Tag

Tag, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Illustrate one of the various meanings of the word tag today in a photograph.
Just read the tag!
Buying clothing has become more complicated with moral decisions accompanying fashion decisions. There was a time when I shopped that I bought something if I liked it and I could afford it. Now many criteria affect my decision. Where was it made? Do I want to support outsourcing or goods made in my country? Was it made in a sweat shop? What is the fabric? Does it breathe? What are the washing requirements? Does it have to be dry cleaned? What about environmental questions - if it comes from far is this a good choice? Is it made from a renewable resource? ... So many questions with answers often conflicting. Complications...

Day 108: Window Shopping

Day 108: Window Shopping, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The bakery bills itself as artisinal. They make many specialty breads, some with ancient grains like spelt and kamut. Pans of desserts sit in the window to entice people in and away from the more impersonal supermarket reflected in the window. Speed shopping - that is what we often do - everything in one place. I love to patronize the smaller specialty stores, the bakeries, fruit stores, fish stores - but the realities of life often make me opt for expediency. Today was a slower shopping day.

Day 44: Good Intentions

Day 44: Good Intentions, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Reusable shopping bags are de rigeur now. Some stores are phasing out bags and others pay five cents for each bag of your own you use for your groceries. I'm all for saving on plastic (though I do sometimes take the plastic as I have cats with litter boxes to clean). It's just that for years I have avoided wearing clothing with labels and now I find myself carrying around advertising for a variety of stores. So hard to be politically correct from every angle.

It's interesting to see how the tipping point has been reached. I carry around a nylon shopping bag that folds into itself. I used to get eyed peculiarly when I said I didn't need a bag. Now, so often, people ask before I even whip it out, whether or not I need a bag. Little steps to save the planet - but let's hope our governments finally start taking the big steps needed. If individuals can change, so can the corporations that are the largest causes of the state of our planet. Wishful thinking.