#support for apparel factory worker well-being

[genderequalitys]

Fostering Workforce Well-Being: Upfront Global's Dedication to Holistic Development Initiatives

At Upfront Global, we are committed to the development of workforce well-being, especially for first-mile workers. Explore our resources tailored to empower and support those at the forefront of operations, through Upfront Global has fostered initiatives towards development for Workforce well-being. Discover Upfront Global’s strategies and initiatives designed to enhance the well-being of first-mile workers, ensuring their crucial contributions are always valued and supported. With a focus on holistic development, we strive to create environments where every worker can thrive. Join us in our mission to prioritize the development of workforce well-being and drive positive change from the ground up.

Read more: https://upfront.global/why-well-being/

[the-intellectual-journal]

You Should Rethink Your Relationship with Fast Fashion

Image Courtesy of Gatis Šjuka

Our world today seems fast-paced and fashion has also followed suit. The appeal of fast fashion is rooted in its promise of trendy clothes at an affordable price. However, beneath the surface lies a troubling reality that demands our attention. 

The fast manufacturing cycles and relentless pursuit of profit that define fast fashion result in significant environmental damage to the planet. The toxic chemicals used in textile production and the massive amounts of water consumed in dyeing are major contributors to that damage. According to a study conducted by Business Insider, fast fashion contributes as much carbon emissions as the entire European Union. The study also found that 85% of textiles end up being disposed of. 

Beyond environmental concerns, there is also a human cost to consider. During the process of production, which prioritizes cheap and quick manufacturing, workers in factories are subjected to harsh working conditions. Additionally, the exploitation of factory workers, primarily those in East and Southeast Asia, demonstrates the racialized inequalities inherent in the fast fashion industry.

Furthermore, there is a reason why clothes from fast fashion brands are so cheap. In a 2022 investigation conducted by iNews, Shein, one of the leading fast fashion companies in the world, pays its workers roughly 0.03694 cents for each piece of clothing produced. This labor mode comes at the expense of human exploitation and we have a responsibility not to contribute to such injustice.

We have to think consciously about the clothes that we are wearing and not contribute to such a destructive cycle. Along with that, clothes produced by fast fashion tend to be of poor quality and last up to a few wash cycles. Although you may believe that you’re saving money because you’re purchasing cheap clothes, you end up spending more money in the long run. 

Due to the clothes’ lack of durability, consumers often find themselves needing to purchase more than necessary. According to a US News article addressing the shortcomings of fast fashion, “A high-quality jacket you spend $150 on and wear 50 times has a per wear cost of $3. Spend $25 on a jacket that you wear twice and the per wear cost is $12.50.” 

This quote captures the significant financial impact of why opting for low-quality clothing ends up hurting your wallet in the long run. Now you may be wondering, “How can I make informed purchasing decisions and break free from the cycle of fast fashion?”

The solution lies in secondhand clothing and embracing sustainable brands. By opting for pre-owned items and supporting brands committed to ethical manufacturing, we can contribute positively to environmental conservation and the well-being of apparel workers. As consumers, our power lies in our dollars, meaning that we hold a key to shaping a more sustainable future for fashion. 

Additionally, renting clothes is another conscious decision. If you have a special event coming up, rather than purchasing clothes to only wear once, consider using clothing rental services such as Rent the Runway and Armoire. These services are also committed to sustainability and ethical practices.

Good On You is also a helpful resource that provides ethical ratings and information for fashion brands, helping you make well-informed consumer decisions.

From environmental degradation to the exploitation of workers and the long-term financial burden on your pockets, it is clear that the role of the fast fashion model is unsustainable. Ultimately, by doing your research on brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, you play a role in creating a more responsible future.

[fromzion]

How does bamboo apparel compare to other brands in terms of environmental impact and worker well-being?

With the rising popularity of bamboo clothing in Australia, a crucial question emerges: How does bamboo apparel compare to other brands in terms of environmental impact and worker well-being? Understanding these factors empowers Australian consumers to make informed choices that align with their values.

The Environmental Edge of Bamboo Apparel

One of bamboo's biggest advantages is its rapid renewability. Unlike traditional materials like cotton, which require significant water and land resources, bamboo thrives with minimal inputs. This translates to a smaller environmental footprint for bamboo clothing production compared to its cotton counterparts. Additionally, bamboo can help prevent soil erosion and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, making it a more sustainable choice.

Manufacturing Methods: Nuances to Consider

However, the environmental impact of bamboo clothing can vary depending on the processing methods used. Australian bamboo clothing brands often utilise either mechanical or chemical processing methods to convert bamboo into fabric.

Mechanical processing is generally considered more eco-friendly. It involves crushing and grinding bamboo into a pulp, similar to paper production, with minimal chemical use.

Chemical processing involves using harsher chemicals to dissolve bamboo cellulose. While some advancements are being made in sustainable chemical processing, it typically has a higher environmental impact than mechanical methods.

For the most eco-conscious choice, look for Australian bamboo clothing brands that prioritise mechanical processing or utilise certified eco-friendly chemical processing methods. Transparency is key; reputable brands will often detail their manufacturing processes on their websites or packaging.

Beyond the Environment: Worker Well-Being

Environmental impact is just one piece of the puzzle. Ethical considerations throughout the supply chain are equally important. The ideal scenario involves Australian bamboo clothing brands sourcing their bamboo from sustainable plantations and working with factories that uphold fair labour practices.

