When I was in Finland I came across the phrase “design against throwawayism” in an Ittala store. I immediately identified with the aim of the movement and to be honest I didn’t even realise how prevalent throwawayism was in my own life until I started hand making things myself. And once I became aware of what I’d been doing I started making an effort to change my ways.
Photo by norrlands guldtjej
Have you noticed that we’ve reached a point where we will pay €5 for a top in Penney’s with the attitude that “sure if I only get one wear out if it it’ll be worth it”? And what about those who pay €105, for that top to remain in the wardrobe with it’s tags on, never worn, months even years after it was bought. I was more likely to do the former than the latter but It’s something I’m trying to curb by buying only what I need or really want and going for quality over quantity.
What about people that live for “the sales”, buying loads of stuff that they never wanted in the first place, because it was “good value”. I’m of the opinion that if something you didn’t want or need is reduced from €200 to €50 that’s not a saving of €150, it’s a waste of €50. I know this from experience, I bought a silk top last year, reduced from €80 to €20, it was a beautiful top, but it was designed for a tall skinny person (which I am not) I convinced myself that it would be ok if I added a belt…..last week I cut that top up into fabric squares for a craft project. I wont make that mistake again.
I wouldn’t mind but (to use a great Irish saying) “it was far from Throwawayism we were rared”. I’ve heard a lot of stories about my maternal grandmother and how she could make delicious dinners out of nearly nothing, and how she could “turn the collar of a shirt” so that my grandfather would get more wear out it. She darned socks and was never seen using a knitting pattern, she would spot a nice jumper on someone at mass and come home and replicate it. Clothes were passed down the family and nothing got thrown away unless it was completely and utterly useless.
I think buying handmade (or hand making yourself) can help to eliminate throwawayism from your life. I know we’re not supposed to mention the C word but every year I end up buying typical stocking filler gifts that are way overpriced and probably end up being forgotten about. I recently found this website, and I plan to put this into action, not just at Cword but also for birthdays. There are loads of places to buy handmade online, see down the side panel of Buy Handmade. But remember it doesn’t stop at accessories and jewellery, I became a recent convert to Flourish cosmetics after trying their moisturiser which is handmade in Killarney by a husband and wife team. The last time I visited their stall at the Riverside Market I got the white chocolate lipbalm. At €4.50 it was a little jar of chocolaty goodness and I plan to include one in all my gifts for the foreseeable future.
No, I’m not talking about the pledge that you might have taken with your confirmation, I’m talking about the pledge to Buy Handmade this Christmas (or holiday season as the website calls it). I know I wont be able to make all my Christmas Presents myself, but I’m planning on making a good stab at it. And what I don’t make I’ll probably get here (Susan doesn’t hand make the food but she does put the gorgeous hampers together by hand so I’m letting this one slide), here or here. This also fits into my plans to combat Throwawayism single handedly 