Matter of Fact

The world feels heavy lately. Between economic instability, political tension, and environmental concerns, it seems like there’s always something new demanding our attention. For many of us, daily life goes on—we work, shop, scroll, and try to make the best of things—but that underlying sense of unease remains. Matter of fact, we can’t ignore it anymore. Especially when one of the biggest contributors to our environmental crisis is something as close to us as the clothes we wear.

The fashion industry has long been associated with glamour and self-expression, but it’s also one of the top polluters in the world. It’s responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The cycle of overproduction, overconsumption, and waste is constant. Major brands release new collections at an unsustainable pace, pushing trends that encourage us to buy more than we need—often items that will only be worn once or twice.

Beyond environmental impact, there’s also a human cost. Many garments are produced in factories where workers are underpaid and exposed to unsafe conditions. Fast fashion relies on exploitation, yet this reality is rarely discussed when brands advertise their latest “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” lines. Greenwashing has become the norm—buzzwords are thrown around to sell products, while behind the scenes, very little actually changes.

Sustainable fashion often feels inaccessible. Ethically made clothing comes at a higher price point, and many consumers simply can’t afford it. The responsibility to shop better often falls on individuals, while major corporations continue to profit from wasteful practices. It’s frustrating, and for some, overwhelming.

Still, small actions matter. Buying secondhand, mending what we own, supporting local makers, and asking better questions about where our clothes come from—these are steps that create ripple effects. We won’t change the entire system overnight, but we can make more mindful decisions in our day-to-day lives.

The truth is, fashion should be both expressive and ethical. The facts are clear: change is necessary. And as we continue to navigate everything happening in the world, we can’t afford to keep looking away.