I have always promoted making decisions that are healthy for ourselves and the environment. It is also important to think about how our actions affect other people. I don’t think that we really believe that we are as powerful as we really are. Although we may not be in the government or making the decisions in the big corporations, we have more power than we think.
We can make choices that effect the planet and the people that live on it by what we spend our money on.
I was blind to the fact that one of my absolute favorite retailers that I’ve always admired uses sweatshops. In fact a few that I enjoy window shopping and shopping at use sweatshops such as Zara, Free People, Anthropologie, and Target. I’m honestly beginning to believe that most products from large corporations use sweatshops. If it is unbelievably priced and absolutely fashionable such as many of the products from Forever21, then it is probably a product of child labor, human trafficking, and sweatshops. You would be better off purchasing something from a vintage or thrift store than supporting such companies.
Although I’ve heard of sweatshops and have bought products that were sweatshop free, I’ve never decided to boycott the big brands until today.
“Sweatshop (or sweat factory) is a negatively connoted term for any working environment considered to be unacceptably difficult or dangerous. Sweatshop workers often work long hours for very low pay, regardless of laws mandating overtime pay or a minimum wage. Child labour laws may be violated. Sweatshops may have hazardous materials and situations. Employees may be subject to employer abuse without an easy way, if any way, to protect themselves.” Source
With all of the wonderful Etsy designers and other small business that provide beautiful and fashionable clothing and other items, why are we unconsciously shopping. Why have I even done it in the past? It is very easy to do until you put a face and story to what sweatshops look like.
I searched “sweatshops” on YouTube and found a video that really woke me up. The reality that this young 11-year-old girl faces working in such a horrific place brought me to tears. I think this video says it all.
You can see more from the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights here.
Companies That Use Sweatshops:
Gap
Old Navy
Banana Republic
Wal-Mart
Nike
Free People
Anthropologie
Urban Outfitters
H&M
Zara
Target
Abercrombie and Fitch
Khol’s
LL Bean
DKNY
Converse
Adidas
Asics
New Balance
Dickies
Victoria’s Secret
Levi’s
Esprit
Puma
Nautica
Reebok
Express
Tommy Hilfiger
The North Face
Jansport
Macy’s
Sears
JC Penny
Hanes
Speedo
There are probably a gazillion more, but I’ve purchased from almost all of these brands before, if not worked with a few or done a commercial or two. I’ve seen people comment and even make videos stating that sweatshops are good for the people who work there because they desperately need jobs and other nonsense. Having a job and being treated like a slave are two different things, yet there really isn’t much distinction when it comes to sweatshops.
“Living wages and reasonable working hours would not threaten companies’ overall profitability. No one should have to work 17-hour days just so Americans can save a few dollars on clothes… Sweatshop workers are trapped in a cycle of exploitation that rarely improves their economic situation.” Read more from Green America here.
I will most likely spend the next month or so removing as many images and other content from Minimalist Beauty that are from any company that uses inhumane working conditions. I will also be providing a page of sweatshop free, fair trade, and organic retailers.
In the meantime what are your thoughts on this?
5th Edition: Guide to Ending Sweatshops by Green America
References:
Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights
International Labor Rights Forum: Sweatshops Hall of Shame 2010
Update: Compassionate Clothing Brands List
(Image by Dawn Michelle/Video by Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights)
Lisa Harrison says
I am appalled to say the least….
duly noted.
It’s not worth it. We should add Hanes to that list. (and I just bought some for my husband)…. this is disgraceful.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lisa,
I will add Hanes to the list. I plan to do some more research so that I can offer good suggestions on wear to buy even the simple things such as underwear, socks etc. After learning more about sweatshops it really isn’t worth supporting the painful experiences that go into the clothing. Thanks for your comment!
~Dawn Michelle
Isabelle says
Thank you for bringing awareness to often overlooked matters like this. Duly noted as well.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks for your comment Isabelle.
Louise says
That list is shocking! It’s disappointing to see that companies who promote the concept of unique, hand-crafted clothing (UO…Anthro…) are using the same unhealthy practices. I do a lot of clothing buying on ebay, but now I have mixed feelings about even buying these brands second-hand. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Louise, It is very disappointing. Thanks for your comment.
