Did you know that your shopping habits and tendencies may be preventing innumerable workers from accessing justice and basic working conditions? Find out more about the connection between fashion and Social Justice by clicking here.
So how can you avoid this? How can you shop in a way that supports the ethical treatment of all lives involved in making what you wear? Here are a few ways you can help the cause of social justice by shopping better!
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to go ahead and ask questions about where your garment came from, who made it or even about the working conditions they were made in. A great way to be fully aware of what you buy is to buy local. Not only will there be more transparency but also a ton of interaction that’s easily possible with a local team as opposed to an international one.
Say No To Fashion Derived From Endangered Species (Or Any Animals)
The direct effect of animal-derived fashion falls on the animals themselves, who are often slaughtered in the most heinous ways and bred in inhumane conditions. But what often goes unnoticed is also how the human force behind these animal-derived products undergo a heavy psychological toll from the working conditions related to animal-derived products. From being exposed to innumerable toxic chemicals to mental trauma, factory workers go through harsh working conditions that can be avoided if we start small by avoiding these products.
Avoid Brands That Aren’t Inclusive
Social justice has a lot to do with the lack of inclusivity when it comes to people of colour, different races or even gender identities. Make sure the brand you buy from follows a fair, just and inclusive set of ethos and that the same is reflected in their production and people processes.
Following one of these or all these steps can help you buy better and prevent many garment workers from going through conditions of social or environmental injustice.