Recently we ambushed Oxford Street shoppers for a survey on ethical shopping. But as we pounded the pavements of central London we found lots of shoppers asking us the same questions. Why should we care about sweatshops? What are they? Shouldnt people be grateful for any work they can get? If they werent working in a sweatshop wouldnt the workers be worse off? How can we change things? The answers are not always clear-cut, but we hope that this outline guide will bust a few myths about sweatshop workers, owners and customers.
What is a sweatshop anyway?
The word sweatshop described a nineteenth century system where subcontractors sweated out profits from the difference between the price of their product and the wages they paid. In the 21st Century the system is still thriving.
Sweatshops are generally defined as workplaces exploiting manual labourers. This refers to wages that are below the cost of living, dangerous working conditions and arbitrary discipline such as physical and verbal abuse. A typical example is the Nike factories in Indonesia, which according to the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) report in March 2002, paid its workers so little they cannot afford to have their children living with them.
The factory also refuses to buy their workers protective equipment. Ironically employees making Nikes state-of- the-art trainers may lose their own feet because the factory will not provide them with strong shoes to safeguard them from the heavy machinery they work with.
Why do people work in Sweatshops?
Because they have no other choice. Companies take their factories to areas where wages are low and there is less emphasis on workers rights. The cost of living may be less then in developed nations, but the minimum wage of these countries does not even cover this. Countries such as China are particularly attractive, not just for their low wages but also because of their repressive apparatus and corporate secrecy, which make human rights hard to patrol. In a Chinese factory contracting for Disney, workers were threatened or intimidated to ensure they would falsify their work records and lie to any groups who arrived to monitor working conditions (CCC report February 2001). Foreign-owned companies keep their costs down by not having sick pay, pension insurance or maternity leave. If workers demand better pay, or if demand dries up the company has no difficulty in packing up and leaving the country leaving employees destitute.
Isnt it better then unemployment?
The only answer to this is why should there only be two choices? Multinational clothing companies spend literally millions of pounds on advertising and paying their CEO each year- surely some of this money could be spent paying workers enough so they can buy basic necessities?
Sweatshops are all in the Third World ? right?
No. According to Sweatshop Watch 98% of garment workers in Los Angeles have health and safety problems, which could lead to serious injury or even death. These include bad ventilation, overcrowded factories which are a fire risk and unsanitary bathrooms. 63% of New York factories violate minimum wage and overtime restrictions. The majority of workers in the US garment industry are immigrant women and many are verbally or even physically abused and intimidated if they speak out. They can also be threatened with deportation. In 2002 the GMB found in two weeks at least three sweatshops operating in the East End of London. Less than minimum wage, transgression of health and safety regulations and excessive hours were all cited.
How low is low?
For Nike workers in Indonesia one chicken costs more then a days wages. Childrens cough medicine is 121% of a basic daily wage and you would have to save 4 days wages to buy a pair of jeans.
But what can the companies do - if they put up their prices to pay wages, sales will fall and so will jobs?
The Chief Executive of The Gap in 1999 earned in excess of $7,000,000 - yes, seven million dollars a year -according to Sweatshop Watch, while the average worker in China would be paid just 23 cents-an-hour. The answer doesnt seem to hard- ask the CEO to take a small pay cut. If this seems unfair perhaps the answer is to cut the advertising budget. Global Exchange says Nike spends $560million on advertising, that means if it spent 2% less it could bring the whole of its Vietnamese workers wages up to a living wage, as requested by Vietnamese Labour Watch.
Cant we just boycott these companies?
For most of us the knee-jerk reaction is to stop buying products made by sweat or child labour. But according to NGOs and The International Labour Organisation (ILO), consumer boycotts can harm workers more than the company. When sweatshops using child labour were closed in Bangladesh and Pakistan through consumer pressure Save the Children, along with Bangladeshi NGOs, pointed out children were merely forced into worse forms of labour. This was because children often brought in 30% of a familys income. As girls were only allowed to work in domestic service, prostitution or brick breaking, escaping from the garment industry was not always an improvement.
