.com/business/local/repurposed-and-reused-thrift-store-industry-flourishing/article_8cfd96c0-6ddf-50e7-99e0-b06d27c324e1.html.

Week 1 of Be Green Challenge

Magnolia Garcia
Blog 1

It’s Day 1 of the Be Green Challenge and I’ve already set foot in the infamous Forever 21. Fear not,
for nothing was purchased--I was merely tagging along with my housemate. I must admit, however,
that that was the first time in a while that I walked out empty-handed. It was a little easier to do after
having watched Made in LA and True Cost; I truly had a whole different perspective this time around.
I would check the tags of different articles of clothing and would find that much, if not all, of the pieces
were made in Vietnam; seeing this, all I could think and wonder about was how poor the working
conditions must be across the globe. At one point I turned over to my housemate, while holding a top,
and I told her that an underpaid worker must have received cents for having completed this article. I
was referring to the fact that workers in Haiti received 6 cents for producing an item that retailed for
$19.99 in the U.S. (Holstein et al). After having read over a few different articles, I’ve become aware
that working conditions in California aren’t exactly all much better. According to the Los Angeles Times,
workers were earning $6 in 2017--well below the minimum wage. Hopefully learning more about these
kinds of situations changes the way I shop altogether. I’m glad I was able to avoid succumbing to
Forever 21 today, but I know this challenge is going to be very tough over the next five weeks.

Holstein, Palmer, Ur-Rehman & Ito. “Santa’s Sweatshop: In a Global Economy, it’s Hard to

Know Who Made Your Gift – and Under What Conditions”. U.S. News and World Report.
Vol. 121. Issue 24. Dec 16, 1996. p. 50-54, 56-57, 60.

Kitroeff, Natalie, and Victoria Kim. “Behind a $13 Shirt, a $6-an-Hour Worker.” Los Angeles

Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2017,
www.latimes.com/projects/la-fi-forever-21-factory-workers/.