When you buy from Kasper Organics, you can trust that you are contributing to a healthy environment. Not just in ecological sense, but in the sense of working conditions for the people who make the organic cotton clothing industry a reality. I have been working with most of the below listed companies for 8+ yrs. and have found them to be the most caring and conscientious individuals, and that is reflected in the way they do business.
The following information was obtained by researching web sites and direct contact. My inquiry was not only about factory conditions, but I also asked what they knew about the farm workers conditions. So this profile also includes some comments in that area. Personally, this is one of my greatest concerns. I believe one of the most important contributions to the well being of our fellow humans that we can make thru the support of organic cotton and organic produce, is supporting farms where the workers do not have to be exposed to the toxic chemicals they would be on a conventional farm. And not only the people that work on the farms, but the people, including children, that live in the surrounding areas.
We are proud to work with the following companies in supporting sustainable organic farming pracitces, fair trade, respect for the natural environment and ecology and human rights. Environmental and social and economic justice are our priorities.
SOS From Texas:
The Oldham family has been growing cotton for over 100 years in Texas. Our grandfather broke out prairie grass to plant cotton in the rich soil. Grown and Processed, in Texas at a TDA certified family farm and a TDA (Texas Dept. of Agriculture) certified mill. Then the fabric is cut and sewn locally, providing jobs in the community, under the supervision of the Oldham family.
Maggie’s/Clean Clothes:
In contrast to the image of most garment producers who use non-US labor (and many even within the US) Maggie’s has helped to develop a worker owned sewing cooperative in a highly impoverished area of Nicaragua, giving women there an alternative to the sweat shops they were previously forced to work in. These women are now producing organic camisoles and tee shirts which Maggie’s from them, providing hope for the future of the whole community.
When we began Maggie’s in 1992, we contracted directly with the farmers, purchasing their crop directly, and running it through the spinning, knitting, finishing and sewing ourselves. This was very expensive, and as we were not production experts, it was really more than we could handle.
As we grew, and as the industry grew, we spent the next few years getting our farmers in touch with our spinners (and vice-versa). This enables us to purchase finished yarn from the spinners. The apparel industry being in such stress, we lost at least three spinners (they refused to spin OC anymore, etc.), and we had to scramble just to keep a source of supply. So more and more we lost contact with the farmers.
We're now trying to get back in touch with the farmers, but the spinners are at times charging to give us their info (understandably).
I can tell you that all of our socks and tees are made from US cotton, and all of the farmers I know growing Organic cotton are family-run US farms, so I am sure their conditions are acceptable. Our Cams are made from Peruvian cotton, and I do trust the spinner there, though I have not yet done farm visits. We are planning a visit in early ’04.
We're also now trying desperately to use some amazing quality Nicaraguan cotton, which is certified, is from a worker-owned cooperative, and the farmers are anxious to work with us. We have tried for a year, but haven't been able to get any spinners to spin it…this is all probably more info than you were looking for, but you raise a very good point, and I'm just trying to vent a bit of the frustration we have in trying to produce fair organic apparel.
Your questions make me realize even more how important this is, and I'm sorry I do not have definitive data for you.
Please feel free to call me to discuss further, or check back in March of ’04, when we should have more.
Regards,
Bená Burda for Maggie's Organics/Clean Clothes Inc.
Organic Essentials:
Made from certified organic cotton supplied the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative
Thirty families, many of whom are 3rd and 4th generation stewards of the land, who live on the High Plains of Texas, and farm cotton organically. In the fall of 1993, several producers made the commitment to each other and the organic cotton industry to create a stable and consistent supply of certified cotton fiber.
With it's cold winters and early frosts, the High Plains of Texas is an ideal area for raising organic cotton. The cold winters keep insect pressure low and early frosts naturally defoliate the plants, which is especially important since the cotton is grown using organic farming methods.
Blue Canoe:
Our business practices are based on a lifestyle committed to living lightly on the earth, following good sense rather than trends, supporting sustainability, recycling and non-chemical alternatives. We are a part of the Co-op America Business Network whose members pledge to conduct business in a way that addresses the needs of consumers, employees, our communities and the environment. We support our community by keeping the manufacturing process at home.
Oskri:
Oskri Organic cotton is organic Egyptian cotton. The cotton is picked by hand and spun without the use of any chemicals. The yarn is dyed using low impact dyes, without the use of heavy-metals. All accessories are made from natural materials. Buttons are made from nutshells, wood, or nickel-free metal parts.
Due to fair prices, a just income is assured for the cotton farmers and everyone else in the production process. The cultivation of cotton without pesticides or insecticides ensures the health of the people working on the cotton fields. The making of the garments is actually done in a workshop on the farm premises. The workshop is built to provide the best work environment for the makers of these garments. It is one of our main principles to provide an adequate work environment in regard to work space, air, light, working hours etc. Unlike conventional textile production, we use only real cotton threads, buttons made from wood, nutshells or similar materials.
