Our lives have changed. After researching for three weeks, we are more conscious than ever about how to change our lives, society and the rest of the world to be successful and sustainable. This is the most important thing that I learned because I know that with just a simple look into the aspects of sustainability, my eyes have opened to a whole new side of one of the biggest industries in the world. I have loved the blog discussion this week because a lot of what we have talked about is what we have noticed in our own lives. Dr. Armstrong, Nicole and I have talked about how we’re constantly wondering if the company is sustainable and we now lean towards sustainable products. Natalie pointed out that its hard to shop at places like Forever 21 now because of the lack of sustainability. Forever 21 overwhelmed me before I was conscious of sustainability. Thinking of the clothes strewn all over that store, the MASS amount of clothing in every store makes me cringe! It’s disgusting, none of its durable and I’ve realized that I would rather pay $60 for a top at J. Crew, who has sustainability practices in place, that will last me years instead of a few tops at Forever 21 that will last me maybe a few months.
This learning is useful and relevant because it means, we have the ability to catch people’s attention and make a change for the better. There are so many solutions out there right now that I’m excited to see put into place. I know that within the next few years, what I notice now, other people will be more conscious of. Carly’s blog made me question whether or not I really NEED to buy items. Nicole and I talked about this as well. I am amazed at how this is leaked into other parts of my life. Stillwater is starting a recycling program and although it hasn’t started yet, it almost hurts to throw away a plastic milk jug in the trash! I’m more conscious of using natural light and turning off lights in my house if we’re not in the room. I love white noise and am famous for bringing my box fan with me to sleepovers because I can’t sleep without it. Normally, I leave it on during the day but now I ask myself what’s the point? I’m not there and all its doing is wasting energy.
This information that we have learned this week as well as over the past three weeks has also taught me how to be a smart consumer. I know now that when a label says natural, it may be a marketing ploy instead of truly all natural. I’ve learned to look for labeling on products. My eyes catch onto brands that I’ve seen over and over again throughout research. I will begin buying these products simply because I know their eco-friendly. Every day I find myself telling my friends an interesting fact about some sustainable effort or product. It’s beginning to catch their attention and they’re actually interested in what I’m telling them.
As always, I’m interested in how to get awareness out. Maybe it’s a little part of me being interested in advertising but once the product is on the shelves we don’t have control. I want to know how to make it easy for the customer. I want to not only learn more about what companies can do to solve their sustainability issues but I want to see it in action. I want to see their landscaped rooftops designed to reduce energy consumption. I want to see studies done on the use of labels on clothing. I want to see what the average consumer wants. I love the design industry and I’m interested in anything that goes on in our everyday design world. Sustainability is a huge and growing trend. I’m thankful for that experience that blogging has provided so I know what to do when I get into the workforce. I believe this opportunity has also enabled us to be prepared in interviews. They always say you have to have something that sets you apart from the rest. With the amount of research that this class requires, I believe we are prepared to make the change.
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