Lilah says
I was saddened to find LL Bean on the list. I live in Maine answer are proud of a company that is known for how well they treat their employees. I did find the following article about their response…
I am hoping that the information you had was outdated and that they have indeed taken care of the problem. Please provide more information if you have it. They listen to their customers, and always have, so I plan on making a trip to Freeport in person to explain why I can no longer buy their clothing. The power of the Internet.
Thank you!
Lilah says
LL Bean
While there was a problem in the past, this is their policy as of 2012:
http://www.llbean.com/customerService/aboutLLBean/sourcing_and_labor_rights.html?nav=ln
I did follow up with an email to them and will post the response when it comes in!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lilah, I plan to do more research on this topic and thank you for your comment. Best wishes!
Carolyn says
You might like to read “Fashion to Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World” by Lucy Siegle which I read last Christmas. She discusses all aspects of the “fashion” industry and its impact on the world. She also talks about what happens to your old clothing that you put into the clothing collection bins.
An interesting book that will prompt readers to think twice about the clothes they are buying, how it was made, the impact on the environment and the people who made it and what will happen to it when you no longer want it.
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you for the book suggestion Carolyn!
Carolyn says
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jun/12/to-die-for-lucy-siegle-review
Lilah says
Hi Dawn Michelle, I have received a response from L.L. Beane and wanted to share it with you. I will also point them towards your blog.
Dear Ms. Wren,
Thank you for taking the time to write L.L.Bean and giving us the opportunity to respond. Since we do not know what article you are referring to, we would like to share with you information regarding our vendor requirements and our monitoring processes. You may also find this information on our website:
http://www.llbean.com/customerService/aboutLLBean/labor_rights.html
L.L.Bean requires factories to adhere to the requirements of their countries’ laws regarding hours worked, regular pay, and overtime pay. All vendors are contractually obligated to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which addresses these areas. We do not track the specific wages in individual factories. Regarding collective bargaining, we are committed to supporting workers’ rights to freedom of association. We follow up when claims are made that management engages in behavior that is designed to intimidate or otherwise stifle these rights. However, because these are not our factories, we do not track the level of unionization in the factories where we contract. Rather, we monitor the conduct to ensure the right to associate is preserved.
We constantly benchmark and review our factory-monitoring program through membership in Business for Social Responsibility, collaboration with other organizations that conduct monitoring, participation in projects and conferences and through frequent internal reviews. We also work with consultants to upgrade our practices and conduct frequent staff training exercises.
We aggressively investigate reports of code violations and require factories to make all changes necessary to achieve compliance with our code. While acknowledging that monitoring hundreds of factories worldwide is an area of ongoing challenge, we feel L.L.Bean has an effective program that has made a meaningful contribution to improving global sourcing practices.
The issues surrounding product sourcing are complex and ever changing. The overall goal of our sourcing program is to ensure product quality and value standards that our customers expect while working only with vendors who share our commitment to acceptable labor practices.
I hope this information helps to alleviate some of your concerns.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Beem
Manager, Public Affairs
L.L.Bean
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lilah,
Good for you for writing to L.L. Bean! I also looked up some more on L.L. Bean and found information on The Institute For Global Labour and Human Rights. I also read what L.L. Bean had on their website.
I’ve decided that I’m going to buy vintage and thrift unless I know the company states they are sustainable and sweatshop free upfront. The awareness is very important and I’m glad that you are also doing some research on this topic. Spread the word and let’s keep doing our own research. It is important to educate ourselves.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lilah,
I wanted to add that it confuses me that on L.L. Bean’s site that they state this:
While L.L.Bean is a global company, “Made in the USA” has been a part of our heritage for 100 years. We’re one of the last multi-channel U.S. merchants to still own and operate a U.S. manufacturing facility.