But, boycotts called by the workers themselves can be effective. Workers at Forever 21 in Los Angeles are trying to make this multi-million pound company pay the back wages they owe them. After working 10 to 12 hours a day for below minimum wage and no overtime in appalling conditions they are taking their employers to court and trying to ensure a fair deal for others.
Further Information
The easiest and most effective way to help improve the lives of garment workers is to make sure the shops you buy from know you care about how their clothes are made not just what they look like.
About The Author:
I work with the Green Directory http://www.guidemegreen.com and the Ethical Directory http://www.getethical.com to promote a greener and healthier lifestyle. I also promote eco friendly Jobs and Employers at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Summer Sandals Can Be A Pain
Summer has finally arrived. Along with summer comes shorts and tank tops, bathing suits and BBQs, sun and, of course, sandals. Easy to slip on and off and cool enough for the hot summer days, sandals tend to be the main choice for footwear during the summer months. Sandal styles vary, but flip-flops have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, along with flip-flops come foot injuries. The flip-flop style sandal has almost no arch support and little beyond the two flimsy straps on top to keep the foot on the sole of the sandal. The result is overworked tendons and an overstressed arch. Ankle sprains are common injuries for flip-flop wearers, but more chronic problems, like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can also develop. Flip-flops are not the only culprit, many sandals do not offer much arch support, shock absorption and have little material to keep the foot on the sole. The combination of flip-flops and high heels tends to be the deadliest summer sandal choice. A nice summer evening out can easily turn into a night in the emergency room with a sprained or broken ankle.
There are many shoes and sandals available today which are comfortable, but will not compromise your sense of style. When looking for a summer sandal, following these simple tips:
1. The sole of the sandal should be larger than your foot. Your foot should not hang over the sides or the back of the sandal.
2. There should be enough material on the top of the sandal to keep your foot on the sole and to keep the foot from slipping.
3. The sole of the sandal should be rigid and not flex in the middle. If you can take your sandal and fold it in half, then it is too flexible and it will not offer enough support.
4. Keep in mind that many sandals are not made for walking, but designed purely for style. Owning one pair of sandals for walking and one pair for sitting at the beach or at a BBQ may be a good idea.
5. When buying a sandal for walking, look for a sturdy sole, multiple straps with buckles or velcro, built in arch supports or an accommodation for a custom orthotic.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has a list of shoes and sandals which have been given their approval. For more information on the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance program and their list of shoes and sandals, visit their website at www.apma.org/sealofacceptance.
If you just can’t imagine the idea of parting with your flip-flops or stylish sandals this summer, then consider carrying a pair of athletic shoes or walking sandals in your car for those times when you may be doing more walking. Areas with hills, stairs or slippery surfaces are not appropriate for walking in flip-flops and could lead to injury. If you develop arch pain or heel pain while in your sandals, stop wearing them and visit a podiatrist.
Novelty Buttons
We express ourselves through our attire. It is really amazing how buttons, the smallest element of our clothing can say so much. The most expressive of all kinds of buttons are novelty buttons. These are buttons based on certain themes; they are either shaped like certain objects or have certain images depicted on them.
Throughout the history of buttons, novelty buttons has represented a variety of themes. The themes are as varied as the human imagination itself; the makers use their ingenuity and create button magic! Most of the novelty buttons are inspired by nature – buttons shaped as animals, insects, leaves, flowers and sea-life – can really animate apparel. Another popular theme is holiday. Nothing puts you in the holiday mood more than clothes that remind you of the season. Novelty buttons fashioned after Santa Claus, Christmas trees, bells, stars and angels perfectly complement one’s new Christmas wear. Similarly buttons shaped as pumpkins bring out the Halloween chills. Professionals also have their share of button fun. Novelty buttons based on different professions are quite popular. Musicians can wear their guitars everywhere and doctors can wear little stethoscopes on their shirts. There are several instances where novelty buttons have been used to voice opinions; novelty buttons with catchy slogans can say it like nothing else can.
