How to Buy Clothes and Electronics Ethically
Buying Clothes and Electronics Ethically
It's a calm, relaxing afternoon when you scroll on social media and see the perfect accessory on an "influencer" that you have to have. And, it's only $14.99!
Sadly, that minimal impact on your account, likely came at a large mental, emotional, and physical cost to someone else's livelihood. Throughout this post, we'll explain the process behind manufacturing, how to seek more transparency from supply chains, and how marketing or branding can often mask the dark side of production. We'll walk you through active observations and decisions you can make to start buying clothes and electronics ethically.
Consumerism and Wanting vs. Needing
Consumer appetites for wanting material items versus actually needing them continues to grow. With innovation advancing rapidly and fashion seasons cycling quickly, the brands producing our goods often churn out items with margins that suit their financial forecasts, but that aren't necessarily reflective of sustainable practices. It's not uncommon for a powerhouse fast fashion brand to partner with influencers, paying them thousands to promote their brand. In turn, to balance their finances, they pay outsourced, overseas factory workers mere cents for long days of laborious work, in often deplorable and inhumane conditions.
How do you assess and justify the value of the very clothing sitting on your back at this moment? What about your work outfit for tomorrow, or the cost of your phone, smartwatch, TV?
The simplest answer is that it's all relative to our personal finances. But what if you had more transparency and knew the lifecycle of your desired goods? Aside from the beautiful fabrics and design, or handy functionality of your latest gadgets, what price would you put on the labour involved?
The Business Side
During our purchase intent, we rarely think of the manufacturing process behind the scenes. Instead, brands and companies tactfully ensure the presentation, final product, packaging and design create the value of your soon-to-be purchase. More often than not, as consumers, we overlook what cost went into our final goods, including human cost.
Here's what's important to know:
The money spent getting the brand in front of your eyes is marketing spend. Often, paying a certain price for clothing, that money is then recycled and put back into more ad spend. In turn, supply chain costs and materials are often compromised to increase profits.
Our tip! Don't just fall for surface-level appearances, like beautiful packaging and branding. Research the brand, and check for these signs we provide below.
Steps for Ethical Clothing Shopping
6 Steps for Ethical Clothing and Garment Shopping
You likely have a few favourite brands you shop at specifically, or love to browse their latest collections for fun.
Did you know you can check how sustainable and ethically made their clothing is manufactured?
1. Familiarise yourself with Baptist World Aid's nonprofit Guide to Ethical Shopping. They assess and score the largest brands on the market based on their supply chain and labour rights management, using 44 specific criteria.
2. Look for tags or symbols indicating sustainable efforts:
The Better Cotton Initiative is a worldwide organisation aimed at better farming practices when it comes to cotton. See how they certify cotton farmers or partners here.
B Corp Certified certification requires companies to pass a series of checks that establish a company does good, balancing purpose and profit. Read their requirements and guidelines here.
Check "Made in..." labels, such as "Made in Australia" or "Made in New Zealand," although there can still be foul play. Beware that many brands may try to pass off "Designed in...," which is different.
3. Check this Ethical Shopping Guide for a quick skim into the products and brands you buy. You can also see Good on You for updates on popular brands, including many carried by The Iconic.
4. Look at Ethical Clothing Australia to see how compliant textile, clothing, and footwear are measured or qualify for their certification, and which brands have been verified. ECA ensures supply chain and legal transparency.
5. Research a company's sustainability report and supply chain transparency. Brands with high standards of ethical practices will likely:
Prepare yearly reports, making them easily accessible and transparent for their consumers.
Provide exact information, like pictures of their factories, locations, and proof of routine audits or checks to ensure no workers is at harm or child labour is not utilised.
Some examples of brands doing this well are two American brands: Everlane and Reformation. Our Aussie favourites includes Nudie Jeans, Witchery, Spell, Nobody Denim, and Afends.
6. Support small, local businesses or secondhand goods.
Local jewellery makers, furniture designers, and other artisan trades are made by a dedicated, hard working locals who knows their craft. Ask about their sourcing and labour, but it's most likely they are the majority of their supply chain. Supporting local often supports initiatives like Buy from the Bush, which supports rural farms across Australia, or Spend With Them, which supports communities affected by bushfires, drought, or COVID-19.
Two Steps for Ethical Electronics Buying
2 Steps for Ethical Electronics Buying
Electronics can be tricky to buy ethically, because they're a more complex purchase. Fortunately, Greenpeace and a few other organisations put together report cards and research into many of the major manufacturers we use.
Familarise yourself with the Guide to greener electronics. Although last updated a few years ago, it can be used as a soft basis for purchases, or for advocating your favourite brand to do more when it comes to caring for the workers and the environment.
Try the electronics section of the Ethical Shopping Guide provided above, and check your preferred electronics brands. If you question the scoring or rating, inquire individually with each brand, or perform some searches on the supply chain transparency.
While we understand it's a tall order to abandon all our favourite products and services from many of the brands we love, taking small steps and changes is a start. In the meantime, the more we each demand our favourite brands to uphold high standards of ethics, provide supply chain transparency, and commit to actual, not artificial corporate social responsibility, it's ideal to start practicing these tips.
The more consumers care about the sourcing and supplying of their goods, the more brands will eventually evolve into ethical brands. We've come a long way from decades ago, but we still have room to improve. Pledge to start shopping more ethically today.
Two additional, immediate steps you can take today is to:
Share this information with family and friends.
Write to your favourite brands to voice your concern for labour rights and share your desire for more transparency.
Written by Denise Rick - One of our valued volunteers