Supporting the entire Supply Chain - Cotton Farmers

Learn more about the fashion industry doesn't tell you and how we can't have environmental justice without social justice.

As some may say "retail consumerism has created an appetite for disposable clothing due to the influence of the fast fashion business model."

Due to this "throw away" mindset consumers have fallen under a viscous cycle of buy something today and throw it out the next day, causing a demand for more and more clothes. With that the cotton farmers in the fast fashion industry are struggling to keep up. To even have a slight chance in producing enough cotton they are practically forced to use pesticides to increase productivity. Not only does this affect the eco systems around there but also the farmer's financial stability (which is usually not the greatest to begin with).

Did you know that every 30 minutes a cotton farmer commits suicide due to financial struggles?

It's scary isn't it? But that is just the beginning. Let's take a closer look at other ares of the fast fashion industry causing physical harm to their employees.

Dyeing: Over 8000 heavily toxic chemicals are used to turn the raw material into clothing. Workers are at direct risk of deadly diseases as they come in contact with these chemicals on a day to day basis. For example blue jeans are made by extensive uses of chemical dyes. These workers develop several diseases almost inevitably because of this.

Working Conditions: In 2013 the unspeakable happened... the Rana Plaza building collapse. This collapse killed thousands of garment workers and severely injured many. Many people thought this would be the "final straw" but it wasn't. The conditions continued to impact the worker's lives physically, mentally, and sexually and still are today. They are abused on a daily basis, have long working hours, and don't get the pay they deserve.

As you can see fighting for climate justice also means fighting for social and racial justice. While a new shirt may be worth it to you think about the cost that lies deeper - because someone somewhere is paying.