There are people who adhere to expiration dates, and then there’s me - much to my kids’ horror.  How can they possibly forecast with such precision, I say?  Well, it turns out they can’t.  With the exception of baby food, there are no federal regulations on date labeling.  Generally, expiration dates are just the manufacturer’s best guess regarding how long their food will taste freshest.  “Expiration dates are not expiration dates,” states my go-to food resource, Kenji Alt-Lopez.  There you go, vindicated!

 

The USDA created this for quick look up – or just ask Mom. 

Shameless plug:  Mother’s Day is May 10.

 

Many of us are thinking about use and value these days.  As arbitrary as the expiration date on food, there seems to be a built-in one with fashion.  In an industry originally built on a desire for allure and workmanship, clothes have sadly become disposable. 

 

Newness for the sake of newness. 

 

The fashion industry (responsible for 10% of the world's carbon emissions) is now advocating for recycled materials and organic cotton.  Fantastic.  However, to truly address waste and sustainability we need to address our own consumerism.  I propose we act like owners, not consumers.  Let’s rediscover the everyday joy that comes from owning and wearing the clothes we love – the ones we mend and repair.  The ones that have the power to make us feel like our best selves.

 

Buy less.  Buy Better.  Use forever.