Earlier this semester, we studied Terry Tempest Williams’ writing “Home Work,” in which Williams identified that the pathway toward conservation must include conversation. I explored this idea in more depth in my previous blog post, “Conservation Starts With Conversation,” but ultimately, I came to the conclusion that the best way to open minds instead of close them is through conversation. And this is how ecofeminists can effectively spread their message and unite with other marginalized voices to create real change.
In that same post, I mentioned how a huge role model of mine is Jessica Sowards of Roots and Refuge Farm. As part of her grander activist role in advocating for a new wave of homesteading, gardening, and self-sufficiency, Jess chronicles her own homestead on YouTube. She also writes blog posts and entire books that make homesteading accessible to anyone and everyone. She is currently working on opening a homesteading store and community center with the same goal in mind.
I remember watching one of her videos in which she is talking about her online merch store. She recounts how her followers who purchased the merch were writing to her to tell her that they were great conversation starters.
Eye-catching T-shirts that read “Real Food Comes Dirty” were enough to create space for strangers to connect over Jess’ important message. The shirt was enough of a conversation starter to really spark positive change for the earth and to begin uniting like-minded individuals and create community. 
I want to apply this same idea to ecofeminist principles.
I plan to create different merch designs that illustrate some of the ecofeminist theories/principles that we’ve studied this semester and that I’ve covered in depth on the blog.
Something as simple as an eye-catching T-shirt could be just enough to facilitate conversation, community, and active change.
The more ecofeminist theories that I can boil down to snappy one-liners, the more critical conversations can be sparked.
In the grand scheme of things, I could have these designs printed through a third-party company like Printify and linked to an Etsy account or Amazon seller account. Like-minded individuals could literally wear these conversations across their chests. Just imagine, all it would take is one marketing video to go viral, and the message would go viral as well.
I hope that through creating these designs, and in theory the merchandise itself, would act as a way to initiate conversations about ecofeminism, and through opening minds or joining like-minds, real change can be enacted to dismantle the hierarchical system of oppression and free all those deemed inferior—women, nonhuman animals, the earth, and anyone considered “other” under patriarchy.
Hi Jasmine,
I enjoyed reading about the activist action you plan on implementing! As someone who has purchased clothing and other accessories with slogans on them, I think this will be a great way to stimulate conversation and awareness around an important topic. Just reflecting on my own experiences, I often hear someone walking by another complimenting on their shirt. If a simple graphic tee can generate conversation, imagine how wonderful it will be to bring ecofeminist philosophy into a discussion. I too want to point out that it combines several mediums, both words and art, that will allow this to be successful in reaching various groups of people. As I look at the Roots and Refuge Farm merch that you included in your blog, I am drawn to the images as they depict diversity in connection to the words of truth written in their presence. As you work on your own lines for each of the sections, we have covered in ecofeminist philosophy, I believe that a catchy phrase is important to draw attention, but also incorporation of knowledge and inclusion is needed to relate to what ecofeminism calls for. As you mention, conversation is where change begins; social and environmental movements have started with conversation about concerns and cries for change creating coalitions of individuals who act towards eradicating the oppressions of marginalized populations. Your plan begins that conversation in which creates a community of shared passion that wishes to have their voices heard, even when it begins on a T-shirt. In suggesting ways that you could take this plan further, perhaps you can start a social media page that showcases your designs. Platforms such as Instagram can be a great way to connect followers while generating a conversation about ecofeminism to an audience that may not know about this theoretical perspective, especially the younger population who has a strong social media presence and will be important in implementing change for future generations. You could even include captions to go along with your designs that explain the in-depth messages with an “activism tip” in which you suggest an action that individuals can take on a micro-level in their own lives in connection to the principle you are posting about that day. It will not only bring awareness to the importance of an ecofeminist perspective, but it will be engaging and encourage individuals that they can contribute to change all while attracting through art and words. As this plan takes place in a time frame for the purpose of this class, beyond the course when thinking about showcasing the designs, I would suggest looking into companies that can print your designs on ecologically sustainable clothing to be sure that degradation to the environment is not occurring. As you work on this activism, I hope to hear updates on the creating process and how it is that you made sure to apply ecofeminist philosophy in an intersectional and interconnected approach. I think it would be great to include your own connection with each design and what an activist action can look like in connection with the message. I am excited to see all your final designs, I think this is a great idea and will be keeping an eye out for your update blog!
