The difference between Organic cotton and Fairtrade

How do you know if your clothes are made with organic cotton? ...Does this mean the same as fair-trade?

No.

Ethical fashion is threaded with many ethical questions such as... was it made in a sweatshop? Were workers paid fairly? Am I harming the planet by wearing it?

It is difficult to produce a completely ethical garment which is why certain ethical clothes are produced with specific concerns in mind. Some designers are concerned with the way fashion effects the environment. They want to have a positive impact on the planet. Other designers want to make sure the garment worker’s are paid right.

The impact of our clothes is dependant on the label we choose to buy from.

listed below are the differences between Organic cotton and Fairtrade...

Organic cotton is grown using methods that have a low impact on the environment. The production methods used replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic pesticides and fertilisers and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organisations verify that producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

Fair-trade cotton has been on the market since November 2005. The Fairtrade certification process monitors the entire supply chain process, from farm production through manufacture to brand or retailer. The Fair-trade Standards include:

Respect for basic human rights
Decent wages and employment conditions
Ongoing improvements in worker health & safety and environmental protection by control and reduction of chemical inputs

To find out more see the following websites:
www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.ethicaltrade.org
www.pan-uk.org (includes a directory of organic cotton retailers in the UK)

Make yourself familiar with these labels and definitions for the next time you go shopping. And don’t forget to take that fabric bag!