ON DUTY CITIZEN
PAULA ALMEIDA
1) What inspired you to get involved in the sustainability movement?
I was aware of the movement when I became vegan 5 years ago. It made me rethink what I eat, what I wear, what I use on my skin... it was eye opening for me. I was unaware about the impact the fashion industry has on our environment. So, slowly I changed my habits and principles. The funny thing is, I have been buying second hand for years, but I wasn't aware how good it is for our earth. Through the years I have changed a lot, and Amor Again it is a reflection of this change.
2) What specifically is your involvement in the sustainable/ethical world?
I try to live a more sustainable/ethical life as much as I can, slowly finding alternatives and replacements. For example, looking for ethical fashion brands, buying from local farmers, avoiding plastic such as straws and plastic bags, toothbrush... And also buying second hand! That's why I started Amor Again; where I can help and be involved in the movement, selling handpicked vintage and second hand fashion.
3) Why do you feel so passionate about promoting secondhand fashion?
Vintage and second hand fashion are full of character and the pieces can help you have a unique look, which is difficult nowadays with fast fashion and having everyone wearing the same clothing. In addition, with second hand or vintage piece, it's already been made!!! Another thing that makes me so passionate is that I am helping our mother Earth and not polluting our water and landfills.
4) What’s the process from the ground up on starting a secondhand/vintage company?
I do everything with love and care. I love selecting the pieces, handling with care... the entire process. And when someone falls in love with a piece, it is the biggest reward I can get. The second hand and vintage market still very limited, because fast fashion is still on top. However, I know that when someone buys an item from Amor Again, we share the same principles, and for me this is beautiful.
5) What’s the most sustainable thing we can do when getting rid of old clothes and knowing they won’t end up in landfills?
There are amazing organizations where they recycle, donate and resell fashion and it’s always important to check how they operate ethically. I also like to find smaller organizations where I can donate or sometimes, I donate directly to families and girls that are in need. This is my favourite way of getting rid of clothes and helping at the same time.
6) What do you think about the movement towards intersectional environmentalism?
I was introduced to this movement recently and I love it! Besides looking after our mother earth, it’s also important to protect our people and our communities. In the end we are one! I think it is fantastic to help both ways; we are part of the environment and we also need to treat each other with respect.
7) What are some of your resources you use to learn more about sustainability? Favorite websites, journalists, organizations or Instagram accounts?
I mostly read articles when I am interested to know about something specifically. Peta was a great resource for me when I was just becoming vegan. I also just started reading This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, from Naomi Klein. I am very excited!
8) What advice do you have for someone who would like to live more sustainably? Big or small picture (or both!)
I am a vegan, which in the beginning made me rethink what I eat, what I wear, and how I act. It was a beautiful process for me to get to know the source and alternatives of what was nourishing my body and adding these principles into my lifestyle. So for who want to live a more sustainable life, my biggest tip is ask yourself "Where is this coming from?", "Do I feel comfortable knowing where this came from? Or how was made?". After answering these questions you will make the best choices based on what you feel comfortable with, your beliefs and your principles.
9) With regards to inclusivity, what are some of the ways in which you think we can make sustainability more affordable?
Sustainability is quite popular nowadays; everyone wants to change their way of living and the choices they make. I believe that sustainability would become more affordable for everyone if big, corporate companies who influence the cost could change their ethics and the resources they provide.
10)Could you tell us about a challenge or obstacle you faced recently? How did you overcome it?
Quarantine was a bit hard for me and everyone around. We were all affected directly or indirectly in our lives whether it be our health, our mental health, or financially... While been a challenging time, it was also a time that enlightened us to see things differently and change our values and priorities. I used the time to take a look in my inner self and into my life, which was hard in the beginning but now I have fresh approach to the way I see things. Amor Again was born during quarantine.