Best of luck,
Kylie Coutinho
Jasmine – what a very creative way to put your praxis into action! As you point out, ecofeminism encompasses such a variety of topics. Your artwork has the potential to be the catalyst for some conversations around topics that might otherwise be hard to initiate. One suggestion is in addition to t-shirts, items like reusable tote bags/market bags might also help spread the images and messages. This applies not only to issues related to feminism, but works to advocate for the ecological aspect of ecofeminism. You mention that people “could literally wear these conversations across their chests.” Perhaps you could think about having different placement options. The idea of messages drawing attention to the chests of women, seems to resemble some of the ideas we learned about regarding the degradation and sexualization of women. I personally cringe when I have to wear a name tag at an event as the common placement for it is at the top of my chest; why must I draw your eyes to my chest for you to know my name? There might be placement options like the back of the shirt, or along the sleeves, or maybe a mixture of placements. I like Kylie’s idea about expanding to a social media page so that you can share more of the contextual meanings behind your designs and how they help facilitate the conversations around ecofeminist issues. You also have a built-in think tank for slogans and feedback with our fellow classmates! Looking forward to seeing your creativity and activism shine!
Hey Jas,
I think this is a fantastic idea! You could also use it to make hoodies, tote bags, or stickers. I feel like so many people in our generation and the younger generation have a weird love for stickers and it would be a really simple thing. I’ve seen so many people use these things to market big ideas or conversation topics. And you’re completely right, it is all about the conversation. That’s what this class has been all semester. There are so many different types of ecofeminist issues and that really provides you the space to be creative and start so many different conversations. Once you create these things, I’d suggest taking it to social media to promote it! In one of the articles we had to read this week, they discussed the importance of socials (specifically Twitter) as a way to begin a conversation. I think once you combine these two things, you’ll be able to fully achieve this goal easily. I look forward to seeing what designs you come up with.
Hi Jasmine!
WOW! What a great idea you have of creating merchandise that invites people into conversations about the earth, and how to think differently about food! I don’t know if I would have ever thought about that idea myself! Good one!
After reading your post, I do have some follow up questions that have come to mind!
What kind of merchandise are you planning on selling? Mugs? Tee-shirts? Hats? Sweatshirts? Throw Pillows for your couch for guests to look at?
Are you going to show the designs at the end of the class in your results blog?
Are you going to make a list of people who might want to purchases from you to support you and your merch….like me?
Are you going to publish a website for the march in addition to selling from third party accounts? Your own store might be more fulfilling.
Just some things that came to my mind!
You could also make a video and present on your merch, and designs that way! So many possibilities!
The designs that you posted from Jessica Sowards are beautiful, and important for social change! I wish that more people would sell them at local farmers markets! Maybe if there is a local one near you, you could sell them in the local community!
I am looking forward to seeing what you have in store for your results blog at the end of the class, and hopefully see your designs!
Hi Jasmine – this is such a great idea! Not only is it something you can do to better the environment and the world around you, anyone that buys one of your shirts (if you choose to do shirts) will be influencing others around them. These designs will be seen by those who may not have given these ideas a thought, and it could conceivably influence a whole new group of people.
As far as suggestions go, I was going to suggest starting an Etsy shop before reading you were thinking about this! It’s the perfect place to sell the type of products you are thinking of. I wonder if you could also start a social media page to promote your designs? Or even use your own if you have the right people following you. Something as simple as a sponsored post on Facebook or Instagram could really help grow your audience. Lastly, maybe you could use some or all of the proceeds you generate to donate to a worthy cause, like Jess’ homesteading store, or something that supports a cleaner environment for women and children.
Great idea! I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with…Good luck!