Take Action: Buy Ethically and Challenge Brands
Three key actions that will help you buy ethically, challenge brands to be more transparent and interrupt the trend of fast fashion.
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1. Investigate
Use resources such as Ethical Consumer, and the Fashion Transparency Index to see how brands rank in their commitment to clean up their supply chains and uphold good labour practices. You can download Apps like Good On You to use on the go while shopping - check which brands are committed to stopping slavery.
It's worth seeing if a brand has a visible Modern Slavery Statement. Brands with a turnover of over £36 million are required to have one by law. -
2. Interrupt
Corporates listen to what matters to their customers. Show the brands you love that you care by asking them what actions they’re taking to stop slavery and exploitation in their supply chains. Encourage brands to do more to ensure greater transparency and protection for workers.
See below for our template email to send to a brand. -
3. Invest
Buy from brands that are taking steps to stop slavery and exploitation - like Yes Friends and People Tree. Or simply choose to buy more second-hand clothes and refuse to support fast fashion.
Actively choosing to change your shopping habits is a powerful way to invest in the change you want to see.
Dig Deeper
Take these actions to start the movement towards living #SlaveryFree
Send an email to a brand ¶
Dear (brand)
I write to you as a loyal customer. I have been shopping with (brand) for (number) years and I love your products.
It has come to my attention that, according to Ethical Trading Initiative, 77% of UK companies believe there is a likelihood of slavery in their supply chains.
With this in mind, I would like to understand what steps you are taking to tackle slavery in supply chains so I can continue to shop with confidence.
I would love to know where you source your (product) and what practical steps you are taking to ensure that workers are being protected from modern slavery.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Name
Download the 'Good on You' app ¶
Download Good on You. The app was developed by group of campaigners, fashionistas, scientists, writers and developers, united in seeing fashion become more sustainable and fair, including ending human rights abuses within the industry.
Buying Ethically Tips from Safia Minney, CEO & Founder of People Tree ¶
We asked Safia Minney, CEO and founder of People Tree and leading ethical and sustainable fashion advocate, her top tips for moving towards a Slavery-Free lifestyle. Thank you to every one of you who sent your questions over Whatsapp in March 2020 to Safia to answer.
Read Safia's answers on the blog here "Your Ethical Fashion Questions for Safia Minney"
Check out our Thomson Reuters blog for more information.