Children more than anyone else love to wear cute buttons on their clothing. They are almost little toys for them. Be it cute pink bunnies or little red apples, novelty buttons are a must for children’s clothes.
Novelty buttons not only make clothing livelier but also help you articulate your likes and dislikes. You can wear your attitude by wearing novelty buttons.
Buttons provides detailed information on Buttons, How To Sew A Button, Sewing Buttons, Antique Buttons and more. Buttons is affiliated with Rubber Wristbandshttp://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=201
Vintage Leather Jackets
Vintage, retro and antique are terms used to define items from past eras. A vintage leather jacket is not only a piece of clothing, but a piece of history. Most vintage leather jackets have considerable emotional and historic value attached to them. Also, the styles and designs of old always bring back memories of days gone by. Vintage leather jackets are no exception to this rule. Leather jackets from the 1950s are especially popular and in high demand. Prices on them are understandably high, since they are a rare collector's item.
The vintage leather jackets are among the most popular vintage clothing. The vintage leather jackets can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years old.
Some of the designer labels available in vintage leather jackets include Lakeland, Lyon for Lepshire, Leathers of New England, Glamor Girl, Helene Junior's New York, Turtle Bax, Honda Motor Company, Marbury Coats, Front Quarter STEER by Grais and Sears Hercules Outwear.
Many companies like Marks and Spencers offer vintage leather jackets. The most famous vintage leather jackets are the ones worn by celebrities. Therefore, some of the leather jackets available are styled after ones worn by celebrities – for example the famous leather jacket worn by Bret 'Hitman' Hart. There are also designs based on jackets worn by soldiers in World War Two.
Vintage leather jackets can also refer to leather jackets embossed with retro imaginary characters, for example Betty Boop, Popeye, Scooby Doo and others. Vintage leather jackets can be found in all the styles as their modern counterparts.
Leather Jackets provides detailed information on Custom Leather Jackets, Discount Leather Jackets, Leather Flight Jackets, Leather Jackets and more. Leather Jackets is affiliated with Leather Briefcaseshttp://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=202
Casual Corporate Apparel
Today the casual dress code has been embraced by employees of corporations in the United States. People have begun selecting more comfortable clothes to wear for work and even more comfortable ones for parties and other social occasions. There seems to have been a change in the trend and little appetite for more formal wear in the offices.
The attire of your employees needs to be within the acceptable business standards as well as making them feel motivated to work better. You could also allow your employees to wear casual apparel on one particular day during the week.
Casual corporate apparel has become a fashion statement today and the casual corporate apparel industry is making waves in the corporate market. You could sell corporate apparel to your clients, employees and to people for a nominal price by getting them customized through customization vendors.
Polo sweaters, twill shirts and sports coats, for instance, also make quite presentable casual corporate apparel.
Customization vendors take bulk orders for getting corporate apparel customized and help give them the casual look at a nominal price. While selecting customization vendors, you need to consider the number of years they have been in this business. The more the number of years they have been in business, the better they know their corporate market.
You need to accommodate some casual look in the formal corporate apparel in order to make a transition in the corporate apparel trend. Such a transition would be a transition in the popular image of your company as well as a great resource for the long-run.
Corporate Apparel provides detailed information on Corporate Apparel, Custom Corporate Apparel, Custom Embroidered Corporate Apparel, Corporate Golf Apparel and more. Corporate Apparel is affiliated with Engineering Professional Development.
Tights for the Modern Woman
Women's Tights are skin-tight articles of clothing used by both men and women to cover the legs and is worn from waist to feet. Tights are popular among girls and women and worn by infants and toddlers as well. They are also common among theater and dance performers, runners, and wrestlers. The tights used by athletes are usually footless and are made of thick spandex.
The origin of tights can be traced back to the Renaissance age. The wearing of tights became a fashion among the men, during the period of King Henry VIII of England. The men wore them to display their well-toned legs. These tight-fitting garments were originally developed as a costume for those riding on horseback. During the 16th and 17th centuries, European men popularly wore tights. The nobles wore tights made of silk or fine wool, while the common people wore tights made of coarser fabrics.
