Once You Know, You Know
“If you know, you know” or “IYKYK” has been recirculating around social media like crazy as a fun way to relate to each other about amazing food, fun experiences, etc. Recently the thought “once you know, you know” or “OYKYK” has been on my mind. Meaning, once you learn about or see something, you can’t just forget it and move on. And sometimes it can be a little bit inconvenient to have that information.
The other night talking about fast fashion and toxic ingredients we jokingly exclaimed how annoying it is to know about these issues. Because knowing about them forces us to have to think critically about our decisions. We come to a crossroads of making a choice that could be harmful to us and to others, or a choice that will be beneficial to us and others, but the latter isn’t always the most convenient path. For example, it is much easier to buy the inexpensive and readily available clothing on Amazon than to search through thrift stores or save up to buy it ethically in order to avoid supporting the fast fashion industries. Additionally, it can feel more convenient to buy the hand soap full of fragrance and phthalates from the nearest grocery store than to make our own from clean ingredients and essential oils. But the impact that making these conscious decisions can have on us as well as the multitude of people behind the products is immense.
If you are curious about some of these issues and want to increase your awareness, I have a growing list of documentaries to get you started! This is how we have become keen on many topics like fast fashion, plastic pollution, and chemical ingredients, and it has changed our lives for the better. Sure, it isn’t always convenient to buy second hand, go to store drop-offs for proper plastic recycling, or read the ingredients list to avoid toxins. But it helps us to slow down and be mindful of more than what I want right here and right now.
D O C U M E N T A R I E S
“True Cost” exposes the truth behind fast fashion and cheap clothing. Begs us to ask the question #whomademyclothes and if we really need that inexpensive shirt. I could not get through this film without crying. It’s hard to watch but important to see and understand the vicious cycle that western consumerism puts third world countries in.
“Stink!” sheds light on the lack of accountability the chemical industry has and the scary consequences that it brings. I love the persistence and drive that the father in this doc had to find answers and protect his daughters. And am so grateful he made this film for us to learn from and become wellness warriors as well.
“A Plastic Ocean” demonstrates the detrimental effect that single-use-plastic has on our oceans, sea life, and in turn our own wellness. We are not only called to be gatekeepers of our homes but good stewards of the earth as well. This film was a crucial reminder of that as well as a call to action on every person and their consumption habits.
“Fed Up” follows the lives of children struggling with sugar consumption and the way society is making it harder and harder to eat well. By far the hardest thing for me to keep up with in terms of changing habits because I love to eat and not always the best things. But I think it is worth watching again over time to be reminded of the dangers of processed foods and how we can fuel our bodies in much better ways.
If you take the time to watch any of the documentaries, let me know your thoughts and impressions! I would love to continue the dialogue with you about how these films affected you and what ways we can make changes together to improve our lives and the lives of others.
