Exploring Threads of Consumerism: The Price They Pay
Saskia Wulandiarti
This project is a reflective book that takes readers through an inner monologue about the interconnectivity of consumerism. This book draws from experiences witnessed from the living conditions of communities located near one of the most polluted rivers in the world, which is heavily impacted by textile production. It focuses on examining Indonesia's current western-driven export fashion industry, seeking to understand the implications of these factors on an individual's consumer purchasing power and society as a whole.
The narrative comprises five comprehensive components: collected, consumed, colonized, connected, and conflicted. While it does not provide definitive solutions to deeply rooted problems of colonialism, capitalism, and ethics, it invites readers to reflect on the underlying question, "Have you ever considered the environmental impact and living conditions associated with the production of the clothing you purchase when you look at a price tag?" While many are vaguely aware of the negative environmental and social impacts of fashion, there is an abundance of critical information that would better inform their understanding.
Through insightful and introspective prose, the book inspires readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between consumerism, environmental degradation, and social inequality. It raises awareness of the broader impact of the fashion industry and the pervasive multigenerational influence of colonialism. By exploring the connections between these challenges, the book underlines how they are interconnected by a thread—providing a personal perspective on the impact of our consumerism.