by Emujin Munkh-Orgil
In the halls of MIU, people show off their cool outfits, every day. Among all the different styles, there’s a message and a story hidden behind every person’s outfit. Message and story that a writer like me wants to share. Clothes are a great way to express what is inside of you. Having personal preferences will help you better express yourself and make sustainable purchases based on your taste. As a person who appreciates personal style, I want to spread awareness on how following micro trends and purchasing fast fashion clothing is causing harm to the environment, and also to our wallet.
What is Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion, with its whirlwind of trends and bargain-basement prices, has become the norm in today’s clothing industry. It’s like a never-ending carousel of new styles, tempting consumers with the promise of affordable fashion fixes. Yet, beneath the surface glitz, lies a troubling reality. Fast fashion thrives on a model of exploitation, from underpaid workers in distant factories to the environmental devastation caused by mass production and waste.
How is it affecting the environment?
Fast fashion leads to overconsumption of natural resources and pollution due to its rapid turnover of clothing styles and manufacturing processes. It fosters a throwaway culture, resulting in significant textile waste in landfills. Additionally, the entire fast fashion supply chain emits greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Synthetic fibers used in fast fashion garments release microplastics when washed, posing threats to ecosystems. Moreover, the pursuit of cheap production drives manufacturers to compromise labor and environmental standards, impacting workers’ safety and livelihoods. Addressing these issues requires a shift towards more sustainable fashion practices, including reducing consumption, promoting eco-friendly materials, and supporting fair labor practices.
Interview
In a world where fashion changes like the weather, there’s something special about people who stick to their favorite clothes through thick and thin. Tom Wolverton, a professor at MIU with a wide range of interests, from Sociology to Philosophy, is one such person. As we sat down to talk about his style, it became clear that Tom’s approach to clothes is about more than just what he wears—it’s about the stories his clothes tell.
1) What is your name? Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Tom Wolverton. I am a professor at MIU I Teach Sociology, Leadership.
Philosophy, Marriage and Home and Studies in Religion.
2) Can you introduce what you are wearing today?
A black button-down shirt and jeans. These are Eddie Bauer brand jeans and I wear jeans just about every day. Timberland boots, I wear the same boots every day, and the same style of boots every day for almost 25 years now.
3) What is the story behind this piece of clothing, like your jeans? When and where did you get it? And are there any memories or experiences associated with wearing or owning this item that you would like to share?
Now these jeans are unique. I don’t wear these very often. We wear them maybe 5 to 10 days a year. This particular pair. They are what’s called lined jeans. They have flannel sewn inside the jeans, almost like a pair of pajama pants sewn in, and I only wear them when it’s really cold.
And so I got these jeans probably seven or eight years ago, but because I don’t wear them much, they last a long time. They’re really warm and the thing is, I buy them, they’re Eddie Bauer brand, which is an outdoor clothing brand. These jeans typically sell for about $80.00 a pair, but I buy them in July in Texas, one of the hottest places in the US and they’re at least half price when I buy them. In this case, they were like 75% off because it was summer. *laughs* I’ve got one pair like this and another pair is a different color of these jeans. The jeans I wear most of the time since I wear them most of the time they only last about two years. They do get an imprint from my phone my wallet and things I carry in my pockets. I wish they didn’t, but I’d have to carry a purse to avoid that, which I usually don’t do.
The imprints on his jeans struck something inside of me. It inspired me to write this piece and share it with you. I wanted you to have your interpretation of this admirable story. As I admire the well-loved imprints on his jeans, it shares a simple truth, those marks remind me of where he has been and what he has done.
4) But I like those imprints on your jeans. Yeah, I think they hold a special memory of the jeans. And what about your boots?
My boots are Timberland boots. They’re not specifically winter boots, it’s leather. They are water resistant, not necessarily waterproof, and I wear them in the summer and the winter. I just wear thicker socks in the winter. And I started wearing these styles of boots in 1999.
5) 1999?
And it’s what I wear most of the time since they make a pair, last two to three years and then I get a new pair, same ones. *laughs* I can buy them online because I know they fit.
In the end, it’s not about what we wear, but how we wear it—and the values we stand for. In that regard, Our professor is a true role model, leading by example with his timeless style and commitment to sustainability. What MIUers wear isn’t just about fashion trends or making a statement—it’s a reflection of personal values and choices. Through the lens of fast fashion and its harmful effects on both the environment and society, we see the importance of mindful consumption and sustainable practices. The stories behind well-loved clothes, like those shared by Professor Tom Wolverton, highlight the significance of cherishing what we have and making conscious decisions about what we bring into our lives. True style goes beyond trends, and the most impactful statement we can make is one of sustainability and authenticity.