Ignorance is Bliss. Or is it?

Where does our clothing come from?

Recently there has been some devastating news in the media about a clothing factory collapse in Bangladesh.  Through this story, many Australians, for the first time, have come to realise the devastating reality that many of the clothes we buy are made in factories like this one – where there are unrealistic demands placed on workers, no health and safety measures in place, workers being underpaid, and what’s more workers lives being placed at risk everyday for the benefit of company cost cutting. 

What many in the Western world don’t know is that this incident is not the first of its kind to have occurred.  In November of last year more than 100 people were killed from a fire in another Bangladesh garment factory¹.  Only six weeks prior to this there was yet another fire at the Ali Enterprises factory in Pakistan that killed nearly 300 workers.  Sadly, only a week ago another fire was reported in a factory in Bangladesh killing 8². 

  1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/27/bangladesh-factory-fire-started-believe

  2. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/09/us-bangladesh-fire-idUSBRE94801T20130509

These incidents are a stark reminder of the reality of the unjust supply chains producing our consumer goods.  And as consumers of these products, this issue is one that does not just affect the families and workers on the other side of the world, but all of us.  When we purchase these products we become part of this chain.  Ignorance is no longer acceptable.  We are now more aware then ever that people just like you and me are given little choice but to work in these difficult, unnecessary, unreasonable, and arguably corrupt conditions just to provide for their families.  Not only are their chances for a better life being taken away from them, but it is being done for our ‘benefit’.  How can we enjoy our riches knowing it is at the cost of someone’s life?

You may argue that as consumers we can do little to change things - but our actions can make a difference.  As consumers we too have a role to play, and our voices can put pressure on corporations and governments to make the changes they need to ensure a better working life for our garment makers. When we choose to knowingly purchase an item that has been made in these unjust conditions we are endorsing such practices. The more pressure we place on these corporations though petition and the power of our buying dollar the more incentive we give them and the whole apparel industry to move toward lasting change.

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So how can we do this?

Firstly, there are two petitions you can give your name to which calls corporations to sign the 'Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement' – a huge first step toward change! 

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/primarkjobs-mango-matalan-ensure-safety-for-workers-compensate-victims-of-building-collapse

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/crushed_to_make_our_clothes_ss/?bOzgMbb&v=24793

Secondly, do your research to find out whether the clothes you are buying are made fairly and make the choice to purchase from companies who are ethically sound. There is a website you can go to called Chain Store Reaction http://chainstorereaction.com/ where you can search through stores and brands to find out about their ethical practices and standards.  If there is a company you want to learn more about that isn't listed why not write directly to them? You can use the website's template letter or write your own.  Ask the company to be clear about where and how their products are made, what regulations are in place, and whether they are serious about the ethical production of their goods.

Lastly, you can purchase your clothing direct from certified fair-trade companies. Search for these companies online using google, or through the fair trade directories listed on this blog.  Better yet, why not search for organisations that make their clothes right here in Australia!

http://www.ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au/home/home

http://www.fairtraders.org.au/

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There is power in the collective, and together our choices can make a difference.  So be part of the movement for change – sign the petitions demanding transformation of the Bangladesh garment industry, and where you can buy products that you know have been ethically made.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” - Helen Keller

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The following articles provide more information about the Bangladesh factory collapse and fires:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/may/03/bangladesh-factory-collapse-rethink-garment-industry

http://www.npr.org/2013/05/01/180103898/foreign-factory-audits-profitable-but-flawed-business

http://peppermintmag.com/tragedy-in-bangladesh/

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/09/us-bangladesh-fire-idUSBRE94801T20130509