Has anyone else noticed how scarce inventory is in our favorite stores (if they still exist!) Much is due to the COVID-19 virus which has closed stores, kept people home, and made shopping online more of a necessity than an option. The pandemic has also disrupted the supply chain with factories shut down and workers unemployed
I have noticed it, and I am by no means, a “shopper”. I have a daughter who sat in a parking lot and cried when she found out her favorite store was closing. She too is not a “shopper.” She buys classic well-made brands and wears her clothes till they wear out. I do love browsing antique stores and going to estate sales when I am searching for a special vintage decorating piece or for the extremely rare all-cotton jeans, be it a jean jacket, jean skirt, or just jeans. When found, I will snag the item for myself or list it in my Etsy Store. I’m rarely shopping just to shop. I often tell people that with so many blessings (22 grandchildren), I have a full-time job shopping for birthday gifts. I love finding that special outfit or in the case of older ones, a great “hoodie” or fleece. Now I am questioning whether I should be doing even that much shopping.
This past week I was made aware of the problem of too much shopping and also of the “fast clothing” problem, a glut of clothing that is worn little, often because it is not well made, then given away to non-profit thrift stores. They keep what they can sell, but give away the rest. Items are bundled up and purchased by traders who pick out the best for tie-dying or other transformation processes, and then they dump the rest where it is left to litter the formerly pristine and beautiful beaches of third world countries. When I was made aware of this, my heart ached for the peoples and their countries.
However, being the “Pollyanna” I am accused of being, I tried to think of solutions. Rag Rugs? I love them and have bought some nice ones at estate sales or even newly made from rags. I still have one made from old cotton jeans. It was made by a vendor who used the blue jean rags and wove them together using her loom. She sold them at what used to be The North End Commons Farmers’ Market, now The North End City Market. So I’m wondering if that industry exists in these countries and also if authentic rag rugs are at all in demand. Synthetics fabrics are the biggest problem. They never rot or decay but live on forever, unless melted in a fire, another hazard.
New blue rag rug purchased at farmers’ market 
Old pink rag rug found at antique store
Some synthetic items however, have withstood the test of time – those plaid or single-color school uniforms! They certainly wear well – a double edged sword – they were passed on from child to child, family to family, featured in school uniform exchanges, and I imagine that when finally given away, they will arrive in “like new” ie., stiff condition all the way to the other side of the world. Many developing schools in Africa require uniforms. What a gift it would be if we could provide free uniforms for those who struggle to go to school but cannot afford the necessary school uniform. If you are so moved, be sure to watch this movie. Truly Inspirational!!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
https://www.netflix.com/TITLE/80200047https://www.netflix.com/TITLE/80200047
