Religion

Andrea O'Grady

Head of Department - Religion

#greendress100

I am constantly challenged by the opinions of my children and students. Recently I discovered that many students believe that “being catholic” can be summed up by attending church and praying; they do not perceive action in areas of social justice or the environment to be connected to faith. This concerns me. So here is what I am going to do. For 100 days I will wear the same dress to every occasion, school, holidays, weekend outings, walks around the block, every day. And yes… it will be washed! My aim is to highlight the impact our daily decisions have on the planet and others, even from something as simple as buying a dress, and the connection to living out my faith.

Here are some of the considerations I have thought of:

• dress was purchased second hand – reducing land fill
• highlight cost per wear – fast fashion, consumerism
• purchased from an Australian company, made in Australia with fair labour
• the company claims environmentally friendly practices
• made in Australia, means fewer kilometres of travel
• made from natural fibre 95% merino jersey and 5% spandex
• merino is odour resistant
• wash less often – fewer microfibres in waste water
• washing less often reduces electricity, water, powder, time
• wool is a natural insulator, cool in the heat of the day and warm in the cool of the evenings
• challenge myself – spotlight – people don’t notice what you wear very much
• reduction in decision making each morning
• fewer items of clothing – reduced consumerism
• challenge my social norms and gender ideology

Challenges requiring self-discipline are made easier if there is an element of accountability to them. I hope to take a photo every day and post on the blog and raise money for climate change through sponsorship from students, colleagues and friends. Read about my journey on my blog – greendress100.wordpress.com and/or donate directly at Bush Heritage.

100 days is a long time: 15th June – 23rd September

Wish me luck!