ETHICAL FASHION: CONFUSING TERRITORY?

The current climate is turning green, there are new precedents set for environmental issues spanning from hybrid cars, recycling to fashion.

In these disposable days of throw-away  fashion, where are the ethics, and how do you wade through the confusing territory to an understanding?

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is ethical fashion?

Ethical fashion includes elements of design, production, retail, and purchasing. And covers working conditions, exploitations, fair trade, sustainable production, hazardous chemicals, waste and animal welfare.

Why is it needed?

Damaging effects to the environment are only the beginning of the problem. High volumes of clothes are produced for our benefit in third world countries, in a bid to keep production costs down. The conditions of the sweatshops are disgusting, and high street big names like GAP and Nike have been accused of bad practice. 

What are the serious concerns?

• Exploitive working conditions.
  
• Child Workers (below the legal working age in UK)
  
• Dangerous chemicals that are harmful to the environment and it's workers.
  
• Disposable "cheap" fashion means that much of it is heading for landfill sites.
  
• Animal cruelty for clothing.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair trade items can be spotted by the IFAT label. Fair trade works with fashion retailers to give them assurance that their workers are being given a fair price and good working conditions. 

What is the Fair Labour Association (FLA)?

The FLA combines industry, non-governmental organisations and academic institutes to to promote international working conditions.

What is the difference between ethical trading and Fair Trade?

Fair trade organisations seek to work with marginalised groups to help them in finding markets for their products and give them a better life. Ethical trading, are businesses with a heart and morals around certain subjects. A Fair Trade business has to be ethical in everything they do, but an ethical company is not necessarily Fair Trade.

How can I help?

• Ask a lot of questions, look out for Fair Trade labels.
  
• If unsure of a companies policies, go to their website or call head office to get an answer before you buy.
  
• Buy better quality less often, not only will it be more stylish but it will last longer and reduce the masses of clothing going into landfill sites.
  
• Use techniques such as "swishing" the new swap shop phenomena.
  
• Read, read, read and educate yourself about the ethical world of fashion. A good start is Matilda Lee's Eco Chic: the Savvy Shopper's Guide to Ethical Fashion.