Imagine waking up in the morning, putting on your favorite pair of slippers and making your way downstairs to make your daily cup of coffee. Another day, yet the same routine; this is how you start every morning. As you continue to get ready for work, you mistakenly spill some of your precious coffee on your rug and begrudgingly wipe it up, aggravated that you were so careless. Then, you possibly shower or make your lunch. Finally, you complete your routine by getting dressed in an outfit that will be perfect for your day at work or school.

Now, imagine each step of that routine again, but pay close attention to the products you are using or come in contact with. The slippers, the coffee, the rug, the clothing... it is very likely that most of these products, if not all of them, were made in a sweatshop.

Sweatshops are difficult to define, and can be described in many different ways, but the US Department of Labors explains a sweatshop as being “a factory that violates two or more labor laws”. These laws have to do with how much the employees get paid, if the company employs young children, if the working conditions are poor or dangerous, or if the employees are subjected to verbal or physical abuse.

Approximately 250 million children between the ages of five to fourteen who currently work in a sweatshop, according to the International Labor Organization. 168 million of these children live in developing countries, with more than half of the 250 million coming from Asia. These children do not have the choice to work; because it is demanded and expected of them. Many of them start working at a young age instead of getting an education. In extreme cases, these children are kidnapped from their families and/or forbidden to leave the workplace, which results in them working an unhealthy amount of hours each week.

Companies and corporations in the United States often have their products made in third world countries. Although inhumane, it is a lot less expensive, and many United States businesses care more about the profit they make rather than whose lives they are putting at risk. Many companies have the mindset that if they don’t see it, it isn’t happening, and pretend they do not who is making their products, as well as the conditions they are working in and how they are being treated. Certain companies also believe that they are employing individuals that wouldn’t be able to survive if it wasn’t for this opportunity. However, these workers are not getting paid a livable wage that they can feed and clothe their families with. On top of that, they need to work in conditions that are safe and comfortable. In a perfect world, children would begin school at 5, not a job, and the adults working in production companies would be treated and paid fairly. These acts of cruelty can only be stopped if we inform ourselves and others, as well as advocate for change.

There are some easy steps we can all take to eliminate sweatshops. First, it is important to become aware that this IS going on around the world. Buy locally, even if what you’re buying is more expensive. Buy products that are made in our country. Stay informed by reading articles, paying attention to the news, and doing research before you by certain products. Write to CEOs of companies that make their products in sweatshops halfway across the world. Be aware of what you’re buying and advocate for the individuals whose voices are not being heard. This is your world and you have the ability to make a difference.