New Year’s Resolutions Sustainable Steps Forward With The Guestlist
New Year’s Resolutions: Sustainable Steps Forward with the guestlist
In the midsts of the mistletoe, the fresh falling snow, the boughs of holly that deck the halls, and the twinkle of little lights that abound in the festive season, as the clock begins to tick down to a new year, resolutions are made.
The tradition of setting intentions for the year ahead is an ancient practice, one believed to have started over 4000 years ago by the Babylonians. In a 12-day festival known as Akitu, they crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. This included promises to the gods to settle any debts and to return borrowed objects. Held in mid-March, these celebrations coincided with the planting of crops - when seeds would be sown into the earth and new resolutions would be set. The Babylonians believed that if they kept to their word, the gods would look upon them favorably and grant them successes in the coming year.
Similarly, ancient Romans established January 1st as the official beginning of the new year, circa 46 B.C. The month “January” was named after the two-faced god, Janus, who Romans believed could look simultaneously ahead into the new year and backward into the previous year. People living in this era would offer sacrifices to their deities while making promises of improved conduct for the year ahead.
Since then, the idea of new year's resolutions has undergone some changes.
Instead of being thought of as having religious or spiritual connotations, New Year’s resolutions are now more universal and secular.
Instead of being thought of as having religious or spiritual connotations, New Year’s resolutions are now more universal and secular.
Photo via THE GUESTLIST
Instead of being thought of as having religious or spiritual connotations, New Year’s resolutions are now more universal and secular.
Instead of being thought of as having religious or spiritual connotations, New Year’s resolutions are now more universal and secular. Making promises to gods, idols or deities, promises are now made to oneself - focusing more on self-improvement.
The time to make resolutions coincides with, what has in the past been, a season of indulgence, opulence, and extravagance - which is perhaps why resolutions are often very attractive after the festive season.
a mere 8% of Americans who make a New Year's resolution actually keep them.
While excellent in intention, when examining the research, a mere 8% of Americans who make a New Year's resolution actually keep them all year and 80% have failed by the start of February. With statistics like this, it is easy to brush aside the validity of good intentions. Indeed, one good action outweighs infinite intentions - so the question then becomes, how do we create action? How do we proactively put into practice our intentions?
Grappling with these concepts has formed part of THE GUESTLIST’s approach in 2020, which will be carried forward and expanded upon into 2021. We believe that we are all Guests to this Earth, and need to be taking proactive steps towards a better world.
We believe that we are all Guests to this Earth, and need to be taking proactive steps towards a better world.
We recognize that while each of us is here for a limited amount of time, our impacts are not. While efforts are being made by consumers to adjust their spending habits, companies need to meet these efforts and become drivers of change too. As such, THE GUESTLIST believes that business and sustainability go hand-in-hand. “It is a given” that these are inseparable factors essential for growth, leading to long-term success.
Our success is determined by our sustainable growth within the fashion industry. We supply our customers with quality eco-fashion pieces, ensuring that each garment can be kept and restored to last a lifetime. In light of this, our New Year’s Resolutions for 2021 do not sway exorbitantly from our core values and actions that are already underway.
Photo via THE GUESTLIST
Our success is determined by our sustainable growth within the fashion industry. We supply our customers with quality eco-fashion pieces, ensuring that each garment can be kept and restored to last a lifetime. In light of this, our New Year’s Resolutions for 2021 do not sway exorbitantly from our core values and actions that are already underway.
1. Circularity
We aim to path the way towards a more circular future; while understanding that true sustainability is an ever-developing journey and can never be considered a final destination. With the Cashmere Spa initiative, an easy and effortless way to put circularity into action was formed. We will continue to advocate for circularity and put it into practice for our customers and partners.
2. Collaboration
The future is collaboration, not competition.
As we have seen through navigating the challenges of the last year, those that were able to mutually support one another have strengthened and grown. New ideas have formed, and partnerships have strengthened. Cross-pollination between cultures, traditions, viewpoints, and approaches will continue to benefit all parties, while creative solutions and pioneering concepts will be put into practice at THE GUESTLIST. We believe that collaboration is the future, and sustained, real improvement only becomes attainable when working outside of competition.
3. Communication
Incorporating the timeless values of transparency and honesty, communication is key to progress within the fashion industry. By approaching our channels of communication with integrity - both in high quality and in ethos - we are well aware that there are multiple possible ways that our approach can be improved from where it currently is. Aiming to continue building upon the progress made, and seek to improve things moving forward, communication remains one of THE GUESTLIST’s top priorities.
As we release the old and outdated and usher in a New Year with a fresh start and the thrill of new beginnings, it is good to note that the road ahead is still a long one to tread. Together, we still have a way to go, and we encourage everyone to stay safe, to practice social distancing in the resolve to continue to make positive differences in the world. Join us as we path the way towards a more circular future together; while understanding that true sustainability is an ever-developing journey and can never be considered a final destination.
A successful, prosperous and happy 2021 to all!
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