Fashion Revolution Week runs from April 24 - 30, 2017 with the aim of educating people about ethical issues within the fashion industry and asking consumers to question where there clothes are made. It has developed from Fashion Revolution, a movement which commemorates one of the world’s most tragic industrial disasters.
The Rana Plaza factory collapse
On April 24th, 2013, an overcrowded and poorly built garment factory collapsed in Rana Plaza, Bangladesh, killing 1,138 workers and injuring more than 2,500 others. It is considered the fourth largest industrial disaster in history and shocked the world into recognising the need to improve working conditions within the fashion industry and encourage people to make ethical consumer choices.
The supply chain
Ethical manufacturing begins with the growing and harvesting of raw materials used to make our clothes. Over the years, there have been many technological advancements which have compromised ethics within the farming and fashion industries. For example, the pesticides used to grow these raw materials are polluting our soils and rivers, and pests are becoming resistant to the effects of pesticides. This is causing huge problems for the ecosystem and reduces the development of biodiversity.
Worker conditions
As seen in the eye-opening documentary, The True Cost, the majority of people working in large garment factories worldwide are living in poverty. They are poorly paid and work in dangerous and dirty environments. These garment factory workers are usually forced to accept these conditions due to the limited job opportunities available to them.
Fashion Revolution
Fashion Revolution demands greater transparency in the fashion supply chain. Its goal is to educate consumers on where their clothes come from and improve the current system which is neglecting skilled workers and damaging the precious earth we live on.
- Be curious about who makes your clothes
- Start a conversation with someone about where their clothes were purchased
- See what events you can get involved at http://fashionrevolution.org/
- Spread the word. Educate yourself and others on these global issues to make a change
What actions can you take during Fashion Revolution Week?