It's Not Only Fair, It Makes Sense

The word "organic" has become much more common in the past 10 years.  It's not just a term we hear in science class anymore; it's become a dealbreaker for many in their shopping habits.  One of my best friends is not a pure organic shopper, but she does carry around a list of items in her purse that must be bought organic, the "dirty dozen" she calls them.  Following this very justified trend in food shopping comes one for fashion that just makes sense: fair trade clothing, which, I might add, is often organic.

Because fair trade is a newer trend in fashion, shopping for style is a little more difficult, but it's not impossible.  Several clothing companies have been founded with a premise to provide the latest trends produced from fair trade cotton and in factories with fair wages, but this isn't the only goal of the fair trade agreement.  Most of these companies give a percentage of their profits back to the communities where their factories are located to promote education and social well-being among their workers and their families.  In a world whose people are becoming more socially aware of their effect on others and their lives, this idea makes perfect sense.  One of my favorite and probably the most notable fair trade clothing company is People Tree in the United Kingdom.  Their pieces are sensible and stylish, and they offer a line by Emma Watson (Hermione from the Harry Potter Series), who is also a model and style icon.  If you're set on buying fair trade, but don't want to compromise on style at all, People Tree is the place to shop.

With the elimination of sweatshops and minimal wages for workers, the higher cost of production in fair trade clothing can also mean higher prices, as seen in some People Tree designs.  However, one American company has also found ways to avoid raising prices. Fair Indigo, instituted by a former Army paratrooper from Knoxville, Tenn. removes the middle men in production and distribution to keep prices low for consumers.  Along with their incredibly reasonable prices and fair wages for clothiers, this company built its first store entirely with eco-friendly products: bamboo floors and shelves, wood pulp lined walls, and bamboo clothes hangers.  Their clothes don't scream style and are less likely than those of People Tree to give you a runway look, but they're sensible and ethical.

Though it may take some time before we'll find fair trade fashion at our local department stores and designer shops, we can at least try to add some of these items to our wardrobe.  I'm hoping that just as my friend carries her organic list, we can all do something of this sort regarding fair trade shopping, making sure to add a graphic tee or pima cotton dress made by well-compensated hands in a safe and healthy environment.

If you're really interested in this movement, I've provided some links below for more information about fair trade organizations and foundations.

• Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
• Indigenous Designs: Fair Trade Clothing
• "Fair Trade Fashion" Article from TIME Magazine
• The Fairtrade Foundation