Have you ever wondered where your clothes come from? How does each button get sewed on so perfectly or how the stitching is so neat? Underneath the surface of your clothes is an appalling array of horrifying truths behind the industry known for its beauty.
As a fashion student, it is important to understand not only the good but the bad side of the fashion industry as well. By comprehending each step of the process to create and manufacture apparel, you are a step closer to improving and evolving the way things are done ethically, economically and socially.
Learning about sustainability in the fashion industry has been the most rewarding thing, as I now feel well-educated and informed on important issues, such as sweatshops. A sweatshop is a factory or working place where children or adult workers are paid little to nothing in poor, and sometimes dangerous, working conditions. Sweatshops are extremely common in third world countries such as Bangladesh, as it offers American retailers a cheaper alternative to clothing production.
Here are some ways that we, as consumers, can help put a stop to sweatshops:
1. Educate yourself
Take advantage of the internet and all of the resources that it has to offer. The reason that sweatshops are so prevalent in today's society is because no one knows about them. They're swept under the rug because it's easier to ignore it than to deal with it. Educate yourself so that you can educate others. This documentary reveals the truths behind the clothing that we wear and its effects on our world by traveling to third world countries to interview sweatshop workers that have been most affected by this apparel crisis.
2. Know where and where not to shop
Find out where your favorite retailers produce their clothing. Fast-fashion stores such as Forever 21 where the clothing is cheapest are the biggest contenders for sweatshops. To sell cheap clothes, they have to be made affordable.
Find out more on maintaining a sweatshop-free closet here.
3. Start an online petition
The majority of a retailer's income comes from customer retention. They want their clients to keep coming back to their store to spend money consistently. If your favorite retailer is under sweatshop allegations, start an online petition to make a change. By making the petition online you are able to reach and educate an abundance of people. If you inform others of the poor working conditions where their favorite clothing is made, then we are more likely to make a difference.
4. Get involved
It is hard to believe that we, as individuals could have an impact on such a large crisis occurring in our world. Get involved with organizations that help educate or raise money to help end sweatshops. If you are in high school or college your school may have an organization that caters to this. Here is an organization that your college may have on campus. Join the movement!
What are you going to do to end sweatshops?
