“There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness.” Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s face it. We love traditional retail therapy. So let’s not eliminate it from our lives and make use of the power we have to change the world. Do you want to contribute to the problem or the solution? Check these sustainable alternatives out! Shop, but ethically!
1. Empower the people who sew your clothes. Are your clothes sourced ethically?
The fast fashion industry’s practices towards workers are unethical in many ways. They often work in sweatshop work environments, are exposed to harmful chemicals, are ill-treated and are rewarded less than minimum wages. As consumers we have a choice to be part of the solution or the problem.
TIP: Always question who made your clothes. Are you wearing the suffering of another individual?
LEARN MORE: Check out this article on: Who Really Made My Clothes ?
2. Is there the tiniest chance your clothes were made by slave or child labourers? Learn the story behind who made your clothes.
Cinderella may had her dream dress made by mice with tiny fingers. While that was cute, child labour certainly isn’t. Did you know many of our clothes are made by little children? Children’s little fingers are preferred for more intricate parts of the process leading to ‘organised’ exploitation of these innocent victims.
TIP:Learn more about the brands who make your clothes. How transparent are their supply chains? Could children be making their clothes? Hopefully these facts influence your purchase decisions.
LEARN MORE:Here’s a quick look into the back scenes of unethical fashion! Unethical Fashion : Exploitation of Women and Children
3. Know the brands you’re buying from. Do they really care who makes their designs or only if it’s cheap?
Every dollar you spend is a vote towards positive or negative impact. When assessing a brand you shouldn’t just be assessing their price or style. More over, you should be assessing how transparent their supply chains are. How come their products are so cheap or in such poor quality. Are they not supporting workers rights? What are their policies regarding the hard workers who actually make their fashion lines? Remember, every dollar you spend is a precious vote towards encouraging or discouraging brands to be more sustainable.
TIP: Learn more about the brands who make your clothes. Do they know who their suppliers are? How transparent are their supply chains? Hopefully these facts influence your purchase decisions.
LEARN MORE: Shocking facts here: The Ethical Cost of Our Inexpensive Wardrobes