Oftentimes I get asked, “why sustainability?”. Why did I choose it as a concentration? What does it have to do with fashion? Or overall, what sparked me to begin this journey?
While sustainability is a very important topic not only in the fashion world, but our entire world today, I didn’t choose this as a concentration or passion of mine to yell at you about the climate or carbon emissions. It’s not my job to make you feel bad about the choices you choose to make in your life, or scold you about something you have absolutely no interest in. I see it as counterproductive. And truly, I just can’t get behind the whole idea of shaming. Why make people feel bad, when we are trying to do good?
With Earth Day having been this past weekend, I figured it was time to clear some of this up. To answer everyone’s “why?”.
The Foundation
Growing up, I lived in a very rural area where the trees were abundant, and the lakes were beautiful. You couldn’t drive one mile without stumbling upon a field that appeared to extend forever into the horizon. Hills, mountains, trails- all of it. At a young age, I was taught the importance of spending time outside in nature. If I remember correctly, I was an infant the first time I ever went tent camping. * My childhood was filled with kayaking, mountain climbing, and biking. I’d help my parents plant their gardens- In fact, I have vivid memories of going out to the garden right before dinner to pick lettuce for our salads that night.
*Fact check: In the middle of writing this, I did call my mother to confirm, and I was 5 months old on my first camping trip
Traveling was a big part of my life. In sixth grade, we had to write down one fact about ourselves and other people had to guess whose fact it was. Mine read, “I have traveled to 13 states.” All in all, I was seeing the country and all of its beauty- the caves of Kentucky, to the forests and lakes of Maine. This traveling- it wasn’t some hotel jumping experience, it was enriching- a learning experience. It was campfire building and rock painting, hiking and just living off the land.
The first time I ever went to the west coast was about four years ago now. I had a dance competition in Vancouver, Canada. We flew into Seattle and drove the rest of the distance. I can picture that car ride like it was yesterday. You know how nowadays in long car rides, (if you’re the passenger), you either sleep, or scroll through Instagram, or catch up on your favorite show? This entire car ride, I was in such awe. Never had I seen snowcapped mountains before. They were like a barrier around you, providing so much comfort and beauty. That trip, I saw the most jaw-dropping things- lakes so clear you could see straight through them, and mountains so large, there was a completely different climate at the top.
The Older Years
As I got older, life got busier, but the need to be outside never went away. I still find myself, no matter where I am, searching for the closest trails and parks. With the weather getting nice again, I have that itch to spend every waking moment outside. It’s good for the soul. Something I’ve started to realize a little extra lately is the true importance of nature in our lives. We’ve all been there- that assignment needs finishing, or you’d rather stay in bed, or you should clean the kitchen, the excuses could roll on forever. I know it because I’ve been there too. Adult life means working in an office all day or sitting in a classroom indoors for hours on end. But, we need balance.
Thankfully, in my childhood years, living at home, there was always going to be someone telling you to get outside- go get fresh air, go for a walk, “it’ll clear your head, I promise!”. And as much as I may hate to admit it… they were always right. I didn’t see it then, but boy am I grateful now. Living on my own and being fully independent, I still hear their voices in my head, “Come on Ranait, just get outside. You know you’ll feel better.” And I always do. That ideology has also allowed me to get out and explore new places that I never would’ve stumbled upon if it weren’t for my nature seeking intentions.
So… What’s my Why?
Alright, alright, so I’m babbling on about growing up and spending time in the outdoors, we get it! Well, here’s the thing… You wanted my “why?”. That’s it.
I love the Earth. Not in some cliche way, but I love it. I love to lay out at night and look at the stars while listening to the frog’s croak. I love waking up to sunshine, and that first smell of spring. I love the fresh smell after a long rain in the spring or summer months, where it just smells like dirt and well… the Earth. I love when the trees begin to blossom, and flowers start to bloom. I love when it’s so quiet all I can hear are the birds chirping, or the pop of a campfire on a cool summer night.
I love the Earth. And don’t want to lose all of the beautiful things it has to offer to us.
So, that’s “why sustainability?”.
I think it’s really easy in today’s day and age to get caught up in the divide and politics in our world. Unfortunately, the topic of sustainability gets thrown right there in with it. But, in reality, I truly believe that it’s somewhere we should be able to have a common ground. Do you like to hike and take in the breathtaking mountain views? Or how about hunting in those cooler fall months? Or maybe you prefer to observe it from a distance and just take in its views? Maybe you paint or photograph it. Whatever it may be, we are all on the same page and can’t see it because of our noise-filled world.
The topic of sustainability, for me, is less about lecturing about climate change, and attacking society with judgment and disappointment, and more about bettering myself, finding the most natural ways to do things, and living one with the Earth all because I just think it’s a pretty great place to be.
