I want you to feel comfortable buying from Kasper
Organics, knowing 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 industry a
reality. I have been working with most of the below
listed companies for 5+ 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.
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.