Today, tights are mainly made of nylon and lycra in a wide variety of modern blends. Some of the common types include stretchable, opaque, striped, and patterned tights.
A more modern form of tights has evolved which is known as pantyhose. The main difference between tights and pantyhose is in the thickness and weight of the yarn used. The thickness of the yarn used in pantyhose usually reaches only 40 denier, while that used for tights is much higher.
World-class companies including Calvin Klein and Donna Karen offer tights for all body sizes and shapes. Today, tights are available in a variety of colors and types, as well.
The Latest Hairstyle Fashion and Beauty Trends of the Stars of the Red Carpet
As Jonathon of the hit new series Blowout says your hair will make you or break you. No where is this more true then on the red carpet. Sport a great dress or outfit and hair and you will be on the cover of nearly every magazine. Sport a bad hairstyle and be on People’s magazine list of worst dressed and red carpet tragedies. This is why most celebrities have celebrity hairstylists and pay thousands for a cut and style. Some even fly their stylist with them everywhere they go as part of their entourage. A great hairstyle and beauty treatment has become as important, if not more so than the elegant and very expensive designer dresses and outfits. The question is what are the current hot hairstyle and beauty trends being sported on the red carpet? Some are old time favorites, and others are quite surprising.
1) The summer classic up-do is a hot item as it shows off sexy necks and jewelry (like necklaces and earrings) well. Demi Moore wore it well in the hit movie An officer and a Gentleman. Gweneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz are almost always seen with this hairstyle. It is classy and elegant when done right. It works best with normal, medium length hair and light makeup and jewelry. Heavy, big jewelry is out, sheek, pure elegance and beauty are in with this style.
2) The shaggy and layered hairstyle. According to Allure magazine, this is the one hairstyle and fashion trend that can make anyone look good and it will work on just about everyone, regardless of face shape. Basically this hairstyle will add volume to your hair and creates a frame for your face. Heidi Klum wore it well during an episode of her hit show Runway. Several stars like Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet have been seen sporting this do. This is yet another low makeup and easy maintenance hairstyle. Simplicity is key here so light jewelry works best. A simple leather strap necklace and pendant will work wonders. This hairstyle has been also referred to as sexy bed head, or the after sex do.
3) Long, sexy waves. Perms are out, but the secret fashion trend in the hottest salons is salt spraying. Don’t wash the hair everyday as dirty hair is easier to manage. Get the hair damp and use salt water in a spray to bring out the wavy curls. According to the salons, everyone’s hair has some natural waves and patterns and this will bring this out and magnify it. Don’t think its hot, just look at the sexiest vixens of the red carpet like Jessica Alba and Shakira. They wear this style very well. Again, simplicity is key, no heavy makeup and light jewelry work best. Again a simple black or brown leather strap necklace with a simple locket or amulet adds mystery and will make it that much hotter. So skip the perm and first try spritzing sea salt on damp hair, scrunching hair & letting air dry. Since most hair has some sort of natural wave, the sea salt will bring it out.
4) The bullet. This is the latest fashion trend transformed offspring of the 80’s mullet and fullet with a dominant and forceful business touch. It’s the short female business do and is popular with very dominant women. It’s a short hairstyle that shows the world you are a female and are in control. You will find it on Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Ellen Degeneres, and Rosie O’Donnell. It is believed to have been first worn by Prince back in the early 80’s on his Purple Rain tour.
These hairstyles fashion trends are all easy do’s and don’t require heavy makeup or jewelry. Simplicity is key and heavy or big gaudy jewelry is out. A simple leather strap on a sexy, thin neck like Jessica Alba is all that is needed with these fashion trends. These hairstyles and fashion trends will remain big for the rest of 2006 and into 2007.
David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. For more information on great haircare, beauty and anti-aging products and tips please visit http://www.bestskinpeel.comhttp://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=205
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