INTERVIEW #155 BERTHA SHUM
Name: Bertha Shum
Occupation: Founder & CEO of Earthero Studio & Earthero Project
Based in: Hong Kong
Instagram: @earthero.studio / @eartheroproject
Hi Bertha! Welcome to A Sustainable Closet! Can you please tell us more about yourself and your blog Earthero Project?
I was formerly in the finance and real estate sector. Currently working full-time on both Earthero Project and Earthero Studio. I am both a content creator and a curator for sustainable events. I started my blog with a pure intention to share unbiased opinions about eco-products in the market. I deliberately made it bilingual, as I couldn't find similar content online, especially for the Hong Kong audience. The blog further developed to be more eco-educational, aiming to make changes to sustainable lifestyles easier for beginners.
When and why did you get interested in environmental issues?
I have a degree in Geography and Economics, however back then I felt like environmental problems were all so far away from me that I didn't put my mind to it. One day at my previous job, I started noticing how much waste was created in a day. Papers, takeaway boxes, coffee cups etc. I remember thinking to myself, "There must be a better way." I started reading more into current environmental issues and got into a deep rabbit hole, so I share my findings online which is why I have my blog.
You educate and help your readers and viewers about a more conscious way of living, what are some of the most common questions you get? I always get messages about whether or not certain things can be recycled. Another question I get the most is whether or not I can make a living by working in sustainability sector.
What has been some of the areas and topic you have researched and was surprised by the actual truth?
The food (or food waste) sector has always surprised me. The lack of options for composting, and the amount of food that is wasted everyday is always a surprising and depressing fact. It is something happening in every household and restaurant, but not widely discussed.
What topic do you think we need to discuss and learn more about?
One concept or topic that I would place in front of all environmental discussions would be "consumerism". It is an important root of many of the problems we are seeing now. The perfect example is fashion pollution. Brands and businesses target consumerism in their advertisements and create an image that we NEED that new piece of clothing. So I often advocate for "reuse", if we can just pause, and think of what we have and reuse or borrow things, we would have created much less waste. As a result, less energy, space, and materials will be consumed.
What does your personal closet look like?
Not going to lie, I was definitely a shopaholic before. I used to buy a lot and would try to catch up to trends. So the closet is definitely quite full. However, I haven't bought much new stuff apart from my old clothes. Anything I need, I try to look for second-hand or clothing with natural fibre (i.e. linen, cotton).
Best tip for a more sustainable closet and style? Big fan of timelessness, and simple outfits. I recommend buying something that you can wear at any age that never goes out of style. Also always opt for natural fiber. Polyester is a big no for me, it creates microplastic and very uncomfortable for summers.
Best tip for a more sustainable closet and style?
Big fan of timelessness, and simple outfits. I recommend buying something that you can wear at any age that never goes out of style. Also always opt for natural fiber. Polyester is a big no for me, it creates microplastic and very uncomfortable for summers.