Doing the Right Thing --Nicole

Nicole

What can I do to be sure that I'm not buying clothing that was manufactured in a sweat shop, or by children?

BTW, I've added my name to the subject line of my post, because I like it when other people do it. I find it helpful to know who wrote the OP when I'm coming back to a thread that I've already replied to.

17 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Ana

Ana

(website)

Veteran

This is a good question, Nicole. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I'd like to know too. Maybe if there is a brand you frequent, you could google it. I might try that now with J. Crew.

EDIT: Okay, I did find some stuff about J. Crew and Nordstrom's from back in 1999 about manufacturing stuff in Saipan, but nothing really since then. I found this site:

http://www.coopamerica.org/pro.....othing.cfm

Which basically says that if you want to dress responsibly, you should wear handmade and second hand, free trade hemp and organic cotton dress shirts and hold clothing swaps once a year.

Do skinny jeans come in hemp?

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hard one. There is no sure way of knowing. I’ve been to plenty of factories in the Far East and Africa and have never come across a factory that employs children. But they are all sweaty. I was sweaty too.

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

I know this is a serious topic, but that comment about being sweaty made me crack up

I struggle with this too. I've been trying to buy organic cotton for my kids just on the principle that it's better for the environment but when I stop to think about it all for too long, my head starts spinning. I'll be watching this thread to see if anyone else can provide more guidance on how to be a more responsible consumer. Great question, Nicole.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Sorry, I don't know the answer, but to your point about the name of the original poster - would it be possible to add it to the main forum page? A lot of bulletin boards show both the originator of the thread and the person who replied last. Not sure if the design would allow for it. You might already have it on the list Angie.

17 years ago

Anonymous

This is a tuff topic. We all want to know that we are not a part of abuse of any kind, but it is so hard to change the ways of the world all at once. I am very happy that the Sunday Seattle Times/Post Intellegincer has begun putting in a 'green' booklet in every Sunday paper. I think this is a great way to get the word around bit by bit to be a more responsible.
As some of you know the NAU Co went bankrupt and their thing was selling organic cotton, earth friendly clothing. It must be tuff to have competition selling things so much cheaper. Eventually we will get there through evolution and at least the change is really coming to the forefront thanks to people like you Nicole for bringing this up.

17 years ago

judy

Veteran

I'm glad you brought this up, Nicole. Your post makes me realize that with some things I purchase, I am very aware of where it comes from/how it was made. And other times, I am very unaware! ..and could do with more knowledge, especially say with the big companies, like Gap, Old Navy, BR (I think that's all one company actually)...and Urban outfitters and Anthropologie are the same company, if I am remembering correctly. I like to support local or independent type clothing producers when I can, but it seems to cost much more. I could afford fewer, but perhaps better quality items though...and be a more conscious spender.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm weary of so called “organic clothing” which is why I’ve avoided posting about it. I think its another money making scam. Christie might have my head for this one. She’s an environmental lawyer.

Pssst Marianne, I’ve forwarded your request to Greg who will see what he can do. Thanks for the suggestion.

17 years ago

Anonymous

Tricky subject, because now we get into ethics, which are different with every company and consumer! I too am really concerned about buying responsibly, Nicole. I looked up the company information on the web for Banana Republic, Gap, etc to see what the business ethics were. I buy most of my clothing at these stores and found that they do not employ children. You can look at it here: http://gapinc.com/public/Socia.....lres.shtml

I also Googled several brands I own or am interested in to find out what others had to say about their business ethics, and make a decision if I wanted to continue buying the products offered(usually I do!). I felt that if I was putting so much of my paycheck into getting my wardrobe off the ground after graduating, I should look into where this money was going!
I would love to buy organic and sustainable-focused clothing (but I'm one of those enviro-types... a lot has happened to get me at this point, so I do what I feel is congruent with my beliefs) I also had to see what was reasonable for my pocketbook. I agree with Angie that this whole organic craze is wearing thin with me, especially since there are very few options for tall sizes!!
In short, research sweatshops, eco-friendly, social responsibility, or whatever you are concerned about so you can be a knowledgeable shopper. My father instilled this idea into me: he refuses to buy certain brands of clothing(or other products) because of political or social positions they held.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I remembered this website after I sent my OP.

http://www.justiceclothing.com

My BIL turned us on to it. Unfortunately, the clothes are not stylish--and all we've bought from them are a few hats. But the concept is there. They only sell products taht are made in a union shop. I used to work for Bell Atlantic and our office was unionized. I have mixed feelings about working in a union, after doing so for almost 10 years. The concept is great, but human nature tends to prevail, and it creates an unfair work enviornment. About 10% of the people do 90% of the work. (at least that was my personal experience--I'm sure there are union shops that work better than mine did.)

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm familiar with the international manufacturing scene. I’m going to sound cynical, but no matter what you read, you can NEVER be sure.

Manufacturers tell buyers and companies they don’t use sweat shops, when they do. The industry revolves around making a profit, unfortunately. Child labour is much easier to detect. Social services is on to this and that can be prevented.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Do you think the problem is more of an issue in certain countries? Am I naive to think that clothing made in the U.S. is less likely to be made in dangerous work conditions?

17 years ago

Becky

Veteran

Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen posted this about fair trade a while back:

http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/search?q=fair+trade

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Nicole, there are some companies that use shops that are in US Commonwealths, like the Northern Marianis Islands, that do not have the same labor protection laws as the US states do, but clothing made in those shops can still have a "Made in the USA" label on them. The case I found was from 1999 where several well known companies (BR/Gap/ON, Nordstrom, Target/Filenes/Marshall Field's, and yes, even J. Crew to name a few) used sweatshops that were housed there. Nordie's and J. Crew settled out of court and agreed to independent oversight of all their manufacturing facilities--I didn't follow up on what BR, etc. did. So, even if it has a "Made in the USA" label on it, you can't be sure unless you actually look up where the manufacturing facility is physically located and then what conditions are like at that facility. I have to say that child labor was not part of this dispute, only poor wages and working conditions.

I agree with Angie, I'm not sure if there is a way to be completely responsible when shopping, you just have to do the best you can. Even with "organic" products every country (and even states within the US) have different standards and protocols that need to be met in order for something to be labeled "organic," and some of the standards are so low, they really do next to nothing to help the environment.

http://www.consumerreports.org.....ndards803/

17 years ago

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