Fair Trade A fair trade to us is a holistic approach, a challenge with the aim to establish a fair cooperation between the partners of the whole production process. The farmers that grow the organic cotton are guaranteed prices that are higher than a conventional crop.
Hempmania:
A selection of bags, packs, purses, coin purses, totes, hair scrunchies and more. This line is made in the highlands of Guatemala by a small family business who pays special attention to quality control. Hempmainia was formed in order to promote hemp through high quality hemp accessories. Hemp is gentle to the environment, strong, versatile and incredibly beautiful. I decided to start Osaj years ago after majoring in textiles and fashion design in college and then working in the garment district in new york city.. while in college we use to do lab work on different fabrics and fibers to learn more about them. i was shocked that while doing this lab work we often had to wear masks and gloves because the basic composition of most synthetic fibers and/or finishes are toxic. i didn't understand why there weren't more designers and textile developers that did not create more environmentally sound and healthier options to supply as far as textiles were concerned.
Osaj:
After working in the garment district in nyc I came to the conclusion that 7th/Fashion avenue was not for me. I wanted to try and start something small that I could manage on my own using organic cotton. I decided to go with organic cotton undergarments for several reasons. 1 - most people wear underwear. 2 - the styles do not change seasonally which means a consistent but growing line of garments that I could slowly develop. 3 - I felt introducing organic cotton in the form of underwear to the consumer would allow them to experience it for themselves in a very close and personal way.
without being to costly as compared to other articles of clothing. 4 - all doctors agree that 100% cotton underwear is the best so I figured why not make it even better and use organic. 5 - organic cotton has a huge beneficial impact on the environment. 6 - the amount of companies that produce finer 100% cotton undergarments is dwindling domestically as well as internationally. These are the main reasons though I could go on with more.
As far as the certification of our products we have been using organic cotton that is certified by the Texas department of agriculture though Cotton Plus when it was grown domestically and Skal certified when it was grown out of the country. Skal is a strict international certification that is based out of the Netherlands.
Our manufacturing facilities have so far all been domestic facilities which I have personally visited. All of these facilities have extremely fair and compensating labor practices.
Sunshine Au Naturel Mill:
Social Responsibility means to be conscious in the community where you reside in. Sunshine Au Naturel Mill, Inc. is located in Rural, USA. We employ 10 individuals involved in the manufacturing of Fine Organic Bed, Bath, Body, Home, Furniture, & Fabric. We buy the the raw organic cotton fiber locally here in Texas and begin by weaving and ending by sewing and distribution under one roof. In fact we are the only mill in the United States that could weave organically and make the finished product. Most organic fabric (organic certification questionably) and products are made oversees. I do not think that is socially responsibly. The cotton is grown here in West Texas. Of course the farms have fair labor conditions. That's the law, unlike oversees. At our mill we begin the day with a 15 minute yoga to ground ourselves. No one is allowed to smoke personally and wear perfumes to promote good health and well-being. We do not pay by the pieced but by the hour. We pay at compe titive hourly wages from $7/ hour and up
Sahara Organics:
Good Labor Practices
We are concerned about the ethical treatment of workers. You can rest assured that conditions are clean, workers are treated with kindness and are paid a living wage.
Clean Undies:
Sewn in Canada and Europe. No sweat shop labor.
Ecolution:
Statement of working conditions
Here at Ecolution/Pan World Traders, we firmly believe in fair trade. We have been doing business in Romania since 1990, and we developed our own factory there from the ground up in 1993. We have always dealt fairly and respectfully with our labor there. All of our employees are paid above average wages and have retirement pension benefits and health care coverage. We also ensure that they have non-toxic, safe, well heated, and well lit working conditions. Furthermore, they are given opportunities for advancement and are treated with respect. We are bringing these people jobs and are helping them to develop an ancient resource that they have been producing for millennia into a competitive industry for the future.
GladRags:
Concerned about the environment and wanting to work from home to be with her young daughter Emma, Brenda and a business partner started Keepers! Inc. in 1992. Inspired by her daughter's soft cotton diapers, Brenda decided to design and market GladRags Cloth Menstrual Pads.
GladRags was a home-based business until 1997. That year they moved into a light-filled warehouse in Portland's Albina Industrial District near the Willamette River. They share space with another local environmental company, Resource Revival, makers of high-end gifts and accessories from recycled bicycle parts (www.resourcerevival.com).
GladRags employs two full-time staff, a Portland sewing subcontractor, and a crew from Oregon Employment Ser 800-609-8593
Sahara Organics:
Good Labor Practices
We are concerned about the ethical treatment of workers. You can rest assured that conditions are clean, workers are treated with kindness and are paid a living wage.
