so, hello, 2015.
about a couple of weeks ago, lots of friends posted on facebook news that a new law in spain (something about the rent of older properties - even though i've been here for two years, i'm still a newbie on spanish politics and laws) would be responsible for the closing of lots of traditional bars and shops, as the owners can't afford the new high rent prices - that's what i understood.
one thing that always fascinates me in any town, specially in spain, is that small bar or shop that seems to be there since forever, untouched. so, obviously, these news made me very sad.
also, there was something about a "shopping gallery" downtown closing as well, which is a pity because some new/independent designers could sell their stuff there… and it's probably going to be sold for a fast-fashion brand.
in the beginning of last year, i promised myself i would do everything possible to avoid buying from big companies, as i realized they are swallowing most of the cities' downtown, making them lose their personality, being responsible for the closing of traditional commerce - and also, most of them use slave work. i know that alone i can't do them any harm, but it's my own little political protest, and i feel less guilty and happier when i buy local.
since i moved to madrid, i was a slave to h&m stockings, as they were always ripping. i didn't buy tights anywhere else because i thought they were going to be expensive, and i can tell i was quite surprised when i went to a small shop just down my street and found out that the pack with two stockings was cheaper than the h&m one - made in italy (some are made in spain too), with a softer material and lasted two months without ripping. i mean, TWO MONTHS. and every time i enter the shop, the lady on the counter knows what i want.
that's just an example of a small, but nice change. i haven't entered and h&m store for almost 10 months now, and am proud of it (and almost an year without starbucks/mcdonalds!)
when i made this decision, i realized that my buying habits changed. my mother always taught me "quality over quantity", and that's something i always followed in some aspects - for example, i can count the times i bought a shitty pair of shoes just because it looked ~pretty~ and was cheap - but i had a shitload of clothes that i didn't wear, but bought because it was cheap and seemed like a nice idea at the time. now i take my time to evaluate if it's worthy buying something, i check the quality, the fabric, where it was made, if i really need it etc. i do have my moments of weakness, but it's mostly with vintage clothing, so…
it's still difficult to find things that i like aesthetically and are not made in china/fast-fashion (i.e. brands that i REALLY can't afford. i see you, hedi slimane), but i do my best. anyway, i guess reducing the unnecessary consumerism and supporting local business is one of the new year's resolutions that i'll be able to follow.
