Talulla Chow

Recently, I have undergone a significant shift in my approach to fashion, moving away from the allure of fast fashion and embracing a more conscious and sustainable mindset. Instead of succumbing to the short trend cycles, I have chosen to build a timeless wardrobe filled with essential, foundational pieces. I have come to realize that these classics, like a well-fitted pair of jeans, dress slacks, a leather jacket, and solid-color t-shirts, form the backbone of a versatile and enduring personal style. By focusing on these integral pieces, I am able to avoid the allure of fleeting trends and instead create a wardrobe that stands the test of time. Shifting my attention to footwear, I have adopted a successful strategy of limiting myself to only one pair per type of shoe. This means owning a single pair of sneakers, sandals, and boots.

While cultivating a wardrobe of basic pieces, I have discovered that simplicity does not equate to dullness. I remain passionate about fashion and expressing my personality through my clothing. However, instead of focusing on buying many clothing items, my attention has shifted toward reimagining and reinventing the pieces I already possess. I have learned to embrace the power of accessories in transforming and elevating my looks. By carefully selecting accessories that complement my existing wardrobe, such as a colorful baseball cap or sunglasses with uniquely-shaped frames, I can add personality and flair to my outfits without compromising on sustainability.

When considering new additions to my wardrobe, I now prioritize versatility. I ensure that each piece I acquire can be worn in multiple ways and paired with various items already in my collection. This approach not only enhances the longevity of the individual garment but also promotes a more sustainable and mindful consumption pattern.

Overall, I have come to view fashion as a creative process of mixing and matching, rather than a pursuit of accumulating a vast quantity of clothing. I have discovered that working with a smaller, curated wardrobe actually sparks greater creativity and rewards me with a deeper sense of satisfaction. Each day, I relish the opportunity to craft unique outfits from the limited but carefully selected pieces I own, showcasing my personal style in a mindful and sustainable manner.

Using the calculator, I determined that my household's carbon footprint amounts to 5.35 tons of CO2 per month. Among various factors, two key areas that stood out as major contributors were our eating habits and the number of flights we take.

I decided to dedicate an hour of my time to run the loop around UCLA, a route I had often heard about but never explored. To make the experience more enjoyable, I invited a friend to join me. This endeavor turned out to be immensely fulfilling, not only because I discovered a new running path, but also because it allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for the UCLA campus and the pleasant weather of Los Angeles in general.

I have discovered that implementing the principles of "refuse" and "reuse" has made a significant impact on reducing waste in my life. "Refuse" has been particularly easy to incorporate, as I frequently decline plastic straws offered at coffee shops and restaurants. During a recent family dinner at a restaurant, the waiter placed straws on our table without asking for our preference. Concerned about the potential waste, I promptly flagged down the waiter and politely informed them that we didn't require straws, as I didn't want them to be discarded if left unused.

I frequently visit Starbucks to study and in the past, I would use their plastic cups each time. However, I made a conscious decision to reduce my single-use plastic consumption by purchasing a reusable tumbler specifically for my visits to Starbucks and other coffee shops. Since Starbucks encourages the use of reusable cups, I found it to be a fantastic solution to minimize the amount of plastic waste I generate in my daily routine. Now, instead of relying on single-use cups every time I study there, I can simply bring my own tumbler and enjoy my drinks without contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste.