The Sweatshop Conundrum
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No one wants to admit they buy things made in sweatshops. But these days, it's almost impossible to avoid doing it, as even brands you think are safe are anything but.
That timeless Burberry trench? If it's new, it was made in China.
Your new iPhone? Also China.
And don't even think about your Levi's, Reeboks, Pumas or North Face ski jacket. All made somewhere no doubt 'benefiting' from multi-nationals coming in and taking advantage of developing countries looking for a way up.
Fortunately, many of the worst offenders have more or less succumbed to public pressure, raised salaries to a 'living wage' (from £1.10 a day to £1.35) and improved working conditions (no more 19 hour days, with required breaks every six hours). Supposedly people die on the job less frequently these days.
OK, admittedly, I'm not an expert in this field, but I know that sweatshops aren't good for the environment, local economies or human rights.
However, now that I'm pregnant, I'm in a fix. My wearage window is short, and I need two pairs of jeans. Can I justify two pairs of Paige Denim (made in the U.S.A.) at £150 a pop? Not so easily, but I can certainly justify one. The other pair is coming from Gap (on sale for £29.99).
And suddenly I find myself running to H&M, stocking up from Old Navy (with creative shipping from the U.S.), and hitting Blooming Marvellous with no regard for globalisation.
Does this make me the worst of all (decaf) latte activists - one who cares only when it helps justify those new post-pregnancy Bally shoes (made in Italy)?
Your new iPhone? Also China.
And don't even think about your Levi's, Reeboks, Pumas or North Face ski jacket. All made somewhere no doubt 'benefiting' from multi-nationals coming in and taking advantage of developing countries looking for a way up.
Fortunately, many of the worst offenders have more or less succumbed to public pressure, raised salaries to a 'living wage' (from £1.10 a day to £1.35) and improved working conditions (no more 19 hour days, with required breaks every six hours). Supposedly people die on the job less frequently these days.
OK, admittedly, I'm not an expert in this field, but I know that sweatshops aren't good for the environment, local economies or human rights.
However, now that I'm pregnant, I'm in a fix. My wearage window is short, and I need two pairs of jeans. Can I justify two pairs of Paige Denim (made in the U.S.A.) at £150 a pop? Not so easily, but I can certainly justify one. The other pair is coming from Gap (on sale for £29.99).
And suddenly I find myself running to H&M, stocking up from Old Navy (with creative shipping from the U.S.), and hitting Blooming Marvellous with no regard for globalisation.
Does this make me the worst of all (decaf) latte activists - one who cares only when it helps justify those new post-pregnancy Bally shoes (made in Italy)?
Here Is The Writer : Sarah Western
Sarah Western Balzer is the managing director of HITC Life and is always on the hunt for reader-writers, so if you're one, make yourself known (sarah.western@hereisthecity.com). Sarah's other job is running a business that helps expats with lifestyle relocation, and is always on the hunt for clients, so - you guessed it: www.arrivalslimited.com. Sarah moved to London five years ago from New York but is originally from Florida, and still suntans like it's 1989. She is so grateful to the banker who introduced her to Here Is The City that she married him, and they live in Wapping with their son.
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