SERVE WHILE IT’S STILL HOT: OVERPRODUCTION

We can get things done with fingertips or buy something without leaving our seats. Amazing how technology gave us convenience and connectedness. We admittedly caught up with "instant" things that are readily available whenever we want. However, there’s a different story on the other side of the screens - overproduction.

Overproduction is a global concern especially in the fashion industry. Fast fashion has become more than a monthly cycle of trends it became “weekly” thing. There is a constant need to cope up with something new and exciting especially to consumers. They need to get their hands on this "new" thing no matter what the cause is. Brands and companies, whether big or small tend to scurry to cover the demand why not? Because “serve it while it's hot”.

Let’s step back and see what happens to the manufacturers and brands before they launch their hot items. Everything starts with a hype.

Marketers contact influencers, celebrities, promotions or features anything that can get everyone’s attention. These buzz are necessary in any business, the more people talk the more likely they will be curious. After a successful hype, there are consumers waiting for the launch, the brand gets a good number of people who are willing to spend their money on them. On the manufacturer's side, they are as happy as the individual brands, which means more customers, more work and of course more money. However, all things that goes up, goes down let’s not blame gravity it's just how "trend" is.

When the hype subsides what happens to the unsold items or products? Maybe it's no longer our concern as consumer's right? Let's go through the ugly details as well. It needs our attention, to think and act about. This is how the ban of real furs or ethical and welfare of third world countries manufacturers started. Information and dissemination are the best way to make a change. It might be a wishful thinking to create a dome where clean water, greener grass and pollution free air, but our collective small mindful gestures can make a huge impact. It might be wishful thinking for some but our small collective actions can create a bigger impact in the future. The challenging part of fast fashion is how to sell the unsold items, because even dumped in the discount rack for 70 % discount not much people would want it. Consumers want their hands on something “new and trendy”.

Most of the unsold products or didn’t pass quality control are tossed to a landfill with clothes, bags, cosmetics, etc. most of these discarded items are neither damaged nor broken it's just OVERPRODUCTION.

The effect is immeasurable to our environment. Think about it after all those consumed time, workforce, energy, pollution, materials, production and promotions yet ends in a landfill? And not to mention most of the items are non biodegradable.

There were known companies who went under fire for burning unsold products because there aren’t any places to store and renting a storage place would mean another unnecessary cost for the business.

Minimalism is not just a perfect“insta” interiors or plain clothing and accessories, it is about being mindful. Removing oneself to the regular noise and making conscious decisions. This is the same reason we do not over produce any of our products, we only make limited quantities and base on customer's need. By doing this we consume only the necessary materials and avoid the “landfill” effect. It has been in our business model from the start. Our goal is sustainability, selective and produce products. It helped us to manage our work, finances and effectively schedule our makers. It allows us to focus our time where it is much-needed, which is consumer's feedback ( positive or improvement ) instead of stressing over what is new or hyped according to a fast fashion forecast.

As a consumer I urge you be conscious and ask yourself if these trendy or discounted things that changes every week is worth the trouble of our environment or even to you.