Get on-trend with ethics as a must-have
THE thought of becoming an ethical shopper can be daunting – but there are steps we can follow.
The supply chain of the fashion business is frustratingly opaque but researching brand websites is a good place to start.
Most publish a corporate responsibilty report, which should cover everything from how the workers are treated by suppliers to the environmental impact of their production line.
But try to look behind the positive spin and dig deeper, bearing in mind reports which have been vetted by external auditors are probably more reliable.
After Rana Plaza, the Bangladesh Accord was established which is an independent agreement designed to make all garment factories in Bangladesh safe workplaces and subject to inspection.
A new version is out in May and some companies are yet to sign up, so check the Clean Clothes website and if a brand isn’t on it, write to them demanding to know why.
There are certain key signs that brands are taking a serious ethical stand, for instance being certified by organisations like the Global Organic Textile Standard.
And fashion doesn’t have to be consumed like an all-you-can-eat buffet – be discerning and think about getting at least 20 wears out of every item you buy.
Karen Finlayson, of Colour Elements, in Edinburgh, suggests sharing and swapping clothes or selling them on sites like Depop.
She recommends buying organic pieces, too. Just 2.4 per cent of the world’s cultivated land is planted with cotton, yet it accounts for 24 per cent of the world’s insecticide market.