Thursday, August 30, 2012

Ethical Issues In Fashion - The What, When, Why, how and who


WHAT ethical fashion?

Ethical fashion can be defined as the production of textile articles with a conscience. With the concept of social responsibility gaining ground, companies around the world are recognizing the importance of environmental protection and business ethics. Fashion houses are no exception. Designers and textile manufacturers increasingly strive to produce goods that do not harm the environment and are cruelty-free. Ethical issues in fashion are emerging.

WHEN ethical fashion?

The concept of ethical fashion is old, however, is gaining popularity in modern times. As the awareness on environmental conservation and animal cruelty and ethical issues in business is rising, fashion brands are increasingly adopting ethical means. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of ethical fashion and the demand for ethically produced fashion products is increasing.

Ethical fashion WHY '?

Because textile producers and customers adopt ethical fashion? Animals and human rights activists and environmental activists have led to ethical issues in fashion at the time and time again. Some of the major ethical issues that have emerged are:

Cotton production involves the use of a large amount of pesticides, which is harmful to the environment and to humans. The figures indicate that about 2 billion dollars worth of pesticides are used each year, of which pesticides worth around 819 million USD have been declared toxic under the guidelines of WHO. The health of workers spraying pesticides in cotton fields and the people who live around these areas are adversely affected. Pesticide poisoning can lead to symptoms such as headaches, tremors, nausea, depression, convulsions, unconsciousness, and, in some extreme cases, death. Empty pesticide containers are sometimes reused, leading once again to serious adverse health effects of people using these containers. The use of toxic pesticides leads to air pollution, water and soil. In addition to pests, pesticides also cause the death of other small animals and birds consuming them inadvertently.

The chemical dyes used in the production of garments also lead to skin problems. Problems such as eczema, rashes and skin irritation were observed among the people due to dangerous toxins in the clothes worn by them.

Another serious ethical issue that arises in the fashion industry is the issue of cruelty to animals. The cruelty to animals behind the preparation of a fur coat has been brought to light time and again by animal rights activists. A fur coat costs the life of about 55 wild mink, 40 sables, 11 lynx, 18 red foxes, 11 silver foxes, 100 chinchillas, rabbits 30, 9 beavers, 30 muskrats, 15 bobcats, 25 skunks, 14 otters, 125 ermines, 30 possums, 100 squirrels or 27 raccoons. The pain caused to animals while trapping them and extracting their fur is unthinkable. Similarly, an enormous amount of suffering is caused to the animals for the extraction of wool and skin, which goes in the preparation of shawls and stylish boots.

Human rights activists have pointed out the various ethical issues behind the preparation of a fashion product. Extremely low wages and long hours, unhealthy and unsafe working conditions, exhaustion, sexual harassment and mental stress are some of these problems.

To learn more about ethics in Fashion

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