For anyone who knows me, it’s no secret that I’m extremely passionate about addressing overconsumption—especially during the holidays (not to kill the festive mood!). Fashion has always been a big part of my life; clothing was my go-to for self-expression. But over time, that love led to a habit of accumulating items I wore once, never, or convinced myself I’d save for the perfect occasion.

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In 2018, I started working at a consignment store, and that experience opened my eyes—not just to my own consumption habits, but also to those of my community. Every day, our small store would receive 25+ bags of clothing that people were ready to part with. At first, it felt like a fashion lover’s dream: I had first pick of incredible second-hand pieces before they even hit the racks. While second-hand shopping is undeniably better than buying new, I eventually realized I was still consuming.

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Over the years, I’ve become much more mindful about where and how I spend my money. In 2020, I made the decision to completely ban myself from Amazon—a tough call, especially during the lockdown months, but one I’m proud of. I firmly believe in “voting with my dollar” while also challenging myself to minimize what I need. Today, I have the smallest wardrobe I’ve ever owned, and every item serves a purpose.

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We live in a world of instant gratification, constantly bombarded with advertisements, recommendations, and temptations—whether online, in stores, or even as we scroll through social media in our downtime. It’s hard to ignore, but being conscious of it is the first step.

Recently, I completed a project mapping out the systems behind fast fashion. If you’re curious about overconsumption and its connection to the fashion industry, you can check it out here.