Cheap Chic Crisis?

     I have recently been focusing on outsourcing, fair trade, and how they effect sustainability. Today's article is about how selling a multitude of clothing at ultra cheap prices is no longer sustainable. As a consequence, prices are beginning to rise.
     Many people in my community shop at retail stores such as Forever 21 or H&M because the prices are so cheap. However, these shops also use outsourced labor. We feel we can buy much more for our money because the prices are so cheap. Though, as more people and companies strive to be more sustainable, a new objective may be less items for more outfits, think transitional! What can you wear every season? What only need tights, a cardigan, and a scarf to be winter appropriate?
     The article talks about the company Primark, notorious for their cheap clothing. This company is going to try and keep their prices down even if everyone else's go up. When I researched this company I noticed they have a Ethical Trading section. This is similar to fair trade. The products in this area are made from people around the world in developing countries and areas. Normally this would mean in 'sweatshops' but as ethical trading products they have a label that means the workers get fair wages and have good working conditions. The items are not actually owned by the larger companies, like Primark, they just help them sell. Most of the products are handmade, thus less emissions are released in the making and they are much better quality.
     This article will definitely come into mind the next time I go shopping. I realize the most sustainable way to go is reuse and recycle just like trends come and go. There is no embarrassment in thrifting, it's the only place to get absolute authentic, will soon be the only place to get more for less, and you are much less likely to end up in the same top as someone else at the same party... tragedy! I say this is not a crisis, just a time for our creativity to come out of the closet.

Happy Shopping!
Madison Broadway