Fairtrade fabrics?

Rasika

I would like to make sure that my shopping in India benefits the people behind all the work. I don't think the cheap stuff one buys off Janpath will really help the cotton growers or metal workers make a living.

Does anyone know which outfits are fairtrade?

I tend to buy things at co-ops like Co-optex and APCO when I can. But what about the state emporia? Are they fairtrade or do they fleece farmers and artisans as well? I assume Anokhi and FabIndia are more socially conscious, but that just be good marketing.

You may all have heard about several suicides amongst cotton growers in India a few years back, due to financial squeeze. I haven't heard about any recently - I am hoping the sitution has improved.

Thanks for any info.

machadinha

I don't think these guys see it as within their scope to provide comprehensive lists of specific fair-or-not companies globally (itself often subject to debate in any case); still, they could be a good place to start your enquiries and maybe they can help you further: Clean Clothes Campaign.

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federica

Buying at coops is a good start. Everything that you can buy directly tends to be more fair. If the cotton would be organic even better. (For the farmers and for you).

There is an international standard for fairtrade clothes: "Global Organic Textile Standard“ (GOTS)

About organic and fairtrade cotton produced in India, you can read here:http://www.remei.ch/en/biore.html

Another project I know is "ASSISI Garments Apparels", a women project in South India producing and exporting fair trade fashion.

It's a very interesting topic!

martinez

Khadi bhavan retail outlets in all major Indian cities appear to promote "fair trade"policy,hand loom fabrics and handmade crafts at reasonable prices. Fab India has a promotion policy that would suggest that its producers are taken care of,but given its meteoralogical expansion one may chose to question that claim.
Of coarse,the individual must then question his or her own motives and moreover that of capitalism and consumerism.
Probably the most famous of all men said"Take nothing with you exept the clothes you are wearing and a pair of sandals"..No it was not Mahatma Gandi,although it is the sort of thing he might have said.
Fairtrade,unfortunately has become just another way for the unscrupulous to get more money.
I was in a shopping centre today having a piss, and above each urinal was a sign telling the user how environmentaly friendly the management were by having automatically flushing urinals..Hey, stop right where you are!! Before you built your shopping centre in this place it was a green field supporting all manner of micro and macro organisms. Get my drift?
The world has more greedy,selfish people in it than is safe.

federica

hm... but isn't it better to buy fair trade products or go shopping in an more environmental friendly shopping center (with eco toilets ) than buying just anything maybe not so fair in a building that consumes too much energy and water....

I do understand what you mean, but as long as we are not living with one set of clothes only, let them be fairtrade and green...

Rasika

I confess I find the Khadhi Bhavans somewhat dreary! And their quality doesn't seem too good. I wish they got their marketing sorted.

I too prefer organic cotton, Federica. It seems easier to find organic Indian cotton here in Europe than in India though. I think FabIndia has organic soaps and food products.

Thanks for the links, I will look through them and see what practical suggestions I can find.

Khans

I have been to KGU, thats Kumaon Grameen Udyog, visited their Kashya lake weaving center (Nainital District), was satisfied to see their set up, and the system of community participation.
They do visit Delhi on the occasion of Dastkar mela at Dilli Haat.
Their product is also marketed by FabIndia and other big "socially conscious" brands at a huge profit margin.

I still feel we have a long way to go in this Fairtrade.

martinez

Fair comment !

Like so many other good and honourable ideas, fairtrade has been highjacked by the unscrupulous,resulting in the consumer being mugged because he/she wishes to make an intelligent ,caring choice.. Sad world..