From the perspective of someone choosing better, one purchase at a time
Lately, the world feels heavier than usual.
There’s inflation. Trade tensions. Tariffs. Prices creeping up on almost everything. And in the middle of it all — somewhere between endless sales and fast fashion reels — I find myself asking a quiet question:
Is sustainability still possible in times like these?
I’ve always wanted to make more conscious choices. To buy less, buy better. To care about where my clothes come from and who makes them. But as someone living in India, balancing budgets and values isn’t always easy. Especially now, when choosing ethically often comes with a higher price tag.
Honestly? It’s overwhelming.
What We Don’t Always See Behind a Price Tag
Tariffs and trade regulations might sound like political buzz, but their impact trickles into the everyday.
When import taxes go up — on fabric, on trims, on eco-friendly packaging — brands feel it. And eventually, so do we. Sometimes the price of that organic cotton shirt climbs a little higher. Or a small label disappears quietly, unable to keep up.
It’s a side of sustainability we don’t talk about enough: the pressure it puts on small brands, on consumers, on choices that used to feel hopeful and now just feel... harder.
But maybe that’s where something shifts.
Choosing Better, Even When It’s Not Perfect
I’ve started looking beyond the marketing. I’m drawn to brands that aren’t selling me guilt or perfection — just honesty. A clear sense of where things are made, how they’re made, and why it matters.
I’m learning to value transparency over trends. To celebrate small collections instead of mass drops. To appreciate clothes that are made with intention — whether they’re new, thrifted, or handed down with love.
Because sustainability isn’t about getting it all right. It’s about slowing down. Paying attention. And knowing that what we wear can hold meaning, not just style.
Why It Still Matters
In a world spinning fast, making a conscious choice — however small — is powerful. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present. About asking better questions, even when the answers feel complicated.
So yes, it’s tempting to fall back into convenience. To click and buy without thought. But when I choose to pause — even just for a moment — I remember why I started this journey in the first place.
Not to be perfect.
But to be intentional.
To do better when I can.
To choose what aligns with my values, not just my budget.
And yet, I often wonder — is conscious consumption truly sustainable for everyone, everywhere, in times like these?
I don’t have all the answers. Maybe none of us do.
But I’d love to know what you think.
How do you navigate these choices when the world feels uncertain? Where do you draw the line between what feels right and what feels possible?
