These issues are COMPLICATED. As I've mentioned before, my brother works in international trade policy for a large retailer and talking to him has really made me see nuances that I was completely blind to before (see Christina's comment above)...and I'm someone who regularly seeks out reading material about supply chains, labor practices and environmental challenges in the clothing industry.

Just thinking about these things at all is a big step, though, and that's the point of, if not ethical, mindful consumerism. Every choice that we make differently because we're thinking through some of these issues is a choice that will have an effect on the big picture.

Thank you for pointing out this article Angie. Widespread change in consumer behavior is a complicated interaction between the zeitgeist of the moment, and, ultimately, business decisions that reflect and perhaps exploit it. There is no one answer but even reading articles like these help change perspectives.

Noted to read when I have a few minutes tomorrow. Looking forward to it. The only thing I know for sure (eyeball) is that the barometer for making decisions and forming opinions changes, and it's up to us as consumers to try to stay abreast of the issues as best as we can. It's all we can do. Every action we take has an impact somewhere.

Really interesting read, well written - thank you for the recommendation Angie.

Everything shifts so quickly it can be difficult to find a clear anchor point. I like especially when shops make reference to their ethics. The best ‘display’ I saw recently was in a bricks and mortar store Cotton Story.