Today I want to talk about the documentary, The True Cost that was released earlier this year. I've finally just got around to watching it and I'm only three quarters of the way through. Now this may seem like an odd time to review it but that's just it. I've decided I don't really want to review it*. I want to simply suggest you watch it.
“Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented project that invites us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes. ”
Shivers is what it has given me. Shivers because there was things I just didn't know. Shivers even though I consider myself to be relatively well informed and thoughtful. So much I sort-of knew has been clarified, and then some. But what I'm loving about this doco is the big picture stuff. It covers it all, our behaviour as consumers, big business, fair trade, environmental impact of the growing and the waste, health, treatment of workers in the third world, and more.
Just in case you aren't a fan of preachy docos, don't worry. This isn't one. They make it interesting and considering the massive scope of the film they do a good job of giving you a big picture overview.
I haven't seen the end yet so I'm not sure if they are able to wrap it up well, or if they offer solutions or ways forward. Even if they don't I'm not sure it matters. They give you a lot of information. Information that could be used to make different choices. I believe in personal responsibility. I believe personal action is powerful and the small changes we make add up. The only person's behaviour I can directly affect or change is my own. And this documentary was a great reminder of what I care about and what I want to change; a personal call to arms. Renewing my desire to be thoughtful and considered in what I purchase, what I own, what I wear.
I still make mistakes in this and go the easy option; buying because it was quick and pretty and affordable. Just this week I did it when I purchased leggings for the girls without truly understanding the company I was purchasing from. I know I can do better.
“You change all consumers into activists, all consumers asking ethical questions, all consumers asking quite simple questions about where there clothes are from. All consumers saying I’m sorry, it’s not acceptable for someone to die in the course of a working day. We can’t just roll over and say yes have it, do what you like. It’s too important, it’s too significant an industry, it has too much impact and effect on millions of people worldwide and common resources. ”
One place that is particularly relevant here, where I know I can get better, is in my purchasing of fabric. As many of you know, over the last year I have been working on changing my purchasing behaviour through my Stash Less project, and hopefully I've helped to raise some discussion at the same time. The aim of Stash Less is that I will purchase craft materials in a more thoughtful way and that I can change my behaviour one step at a time. One area I haven't really spent much time on yet is where my fabric comes from.
I know a little - for example in the picture at the top of the post I know that two of the fabrics are organic. But what about the rest. And then what about things I adore, like Liberty, ....or Nani Iro. I know nothing about where they are made, and how they are made, and I haven't asked. And that to me is the simplest small change I can make. I need to ask....
If you've seen it or go watch it because of this I would love to hear about what impacted you.
Felicia x
* A quick google search will lead you to many a reviewer by many a website or newspaper.
