Buy it old, make it new!

When you think of climate change, pollution, and global warming what are the first things you think of?
I know that a year ago my response would have been gasoline from cars, oil spills and big tractors tearing down trees for paper. Then I assumed that since I wasn't driving or using too much paper that I was pretty awesome at steering clear of any big environmental impact. I would then go online for hours browsing my designated big brand sites and put a bunch of things in my cart and when they were on sale or cheap enough, all of them would be mine. What did I love about these cheap buys? Well for the obvious was that I could buy for quantity. It really didn't matter the quality. As long as I could wear it a couple times I was good.
So what is the big deal here? One person who buys some cheap stuff and wears them once and gets rid of them. It's just a handful of garments every couple months. It's accessible, it's legal, everyone does it and no one is saying it's a big deal. Well, welcome to the world where advertisements and big brands can fluff up ANY tragic situation that they are creating. They are their own elephant in the room. Also, you are one person that is making this decision along with the other millions of people in the world making that same one. That is the BIG problem. 
There is devastating environmental damage in EVERY stage of what you could be wearing right now. There is atmospheric pollution from constant transportation across the globe, and more carbon dioxide being emitted from the heavy machinery being used to produce these textiles/garments and now doubling because of the fast fashion boom. Throughout the entire supply chain, the industry places destructively heavy demand on every aspect of the environment by using copious amounts of energy, water, raw materials, and releasing harmful chemicals. After researching and realizing that I, the consumer, have all the power in this production, I decided I cannot live with this burden anymore. What's the remedy? Buy vintage or second hand. Not only is it cheaper, but it has far lower emissions.

You may be thinking: 
"Okay okay, what are the tedious steps to take to stop my habit of fast fashion? Man it seems really hard and inconvenient."
 First let go of that thought. Once you tie yourself to the idea of trying to break a habit, you end up feeding into your deviant thoughts about it and already want to fail. This day and age you can find a thrift store just about anywhere and there are amazing vintage shops on Etsy or ebay that will send you packages in all minimal, reusable, recyclable and no plastic packaging. I would advise you to do your research on this matter to spark your own motivation behind it, and I guarantee you will never look back.

These photos were by my wonderful friend and photographer, Kassia Phoy. She came to NYC to explore and she took some amazing pictures along the way. I had the honor of hanging out with her for a dinner and she made some time for a little roof top fun. Check out her website to be bedazzled by the way she sees the beautiful world:  http://www.kassiaphoy.com

My top is Free People top from a second hand store that was $8.00 and my white boyfriend denim jeans are from Reformation.