Small shops around your hometown will usually feature handmade goods done by
a few artisans or guild. Clothing stores
may often still be filled with larger labels that do use sweatshops, so continue
to check clothing tags. If your hometown
isn’t big on the local handcrafts, keep an eye out for street festivals and
craft fairs. These feature dozens if not
hundreds of artists that may specialize in weaving, sewing, cloth dying, and
other textile skills. Originality of
design and a higher standard of quality is often the norm in these places and
prices are still reasonable. Exploring
them is a great weekend activity and a great break from a stuffy mall.
Cum Grano Salus (With a Grain of Salt)
Few people have the time, energy, and convenience to
purchase a fully sweatshop free wardrobe.
Having an "All or Nothing" type attitude isn’t the focus, being more
aware and helping out in the small ways you can is! Scale back that mall
shopping a bit, look at used clothing stores a bit more, and make an occasional
purchase (if possible) at a non-sweatshop label you like. Going about an ordinary task, such as buying
a new t-shirt, shouldn’t have to send you on a guilt trip that you are
helplessly supporting unjust sweatshop labor. Also, make sure to tell your
friends and family about your new clothing inclination to prevent getting a gift
card or garment from a sweatshop company. By starting small and putting your money where
your heart is, you can help take a stand against sweatshop labor and shop with
your conscience fully intact.