Nature + Self

AWARE + PRESENT for NATURE

The ugly truth is Fast Fashion generates 92M tonnes of waste a year.

It dries up water sources, and pollutes rivers and streams,

and contributes to 190,000 tonnes of oceanic pollution.

Synthetic textile dyes not only damages water bodies

but can also injure marine life by preventing the penetration of light

through water, which leads to a reduction in the rate of photosynthesis.

Synthetic dyes are also toxic and carcinogenic -

which means they can be cancerous.

All of these environmental harms are, unfortunately,

because we are conditioned to buy and buy and buy clothes,

that our clothes are disposable,

that it is not nice to repeat an outfit.

What can we do?
We have to cultivate a closet that we are in a relationship with.

We have to re-learn to buy less, buy good quality, repurpose,

and mend our clothes to make them last.

Aware and Present is inspired by this...

To be aware of the harm that fast fashion is creating,

and to be present to the action that needed to be done

to create a solution and a gentle revolution through art.

However, our journey cannot end here.

We are still so imperfect in many ways.

We are still a work in progress.

Is what we're doing enough?

Sitting uncomfortable in awareness

and being in the present in each moment is important

so we can face the ugly truths and ask the hard questions.

We can't solve all the problems of human abuse to nature

but we can take little steps towards the future we want for our children

and their children!

AWARE + PRESENT for the SELF

Whatever you tire your hands with is enough.
Whatever sets your soul on fire is true.
There is nothing wrong with you.
You are a breathing manifestation of creativity.
Your womb is a temple of creation.
There is no reason for you not to sing,
To write that poem,
To dance,
To crochet your skirt,
To color that wall,
To draw flowers on people’s skin.
Wherever you are is where you begin.
Even if it feels dry and uneasy within
If you are aware of who you are,
you can be present for what you can give.

Photos by: Monika Rivilla and Miguel Rivilla

Words by: Jillian Bacarisas

Edited by: Monika Rivilla

Muses: Trina Rivilla, Sofia Rivilla, Monika Rivilla