Ethical clothing has become a hot topic, but why should we spend that little bit more to help others when we can spend less and help ourselves?
Many clothing companies claim to be a provider of ethical clothing; but being knowledgeable to which of these companies actually adhere to the ethical clothing companies standards can be harder to determine.
True we can contact companies or look on their websites to establish who does what, knowing what to ask is another matter entirely.
Dependent on your concerns your questions may include the working conditions, known exactly where the products are made, are there wage requirements and above all what happens if any of the many codes are violated?
A vast majority of clothing that appears on the high street and in the major stores may well be a blessing for every buyers budget, less cost may mean more clothes or even just having the ability to buy new clothes. However it is fast creating a culture of disposable clothing. Long gone are the days for many of having investment pieces in their wardrobe. However, there are ethical clothing companies who understand who understand that cheap products made in sweatshops have implications.
Although many state that they provide wages slightly less than that of a teacher, in reality even the teachers wage is insufficient to support a family, with many having to live very extended family lives, miles apart and working extremely long hours, everyday, with no holidays, leave or other common western entitlements.
Having found some of the many ethical clothing companies such as Edun that exist, buyers can be safe in the knowledge that their hard earned money is going to support people and materials in many countries worldwide. Items such as the Digitals florals t-shirts are made from 80% organic cotton and whilst being made in Peru they are part of a bigger mission to drive sustainable employment.
