It’s safe to say that if anyone knew that their clothes were being made by abused children they would rethink their shopping habits as well as the brands they chose to support. Since today is World Day Against Child Labor and knowledge is power, allow me to shed some light on one of the consumer goods manufacturing world’s dirty little secrets or two or three…
Please note that I, like most fashion activists, love fashion and it is that love that motivates us to ask the fashion community to use its influence to make the world better and more beautiful.
5 Things You Should Know About Child Labor
Did you know?
1. 20 million children are employed in factories that manufacture garments, toys, matches, hand-rolled cigarettes and carpets.
2. 200+ million children are child laborers today.
3. 73 million of them are under the age of 10 years old.
4. Approximately 120 million children are working in hazardous conditions.
5. Most child laborers work on farms harvesting cocoa, coffee, cotton, rubber and other crops.
These hard hitting statistics are not meant to overwhelm but to enlighten and spring consumers like you and I into action. If you want to join the movement and be part of the solution instead of supporting a system that capitalizes on the exploitation of other people, you can start by checking out my Where to Shop section featuring companies that are doing business ethically. Another great way to keep the conversation going is to ask your favorite brands “Who made my clothes?” on social media!
Let me know how you are making a difference on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest.
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