Whose hand cut the fabric and sewed the hem of your shirt?
Was the worker underpaid or justly compensated, overworked or
given ample break time?
Was the factory where it was sewn hot and crammed with
people? Did it have well-marked exits and ventilation?
Are the chemicals used to dye your jeans harmful to the
environment? How many gallons of water were used to fashion
one pair?
Where will that outfit go once it becomes too stained, faded
or outdated to wear?
Where and how clothes are made can be a mystery to those who
buy them. But the brands we support, how often we purchase
clothes and whether they're tossed or given away in the end
has a big impact on the environment and the lives of laborers
across the world.
Here are a few ways to cut down on wastefulness, protect the
environment and respect garment industry workers.
Try thrifting and consigning
This option is not only extremely affordable, you're able to
give new life to clothing, instead of sending it to a
landfill. Support thrift stores at Catholic churches, such as
the store at St. John the Beloved Church in McLean or at St.
William of York Church in Stafford. Consignment chains
Plato's Closet and Current Boutique offer gently used
clothing. Donate old wedding dresses to St. Anthony's Bridal
in Fairfax, which provides affordable dresses to
budget-conscious brides.
Research your brands
Not all clothing is created equal. Before stepping into a
mall, check out your favorite clothes companies.
Organizations such as Ethicaloo rate a company's
transparency, labor conditions and environmental impact. For
example, the popular Forever 21 scored extremely low, while
Levi's and Patagonia are two of the most highly rated brands
for jeans.
Splurge on eco-friendly and ethical clothing
When you have the time and money, look online at clothing
companies that put integrity first. Clothes that make a
positive impact on the world often cost more, but the
benefits are abundant. A list from Good
Trade suggests 35 fair trade alternatives to "fast
fashion," or clothing that is cheaply made, often at the cost
to the environment and the workers.
The list highlights companies that are upfront about where
and how their clothing is made, such as ZADY, Elegantees and
The Root Collective. One company, Krochet Kids, has their
employees - women from Uganda and Peru - sign each piece of
clothing they create. Locally, conscious consumers can shop
at Fair Trade Winds in the Mosaic District of Fairfax or
Trade Roots in Arlington.
Find a better home for old clothes
Try selling or donating clothes instead of tossing them in
the trash. If the items are unwearable, they can be turned
into rags or recycled. All H&M stores have a garment
collecting service where they take back clothing to be
recycled, often offering a discount on your next purchase.
Many thrift stores such as Goodwill salvage unwearable
clothes to private recyclers. Visit the Council for
Textile Recycling to find a location that accepts old
clothes near you. The website Free Cycle connects you to
people in your area who are giving away clothing or other
items. Host a clothing swap party among your friends.
Learn more and spread the word
Abuses in the garment industry happen all the time. Pay
attention to your usual news sources. Like or follow sites
such as Ethical
Fashion Forum on social media to see articles pertaining
to ethical clothing. Read online magazines such as A Better Place for
stories on pajama stores that employs victims of human
trafficking or the best apps for buying and selling used
clothes.
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII advocated for the right of workers in
his encyclical "Rerum Novarum," (on capital and labor.)
Likewise, Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si,'
on Care for Our Common Home," spoke of the importance of
protecting the earth, for its sake and our own.
The way we choose our clothes can honor both of these
invaluable Catholic teachings.
Di Mauro can be reached at zdimauro@catholicherald.com or on
Twitter @zoeydimauro.