Better lives blog 4
Peer review for
For the peer review I made the decision to read Matthew Higby’s first blog reflecting the themes of the lectures. A quote he used in his opening speaking on the idea that “every purchase we make, we are voting for or against humanity” peaked my interest. He was talking about the concept of voting with your money, that every time you buy an item you are choosing it and all the decisions that went into its production whether they’re sustainable and ethical or not.
Matthew proceeded to speak about his conflicting thoughts on his personal experiences. Reasoning that his parents occasionally purchased fast fashion garments due to their affordability but of course disagreed with the neglection of the workers who made the garments. He calls it an unjust socio-economic system where not everyone has can afford the choice to ‘vote’ with their purchases. This resonates with another quote that Matthew included; “strategies of sustainability can only succeed if they acknowledge social dynamics”. This raises the point that sustainable choices aren’t always cheap and calls for the wealthier members of society to set a precedent.
The blog begins its conclusion with Matthew introducing the effects of social media and online influence within his age group. He speaks upon wealthier influencers who flaunt designer purchases and how they may play a part in people purchasing the fast fashion versions. Following this ideology, Matthew suggests that promotion of ethical and sustainable fashion needs to be first acknowledged and indorsed by those who can afford to choose in order for that ‘vote’ to become more affordable and realistic in the future.
It’s clear that Matthew considered the themes of social responsibility and sustainability from the lectures. He’s explained how they play a part in today’s society and elaborated as to why these matters are commonly neglected, not necessarily out of lack of care but lack of choice. Matthew has then continued to propose ways to help initiate a change in society so that more people can have a choice to be more conscious of how their purchases effect the planet. This concludes what I believe to be a very detailed and considered reflection of the themes of Better lives.