The recent garment factory fires in Bangladesh have put a spotlight on ethical clothing practices. Even though Bangladesh is a world away from where we live, our worlds are very much intertwined. Many of the big brand clothing we buy here, is manufactured over there and in other overseas countries—for a fraction of the cost of manufacturing closer to home. Workers are not always treated fairly and working conditions are almost always poor. So this has many of us wondering: how we can be more mindful when buying clothing?
Eco-friendly clothing is not a new concept. It has been around for quite a while but isn’t in the mainstream for many reasons—the big one being cost. Eco-friendly clothing is not cheap for many reasons—the main ones being because they are manufactured ethically in exchange for fair wages and because of the superior quality of the eco-frienbdly materials making up the garments. These costs trickle down to the consumer and even though we end up paying more, what we are rewarded with is clothing that has been manufactured in an ethical facility, clothing that is manufactured with quality materials, and clothing that ultimately will last longer.
Now, about that cost thing—it’s something you can’t really escape if you want to “green” your wardrobe unless you do some digging. But, great news, I’ve done the digging for you and found some brands that are ethical, stylish, and a little more budget friendly than most. Remember though, the point is not to boycott clothing made in these overseas countries, the point is to be more mindful of how your clothes are being made. Three of the five manufacturers below manufacture their clothing in foreign countries, but their workers are treated and paid fairly and the companies have programs that give back to the communities.
Even if you can only buy one or two pieces at a time, it’s better than not making that all-important vote with your dollar.
Short Sleeve Colour Block Dress, $38, mimi mioche
It’s hard to spend big bucks on clothing that will only fit a child for a small amount of time. However, if you are looking for ethical and eco-friendly clothing for your kids, check out mini mioche. All of mimi mioche’s clothing is organic, eco-friendly, and manufactured here in Canada.
Of course, recycling kids clothing is another great option. Try taking advantage of hand-me-downs, rummage sales, clothing swaps, and even children’s consignment stores. Also, check out brand listings on Good Guide
Bali Bamboo 5 in 1 Dress, $79.99, Me to We Style
Shuswap Mock-Neck Zip-up, $59.99, Me to We Style
The Canadian company, Me to We Style was launched in 2005 by Oliver Madison, Craig and Marc Kielburger. The Kielburgers, of course, are founders of the charitable organization Free the Children and Me to We.
Me to We Style's mission is to provide sweatshop-free apparel for the socially-conscious consumer. Fifty per cent of their profits go directly to the Free the Children charity and for every piece of Me to We Style apparel purchased, Free the Children plants a tree.
For more him and her options, check out prAna.
Metallic Tweed Women's Wedges, $80, TOMS
When I think of eco-friendly shoes, the first brand I think of is TOMS. Even though TOMS products are made overseas, they take great strides to ensure they are manufactured ethically and they give back through various programs. TOMS makes shoes for the entire family and the collection is reasonably priced.
Ravenna Recycled Rubber Tote Bag, $98, Alchemy Goods
Alchemy Goods produces really cool and unique upcycled products from used advertising banners and reclaimed inner tubes. Their products are manufactured in Seattle, Washington and can be found at various stores across Canada.
Do you have a favourite eco-friendly apparel, shoe, or accessory brand?
Printer-friendly version