Ethical. Fat. Poor

This popped up on my feed on Facebook, and while I understand the thought behind it, in our culture lifestyle is not just what you live and is almost entirely defined by what we buy. 

Or what we do not buy. 

Freegan is a lifestyle where you do not buy anything, you get everything for free. Dumpster diving, trade and the like are the hallmarks of it, people who live this lifestyle are modern day hunter gatherers. They often are homeless (In the traditional sense of not having a home) or live in communal living situations. 

There aren't many other lifestyles  where you don't buy anything. There aren't many ways to identify ourself without buying something. 

This will of course be adjusted as I actually get questions!

Who are you?

I'm Kat, I'm in my late 20's and I work as a bartender, I got interested in ethical clothing and labor through a confluence of interest in History, politics and human rights. I also come from a background of anti consumerism and am a bit of a minimalist. I've often joked that I get uncomfortable at the thought of really owning furniture. But seriously accepting a high quality mattress made me nervous that when I moved I'd  have to transport it!

What is Ethical?

This is where it gets tricky. For some people ethical is vegan, cruelty free and not tested on animals. For me. I'm personally more concerned with the people. So while I'll certainly be highlighting brands that are vegan, it isn't my main concern. I wear leather, eat meat and really won't be interested in hearing why that's unethical. 

So that means what's important to me, and what will be mainly covered on this blog is: 

Artisan products, that is things that are made by craftsmen who are passionate about what they do

Made in USA/livable wage products. I'm not a nationalist. I don't want just US products featured, I in fact am super excited and looking at buying from a lot of small companies from all over the world. But from places with firm labor laws, or companies that rise above the labor laws in the countries they are located in. 

DIY clothing and lifestyle! I know, I know, everyone is into this. But, I am a huge fan of it, and am starting small, but think that everyone should know how to do some of this basic stuff!

and of course: Reuse! Items that have been repurposed! We have so much surrounding us that can be so easily re-used and it's a great way of getting rid of junk and making it useful!

Um that costs what?

Yes, a lot of things on this blog will be expensive! I'm sorry, but it's unrealistic to think you can get high quality products made by skilled workers, or even just fairly paid workers at the same price you can from fast fashion retailers.

I will try to find things at verying levels and costs, and more so, talk about how we can save money and stop buying crap so we can get things we like! But yes, a lot of things will be expensive

Did you get all that free?

Right now. Hell no. I'm an unknown blogger, but if that changes I promise! I will keep you in the loop about what I'm reviewing or suggesting that I've either been sent for free or is an advertiser or anything like that! Especially when so many of these items are BIG ticket and expensive I think my readers deserve to know what I personally put my money behind!

I'm a 27 year old Bartender living in the Green Mountain State! I'm a huge history geek, recently got into juicing, keep kosher, and well, am passionate about ethical living. 

There's a lot of reasons why, environmental factors, religious reasons, and political beliefs are some of the most prevalent ones. But it narrows down to the fact that I can't continue to be contributing to this culture that values fast fashion over human life.

The Bangladesh factory fire was a huge wake up call for me. The fact that a year later, very little had bee done, and so few people were concerned for where their clothing came from, so long as it cost them less than 20. That was a shock to me. And I decided. No. More. Crap. 

So now I am on a mission, to buy as much  ethical clothing as possible, focusing on supporting businesses with high quality products that pay workers a fair wage, and have safe conditions. Now, this would be easy if I was a size 2 millionaire who lived in New York City. But I'm not.