Inspiration: The True Cost

As someone who shops almost exclusively at fast fashion stores like H&M, Gap and Zara, the documentary The True Cost has really affected me since watching it. We all know by now the horror stories of garment manufacturing. Who can forget the collapse of the factory in Bangladesh in 2013? I will admit, however, that there is a certain detachment to all of it, living in North America where bargains are always foremost in the mind of many consumers like me.:(

That's why films like The True Cost need to be seen. (You can now watch this on Netflix.)

It's hard to see this without feeling guilty....

And in conjunction with this film, I also highly recommend the book Overdressed by E. Cline.

A very worthwhile read that deals with the same issues that True Cost does.

Does this mean I will never shop again? To be honest, this post is self-serving. I figured that by sharing this on my blog, I will be held accountable and finally stick to my resolution of buying less  and taking care of the things I already have.

On that note, I will leave you with a quote from the book:
"Clothing companies have enjoyed decades of cheap foreign labour and the resulting profits, but what exactly are the tangible benefits to us, the American consumer? We own more clothes than we can wear, the quality and craftsmanship of our wardrobes are at an all-time low, and the US manufacturing base can't compete on the wages with the developing world, costing countless domestic jobs...."

Have you seen this documentary, or read the book?