• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

Fashion Wake Up Call

September 28, 2012 by Dawn Michelle

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:

thejournal.ie

Labour Behind The Label

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)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Lisa Harrison says

    September 28, 2012 at 9:15 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 28, 2012 at 10:29 am

      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

      Reply
  2. Isabelle says

    September 28, 2012 at 11:33 am

    Thank you for bringing awareness to often overlooked matters like this. Duly noted as well.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 28, 2012 at 2:03 pm

      Thanks for your comment Isabelle.

      Reply
  3. Louise says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 28, 2012 at 7:17 pm

      Hi Louise, It is very disappointing. Thanks for your comment.

      Reply
  4. Lilah says

    September 29, 2012 at 3:21 am

    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!

    Reply
  5. Lilah says

    September 29, 2012 at 3:37 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 29, 2012 at 8:53 am

      Hi Lilah, I plan to do more research on this topic and thank you for your comment. Best wishes!

      Reply
  6. Carolyn says

    September 29, 2012 at 6:43 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 29, 2012 at 8:55 am

      Thank you for the book suggestion Carolyn!

      Reply
  7. Carolyn says

    September 29, 2012 at 7:39 am

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jun/12/to-die-for-lucy-siegle-review

    Reply
  8. Lilah says

    October 3, 2012 at 9:27 am

    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

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 3, 2012 at 1:37 pm

      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

      Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 3, 2012 at 4:26 pm

      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

      Reply
  9. LinLin says

    October 7, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 7, 2012 at 6:26 pm

      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

      Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2013 at 6:57 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 27, 2013 at 2:21 pm

      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!

      Reply
  11. Andie says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 6, 2014 at 1:47 pm

      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!

      Reply
  12. Marianne says

    August 22, 2014 at 8:38 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 22, 2014 at 9:49 am

      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!

      Reply
  13. MU Reconstruction says

    January 26, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    Amazing article ver informative and REAL talk on the globe and what is currently still happening in the corporate fashion industry!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 26, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      Thank you so much MU Reconstruction!

      Reply
  14. Linah says

    June 21, 2017 at 3:14 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      June 22, 2017 at 10:11 am

      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.

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven