Fashion Revolution Week
Why do we need a Revolution?
24th April 2021 marks 8 years since the Rana Plaza clothing factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,138 people and injuring many more. Since then the Fashion Revolution campaign has fought to highlight the impact clothing production has on millions of people around the world and how we can fight together to make a positive change in one of the worlds biggest industries.
There is a true cost to cheap clothing and sadly it is paid by the people who manufacture it and the limited resources of our planet.
Research by two brands, Able and Nisolo found that it could be as little as 2% of fashion workers around the world who are paid a liveable wage. According to The Garment Worker Centre approximately 85% of garment workers do not earn the minimum wage and not only do workers not get paid well they are working 60 – 70 hours a week, without overtime pay and in terrible conditions which lead to catastrophes like the Rana Plaza factory collapse.
Textile and clothing production also has a huge impact on the planet. According to research carried out by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, textile production uses around 93 billion cubic metres of water a year, which includes cotton production. That’s the equivalent to 37 million Olympic swimming pools.
Water is polluted by toxic dyes and chemical processes which is, in turn, pumped out as waste water into rivers and seas around the world, causing hugely detrimental sanitation issues for human populations and wildlife living near manufacturing sites.
So, there is a massive need for a revolution in the clothing industry, and we’re happy to say that some brands are taking up the reigns and making positive strides to a better, fairer, safer and more sustainable clothing industry.
Duns Sweden
Duns’ bright and happy prints are loved around the world, designed for everyone who loves colour and fun designs! Each piece is responsibly made from GOTS organic cotton, but what is the GOTS certification?
The Global Organic Textile Standard is a certification for textile production which includes the harvesting of raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing. If something is GOTS certified you can be reassured the cotton has been grown in a responsible way and the farmers and factory workers have been treated fairly.
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals were one of the first companies to use Fairtrade certified organic cotton to make baby and children’s clothing (they’ve been doing it since 2002). The Fairtrade certification covers everything to do with the growing and harvesting of the raw cotton. From paying the farmers and workers a living wage and fairtrade premium to researching new ways to sustainably farm and look after the planet. LGR is also GOTS certified.
Frugi
Not only do Frugi use GOTS certified organic cotton for most of their colourful clothing, they are always looking for ways to innovate and have delved into the world of recycled materials. Their outerwear is made from fabric derived from recycled plastic bottles, which not only tackles waste but makes a great, durable fabric.
Patagonia
Patagonia has been leading the way in environmentally and socially responsible business for decades. Their mission is to “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis”
From researching and developing new, innovative fabrics for the outdoor industry to being one of the pioneering companies to introduce measures such as a creche into their offices so women could easily return to work after starting a family. They see their business as a platform to drive change and use their voice to speak up for environmental challenges all over the world such as overfishing and waterway preservation.
We choose to work with all our amazing clothing brands for a reason, and we’ll continue to shout about the amazing work they do long after Fashion
