Choosing Kindness Over Consumption.
Bel Jacobs: A Visionary for a Kind World
In the bustling world of fashion, media, and consumerism, few figures stand out as prominently as Bel Jacobs, the former Style Editor for Metro. Today, she is not just a writer, speaker, or activist; she is a harbinger of change and a testament to the transformative power of awareness and empathy.
Bel's work in the arenas of sustainable fashion, climate justice, and animal rights isn't just about these individual subjects. It's about unveiling the deep-rooted ties that bind these issues. From the outset, these might seem like disparate areas, but at their core, they all reveal the same dark truth: the exploitation of the vulnerable by powerful entities.
Every issue she delves into, be it the climate emergency, the ethics of fashion, or the rights of animals, uncovers a story of power abuse. Powerful companies profiteering from the vulnerable. Fossil fuel industries misleading masses about the idea of prosperity. Fashion brands benefiting from the toil and risk of underpaid garment workers. Animal agriculture industries treating living beings as mere commodities. The narrative is consistent.
But, it was not always this clear for Bel.
As a fashion editor for 13 years, Bel was privy to the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. However, amidst the charm, there was an unsettling disquiet. A growth that was unbridled and unsustainable. This discomfort was catapulted into acute awareness with the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013, which claimed the lives of over 1,000 innocent workers. The horrifying incident was a wake-up call.
Bel's journey from that moment has been remarkable. She champions alternative systems in fashion, advocating for its degrowth and emphasizing the importance of re-evaluating its ethos. Her perspective on the flashy catwalk shows speaks volumes of her transformation – once a celebration of art and creativity, she now sees them as a reflection of a value system gone awry.
Her entry into animal rights and her emphasis on it is profound. The immense suffering experienced by countless animals is a pressing issue, one that Bel urges we address with urgency. Add to that her endeavors with the Climate Centre, she brings the imminent threat of climate change right to the forefront, urging communities to be more aware and proactive.
But what does this mean for the rest of us? What can we learn from Bel's insights and journey?
Radical Act of Kindness over Consumption
Bel paints a picture of the future that isn't dystopian or bleak. Instead, it is a hopeful vision – one where humans become the stewards they were meant to be. A world where we care for nature, animals, and each other with genuine kindness.
The steps to this kinder world are clear:
Awareness - Understand the true nature of the problems we face.
Community - Engage with like-minded individuals, learning and growing together.
Action - Adopt sustainable lifestyles, like veganism, which directly counter the exploitation of the environment and animals.
Bel's message is a powerful reminder that courage isn't just about facing adversity. It's about the willingness to stand out, to challenge norms, and to advocate for a world that is kinder, fairer, and more sustainable. In fact could it even be said that the courage to be kind in a consumerist world, in the midst of a climate emergency, is a radical but vital act for survival?
Bel Jacobs dares us to be different. She dares us to be better. Her work is not just an inspiration; it's a clarion call for everyone to embrace the fullest expression of kindness for our planet, its inhabitants, and for each other.
PS. Listen HERE to BEL’S journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.
