“Esta, mami?” “No.” “Esta, mami?” “No.” And on and on went this back-and-forth conversation between the humble mother and her young daughter who had climbed inside the bin of clothing. Standing next to them with my many pairs of jeans to purchase, it gave me pause.
Trying to think objectively about this was challenging. That bin was full of clothing at C$5 (5 Nicaraguan cordobas each) or US$ .17 (17 cents each). How do you view used or unsold clothing being sent from a developed country to a developing country?
Is it affordable to purchase? Yes, absolutely. But is it a sustainable way to produce clothing and does it promote affordable wardrobes in the long-term? Both of those answers are a resounding no.
Fast fashion continues unabatedly. Its abuses are known, but only to few. There a multi-layers of problems to be addressed and no consensus of how to solve them.
Learning more, changing purchases and building awareness are small achievable ways.