It upsets me that companies say that they are “Made in the USA” when they have factories in other countries! They may have a US factory but there is so much contradiction here. Even in Carolyn Beem’s response she mentions their “sourcing program.” This is frustrating. Let’s keep doing our homework though.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
LinLin says
Hi Dawn
I work in the fashion industry as a Sr. Designer for a well known men’s apparel company. Most large corporations have a compliance team overseas that inspect factory conditions for safety and humanitarian standards. What often occurs is the factories which passed inspection secretly subcontract to sweatshops. I am completely opposed to unfair labor practices of any kind, but I do feel that some of the company names mentioned above are unfairly targeted. I’m all for having a made in the USA label, but consumers must be willing to pay for the quality that comes with the label. It’s getting harder and harder to compete in this global economy.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi LinLin,
Thanks so much for your comment. I think that companies that use factories abroad to save money are all aware of the possibility of things not going exactly as they may think. I believe it is a risk that companies make willingly to increase revenue. There are other organizations that are finding out what is really going on in these factories abroad, and the companies who are doing partnership with these factories are obviously missing some serious matters.
I have a friend who is in the process of designing organic lounge and yoga apparel who has her products made in the USA and it does show in the price. Organic, sustainable, and made in the USA in general costs more than sweatshop made products for obvious reasons. People who compassionately know the truth behind sweatshops willingly seek out ethically made products and have no problem paying more for them. It is almost the same concept as one spending more money on a designer t-shirt over an unknown brand. As a fashion lover I am no longer interested in looking good over someone’s hardship.
Bringing awareness is so important to me even if it isn’t always pleasant. There are so many small organic, fair trade, and sustainable businesses which deserve more recognition for their efforts to go about things in an ethical manner. If organic, fair trade, and sustainable seems expensive to some, it is actually more sustainable to buy vintage and thrift. Plus it can be much more fun anyway! Maybe you will one day have your own line and be an eco designer yourself 😉
Best wishes,
Dawn Michelle
Anonymous says
When you list stores like Target, Sears, macy’s, JC Penney’s, are you saying that their store brands use sweatshop labor or all the different brands they carry use sweatshop labor?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Anonymous,
Department stores do carry many different labels, brands, and designers. I’ve included these stores because they were listed in my sources which I cite at the bottom of this article. When I had just found out more about sweatshops my mother had recently given me a gift card from Loehmann’s. I decided to go to the store and see what I could find that may be sweatshop free. I was literally in the store with my phone looking up every brand I thought might be sweatshop free online. It took a bit longer to shop than usual, yet it was extremely important to me. I found three brands at the time that were sweatshop free carried at Loehmann’s.
What I found out is that the companies that are fair trade, organic, and sweatshop free announce it very clearly just like organic and GMO free food labels. You can also contact the company to inquire how the clothing is made. One thing that I’ve found out is that many of the companies that outsource are not always aware of the conditions that their workers are enduring, or do not care in order to make profit. They also outsource to have lower paying workers. Do what you feel is best and do as much research as possible. Awareness is power and we do vote with our dollars.
Best wishes!
Andie says
Hi Dawn,
I just want to thank you for writing this article,I’ve made it my resolution to stop supporting sweat-shop using companies,and it’s going to be a bit difficult, but thankyou.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Andie,
I mainly shop vintage and consignment. I always look for quality pieces. I feel better shopping this way so that I am not contributing to this fast fashion industry.
Best wishes!
Marianne says
Awesome resource you have here. I’ve been looking for something like this — with a retailer-focus — for a long time. I try so hard to shop conscientiously but sometimes even the stores I trust disappoint me.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Marianne,
I tend to shop consignment because of this now. It is better for the planet and everyone involved yet it takes more patience. I did do a follow up article on compassionate clothing brands though. I need to continue updating the list with stylish eco brands when I get a chance. Have a great weekend!
MU Reconstruction says
Amazing article ver informative and REAL talk on the globe and what is currently still happening in the corporate fashion industry!
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much MU Reconstruction!
Linah says
Hi Girl,
I have read a lot of good things about Tamanu oil. I am dark skinned and i would like to know if it will not change my skin colour if i apply if on my face to remove acne scars.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lina,
Tamanu oil contains no bleaching agents and is a potent healing oil for scars. It does have an intense smell though and you may also be interested in rosehip seed oil which smells sweeter and also is a potent skin rejuvenator.