Why Ethical Fashion
Awareness of the consequences of disposable fashion and the poor labour and environmental standards behind much of our clothing is increasing and more and more people are looking for alternatives.
In Ireland alone, sales of Fairtrade labelled food products increased by a huge 70% in 2006 and have seen an average increase of 40% in the previous five years. This is mainly due to the increasing range of products and companies involved and consequently lower prices, as well as increased awareness, often through voluntary campaigns.
The fashion industry is characterised by extremely poor working conditions for mostly women and young girls, often in factories where they live and work. Many are migrant workers with few other options, support or skills. There are a number of reports, exposés & testimonials produced by NGOs, trade unions & media documenting the cycle of poverty cotton farmers with low prices, to abuses in preparation and production of clothing - including low wages, exploitation and harassment, the use of child labour, no maternity or overtime and no access to join trade unions.
Cotton
Cotton production, which accounts for the main source of raw material used in our clothing is fraught with fluctuating and generally low prices paid to farmers, which may not meet their costs of production, aswell as increased sickness due to over exposure to hazardous pesticides. Cotton production accounts for the highest use of pesticides of any crop - approx 25% of pesticides are used in cotton production. This is not only dangerous for the farmer's health but also places a heavy burden of debt on a family, as the cost of inputs are high and prices for cotton very low.
While not all factories are bad and while many companies want to improve or tighten up their supply chain practises to prevent such abuses, there is often no way to tell other than being on the ground how far down the line contracts have been subcontracted. As factories find themselves squeezed in an effort to meet tight deadlines (from catwalk to shop front), on tight budgets to remain competitive, labour rights have been sacrificed. This is often done in the name of the consumer who is said to want more and cheaper clothing. It seems generally the consumer has no idea at what price this is achieved.
Through greater awareness of the conditions many producers and garment workers find themselves in and improvements in labelling initiatives for Fairtrade, organic and even ethical production, thanks to years of campaigning, there are more designers joining the ethical fashion revolution, producing fantastic clothing at prices which can compete on the high street.
We have created belleEtik to showcase their work, prove principles and practise can go hand in hand, create a closer link between consumers, designers & producers and challenge the fact that as customers we want cheap clothing at any cost. Obviously we want to wear & sell & offer great clothes.