Becoming an Eco-Fashionista, Part 1
Documentaries and book ideas to transform how we show up in the world
Reading Time: About 6 minutes.
On a sunny summer Sunday, my husband and I met up with new friends, Sam and Michele, at Wayward Vegan, a local diner here in Seattle. As we sat over pancakes, omelets, and French toast, we got to talking about sustainable fashion. They were curious if I had any recommendations for documentaries, books, or articles that might support budding eco-fashionistas on their journey.
I didn’t know it at the time, but their questions would reignite my curiosity about the topic I thought I had left behind — fashion. We’re not talking about fast fashion, though. We’re talking about sustainable fashion, a movement that strives to transform the industry’s negative impact on people and the planet.
My brain was abuzz after that visit. I jotted down a few resources that came to mind and then a few more. Before long, I had branches of ideas and different entry points for anyone seeking more about sustainable fashion, and—BOOM—a whole new series for Petite Over 40 was born! (Thanks, Michele and Sam!)
I hope you’ll join me over the next few weeks as I share the philosophy that informs my choices, and of course, there will be a variety of resources for learning about sustainable fashion. The goal is to help us shift our relationship with the fashion industry while transforming how we show up in the world.
Step One: Fall in Love
Learning to become a better steward of the planet, fashion-wise and otherwise, starts with caring about the place we call home. This includes the community of plants and creatures that live all around us. If you fall in love with something, you tend to do everything in your power to nurture and protect it.
The piece of string bean is an ambassador of life. It contains the sunshine. It contains the cloud. It contains the earth. It’s a wonder, your piece of string bean. And when you get in touch with your piece of string bean, you get in touch with the whole cosmos.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Remember, whatever you do is something. It’s all connected. It matters. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so start where you feel capable and grow into more as you can handle it. Every little bit helps.
Documentaries
Some of my favorite documentaries have less to do with the fashion industry and more about our relationship with the beings in the world around us. Watching another horror show about industry atrocities breaks my sensitive brain and flatlines my ability to act. Fire and brimstone didn’t work for me at church; it doesn’t work for me here, either.
A better method for me has been to tap into the philosophy of connectedness. Getting to know the wonders of the planet we call home shows how we’re all connected. The world around us thrives—we all do—when we don’t overuse, overtake, and pollute. Creating these relationships humbles me. It helps me understand the true power of Mother Nature, and it compels me to be a better human. Making more earth-friendly decisions flows easily from this care and love.
With that in mind, I recommend tuning into the following documentaries or docuseries:
Fantastic Fungi: This beautiful film explores the wide-ranging wonders of fungi, including their power to heal, sustain, and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth. Available on Netflix.
Our Planet: This series, narrated by David Attenborough, explores Nature’s beauty and examines how the changing climate impacts all living creatures. Available on Netflix.
Nature on PBS: This series goes to the far-flung reaches of the planet to share the wonders that exist here with us. My favorite episode is about a 500-year-old tree in Scotland. It imagines everything the tree has witnessed in its long life. It puts my short life in perspective, which is both humbling and compelling. Available on your local PBS station and on the PBS Passport streaming service.
The Biggest Little Farm: In this film, we follow the successes and failures of John and Molly as they work to develop a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles. I like this film because it shows what’s possible when we listen to what the land needs. Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV, among others.
Evolution Earth: This is a new series on PBS. I just watched the first episode, and it blew me away! Chimpanzees that filter river water through sandy trenches they dig with their hands, and iguanas that shrink during El Niño! Amazing! Available on PBS or PBS Passport.
Books
As with documentaries, so with books. My focus tends toward cultivating a relationship with the natural world. Doing this gives me the heart I need to make more conscientious decisions.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Available in print, e-book, and audiobook.
The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. Available in print, e-book, and audiobook.
Any poetry by Mary Oliver. Devotions is a good compilation of her poetry. I like Dream Work and Why I Wake Early for a more bite-sized introduction.
Currently Reading:
An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong. Available in print, e-book, and audiobook.
On my List to Read:
The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good by Elizabeth L. Cline. Available in print, e-book, and audiobook.
All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson. Available in print, e-book, and audiobook.
One Bite at a Time
This is a long list, but it isn’t exhaustive. Thank you for coming this far. I know there are other books and documentaries out there. Still, it’s good to start small and go gently. Take one bite at a time and explore where you can without becoming overwhelmed.
Perhaps even this list is overwhelming. If so, pick randomly one documentary or book on this list. I wasn’t born an eco-fashionista. It took me years to dig into my philosophy and build my foundation, and I continue to learn every single day.
In the weeks ahead, look for more guides and helpful resources, including educational websites, eco-friendly online shops, and cruelty-free and clean beauty directories.
Blessings on your journey!
#BeKind
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I love your approach! The documentary that got Sam and I thinking more about avoiding "fast fashion" was "The True Cost" -- there was a screening at Central Cinema some years ago.
Love this! So glad we inspired you to share more! I love your book selection -- Braiding Sweetgrass is a special favorite. Will check out some of the documentaries/series.