How to Know Which Brands Are Truly Ethical
“Ethical” is a buzzword in our world today. Many companies are striving to create more ethical clothing lines within their brands, which can have influence in the world of sustainable fashion. However, it is of utmost importance to truly understand what it means to be ethical in order to recognize when a company truly lives up to the ethical practices it claims to abide by.
When it comes to conscious consumerism, it is critical to look at not just environmental impacts, but social impacts as well. Oftentimes, a brand will advertise itself as “ethical” after making an eco-friendly decision. This is a type of greenwashing, which is when a company claims to make environmentally friendly decisions when in reality, they are only openly talking about the environment in order to appeal to a specific audience. Making a few “green” decisions doesn’t make a brand ethical; companies must seriously and holistically consider the environmental and social effects of its production. The social impact takes a deeper look at how the person who made the product was treated.
Fast fashion has created 52 micro-seasons within a year. This means that various companies aim to release a new collection each week. Ultimately, this enables a subconscious mindset that tells us that we cannot keep up with trends as they change 50+ times a year and this motivates us to dispose of clothing and shop more frequently.
Today, we are far removed from how our clothing is made. We don’t see the hands that sew our shirts or the fingers that place the buttons on each garment. This can cause us to be detached from the products we regularly consume. Ethical consumerism draws us back to that connection between consumer and creator. One helpful question to ask yourself when you buy anything new is this: Who created this product and how were they treated?
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”
In order to find out for yourself if the person who made your product was treated fairly, here are some resources at your disposal! “Good On You” exists to gain an understanding of how ethical a company truly is. On their website, you can search your favorite brands and see how they treat both their employees and the environment. Additionally, it is beneficial to buy from companies that are “Fair Trade Certified” or “B-Corp Certified.” Companies that fall under these certifications are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions that affect their workers, consumers and more. In addition to these resources, there are certain steps you can take that will help you be a more ethical shopper.
The following are important to think about while shopping.
Where was the garment made? If a garment was made locally, the journey that it made from the hands of the person who made it to you is much shorter. Smaller companies are more aware of the process that got the product to you and are more likely to be transparent about that process. Even if a company is far away from you, they may benefit their communities by providing jobs with fair wages and ethical practices. One way to look into this is to check out the company's website and see if they are open about their standards and treatment of employees.
Is this company transparent about their practices? If a company chooses to withhold information about the treatment of its employees, this is a red flag. It is necessary for brands to provide evidence rather than vague claims when it comes to their own ethical practices.
Do I know who made this item? Again, transparency is key. Knowing who created the item reminds you that there is a human being behind each article of clothing. If a company is transparent enough to say exactly who made the item, they likely care for their employees and create a healthy working environment for them as well. Known Supply, for example, is one company that openly states who made each item by having the person who made it sign the tag.
Were those involved in getting this product to me paid fairly? Low prices may be enticing, however, it is important to recognize that this may be at the expense of the wages of the human beings behind the product. Something to keep in mind is that your dollar expresses your support for a company. So, if a company is actively getting clothing mass distributed from sweatshops, those who make the clothing may not be paid fair wages. By choosing to spend your dollar elsewhere, you are able to support practices that value human beings.
As you work towards becoming a more conscious consumer, remind yourself that perfection isn’t the goal. You can also take a look at the Dressember Ethical Fashion Directory to find some of our favorite ethical brands!
"We don't need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." - Anne Marie Bonneau. This goes for ethical shopping as well. It doesn’t take perfection; it takes effort.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.