Why fashion made in “developing countries” can also be an act of ethical commitment?

The situation we are all facing makes us think about the world after this Coronavirus. Are we going to go back to our consuming habits or will there be deep changes? After Covid will it be more responsible? Greener? More united? 

In such an unforeseen situation, it is very difficult to anticipate the future…

However, we all have realized the limits of globalization of all exchanges ; whether they are commercial, monetary or physical (travels). The rise of nationalism is obvious, which has good effects and lesser good effects. 

Real solidarity will be required to restore the economy by consuming local goods and supporting small retailers.

 

But there are also many other ways to consume ethically…
Moreover, there is no definition of this consumption since it depends on the values of each person.

 

 

All industries are different but in this article we are going to focus on the textile industry. Textile industry was almost completely outsourced in developing countries when we needed to produce a lot at a very low cost. 

This critical time we are experiencing is showing us the limits of this ultra globalized and interdependent system.

But, because I know very well the situation in India in our case, and being myself confined in this country, I can assure you that all the countries are suffering from this situation.

Consequences are actually much more tragic in the developing countries because they are unfortunately not helped by their governments.

To go back to India for example, there are already almost 10 million people who lost their jobs since the beginning of confinement.

It is mostly due to cancellation or postponement of orders in production by big brands like H&M, Inditex, Marks & Spencer, Kiabi… which are causing bankruptcy of many companies in these countries.

In Bangladesh, according to a Forbes Magazine’s study, around 72% international buyers refuse to pay the price of the fabrics purchased before the crisis for their production. And 91% refuse to pay for the confection labor, which leads to bankruptcy of their suppliers.

So yes, it is true that there are many abuses in these countries, yes modern slavery still exists and textile industry is always pointed out for theses reasons. 

 

It is also true that it is easy to get lost with the massive greenwashing of some companies.

Cf : Campaign denouncing greenwashing by We dress fair

 

 

But, should we turn our back to these countries when they need our help the most?

After all, we were the ones who asked them to mass produce for our consumption. And it is also us, through our consumption, who encourage brands to offer us products which are always cheaper.
And, it is to the detriment of their health and their environment that our clothes are produced.

Moreover, many raw materials like cotton do not grow in our countries. Whether we want it or not, we will stay dependent on other countries in the textile industry.
When it comes to fashion and textiles, we have a huge range of possibilities. There are artisans with incredible ancestral skills, farmers producing the raw materials who are very proud to carry on their work and traditions.

At Fibre Bio, adventure and our passion for textiles and natural dyes has started in India and we are proud of it. This country is full of textile treasures and the meetings we have been having since 2015 are so enriching.

We work with artisans and industrials who all have in common the deep desire to work in an ethical way, while respecting the environment.

Ethical fashion is evolving and is making people talking about it more and more and IT IS GOOD! We must continue to talk about it and encourage brands who are developing their products in this way.

Because it is by making our needs evolving towards good quality and well made products that we encourage this industry to change its production methods.

Consuming ethically is above all consuming products that respect social and environmental criterias where they are produced.

Do not be fooled by Greenwashing which is unfortunately still too much used, but take your time to choose to consume well. 

After all, if there is one thing we must keep from this situation… is that we must know how to take our time.

 

 

#Timehascome to act for change by consuming in a responsible manner.

Good luck and let’s stay united.

Laura

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources :

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookerobertsislam/2020/03/30/the-true-cost-of-brands-not-paying-for-orders-during-the-covid-19-crisis/#6c9c2505ccc9
• https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/major-apparel-brands-delay-cancel-orders-in-response-to-pandemic-risking-livelihoods-of-millions-of-garment-workers-in-their-supply-chains
• https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/art/2020/apr/24/the-future-is-handmadeinindia-crafts-council-of-india-launches-new-social-media-campaign-24344.html-
• https://ethique-sur-etiquette.org/