We're now aware of some of the downsides to the popular cheap fast fashion: the environmental pollution, the brutal exploitation of garment workers, and its devastating effects on global South nations.
But did you know that what you wear can be incredibly hazardous to your health?
Don't feel bad if this is news to you. Aden Wicker. Author of To Die For, "had no idea that clothing could make people sick."
Flight attendants were Wicker's coal mine canaries. In 2019 she learned of a lawsuit Delta employees were filing against the company that made their uniforms. As the airline began issuing new uniforms in the 2010s many of their employees began reporting mysterious symptoms—enough that the workers drew connections between the new uniforms and the illnesses (which, of course, the corporation denied).
If you're thinking this has nothing to do with you—you probably aren't a flight attendant—Wicker shows that you couldn't be more wrong. She combines vigorous research with personal anecdotes to show that toxic garments can lead to infertility, genetic damage, auto-immune diseases, and other serious health problems. She hopes that we will all join in the fight for toxin free clothing.
In the meantime she gives us ten protective strategies we can use when clothes shopping including my stand by, buying second hand, and seven legislative changes we should push for.
Who should read this ground breaking book? Just anyone who wears clothes.
On a purrrsonal note I dreaded reading that final chapter, sure that it would be an admonition to only buy only certified environmentally safe clothes which I could never afford and I find boring AF. Fortunately Wicker gives a thumbs up to the gently used garments you find in thrift shops and yard sales. The previous owners probably laundered a lot of the chemicals out. We're almost into my favorite shopping time—yard sale season. From late spring through autumn Eugene and I hit the road just about every weekend on the road stopping at every yard and garage sale we see. And in May I'm working Clean Sweep, the giant yard sale made up of all the stuff students left in the dorms. If I can relearn how to include pictures in this blog I'll share my best finds.
A great big shout out to the people who will be offering reasonably priced treasures on their lawns and in their garages!!!
Jules Hathaway
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