The Australian Advantage: Ethical Sourcing and Innovation

Many Australian bamboo clothing brands take pride in their ethical sourcing practices. They source their bamboo from plantations that prioritize sustainability and work with factories committed to fair wages and safe working conditions.   This commitment to ethical practices resonates with Australian consumers, who are increasingly conscious of the social impact of their clothing choices.

Comparing Bamboo Apparel to Other Brands

Compared to traditional cotton clothing, bamboo apparel generally offers a significant environmental advantage due to bamboo's rapid renewability and lower water requirements. However, synthetic fabrics like polyester can also have a lower environmental impact, particularly when recycled materials are used.

The key lies in understanding the brand's practices. Look for transparency regarding manufacturing processes, sourcing, and worker well-being. Australian bamboo clothing brands that prioritise mechanical processing, eco-friendly chemical processing, ethical sourcing, and fair labour practices offer a compelling alternative to traditional and synthetic clothing options.

A Sustainable and Ethical Future for Australian Fashion

By making informed choices and supporting Australian bamboo clothing brands committed to sustainability and ethical practices, consumers can contribute to a greener and more ethical fashion industry down under.  The future of Australian fashion is likely to see continued innovation in bamboo fabric blends and treatments, further enhancing the functionality and comfort of bamboo clothing for the Australian climate.   As consumers prioritise both style and sustainability, bamboo clothes australia has the potential to become a leading force in shaping a more responsible and eco-conscious fashion landscape in Australia.

[recycle-clothing]

Unveil Eco-Friendly Fashion with Organic Clothing Manufacturer

In a world increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, the fashion industry finds itself under scrutiny for its often wasteful and exploitative practices. However, amidst this growing concern, a new wave of sustainable clothing manufacturers is emerging, committed to revolutionizing the way we dress. At the forefront of this movement is our brand, dedicated to crafting high-quality apparel that not only looks good but does good for the planet. As a sustainable clothing manufacturer, we understand the urgency of adopting eco-friendly practices throughout our supply chain. From sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and distribution, every step is carefully considered to minimize our environmental footprint.

Central to our commitment to sustainability is our range of wholesale organic cotton t-shirts. Made from 100% organic cotton, these shirts are not only luxuriously soft but also free from harmful chemicals and pesticides typically used in conventional cotton farming. By choosing organic cotton, we support farmers who prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and the well-being of their communities. Moreover, organic cotton production consumes significantly less water and energy compared to conventional methods, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.

But our dedication to sustainability goes beyond just the materials we use. We also prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers involved in the production process. By partnering with certified factories that uphold stringent labor standards, we strive to create a positive impact on both people and the planet.

What sets our wholesale organic cotton t-shirts apart is not just their eco-friendly credentials but also their versatility and style. Available in a wide range of colors, cuts, and sizes, our t-shirts cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for classic crew necks, trendy v-necks, or relaxed fit tees, we have something for everyone. Our shirts are perfect for screen printing, embroidery, or simply wearing as is, making them ideal for retailers, promotional events, or everyday wear.

By choosing to stock our wholesale organic cotton t-shirts, retailers can align themselves with the growing demand for wholesale eco friendly clothing. With consumers increasingly seeking out eco-friendly alternatives, offering our shirts not only satisfies this demand but also demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility. Moreover, our competitive pricing and flexible ordering options make it easy for retailers to incorporate sustainable options into their product offerings without compromising profitability.

In addition to retailers, our wholesale organic cotton t-shirts are also popular among organizations, schools, and event planners looking to make a statement. Whether you're promoting a cause, hosting an event, or simply want to give your team a unified look, our customizable shirts provide a sustainable and stylish solution. With options for custom branding, logos, and designs, you can create personalized apparel that reflects your values and resonates with your audience.

As one of the best eco friendly clothing manufacturers, we recognize that the journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry is ongoing. That's why we're committed to continuous improvement, exploring new materials, technologies, and practices to further reduce our environmental impact. By choosing our wholesale organic cotton t-shirts, you're not just buying a product; you're joining us on this journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for fashion. Together, we can make a difference, one shirt at a time.

[quynhanhphan]

Week 6: Slow Fashion

Fashion Industry’s Environmental Footprint

Over the past four decades, global fiber production has grown exponentially, driven by the increasing use of synthetic fibers (Statista, 2016). This growth has raised environmental concerns, including excessive water and pesticide usage, extended degradation times of synthetic fibers, and chemical use in refinement processes.

The fashion industry, encompassing design, tailoring, distribution, and retail, significantly impacts the environment through energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste production (Gardetti & Torres, 2013).

Social issues such as poor working conditions, human rights violations, and health hazards for workers across the global value chain have also been documented, with numerous fatalities reported in factories in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh during 2012/2013 (Geiger & Keller, 2018, p. 1123).

The corridor approach by Leach, Raworth, and Rockström (2013) integrates planetary boundaries and social foundations, such as climate change and poverty eradication, to position sustainable consumption within a framework that ensures a dignified life for all, as reflected in the definition of sustainable consumption behavior by Geiger, Fischer, and Schrader (2017).

Definition of “Slow Fashion" or “Sustainable Fashion”

The concept of sustainable fashion encompasses various practices aimed at prioritizing ecological and socio-economic considerations throughout the clothing consumption process (Geiger, Fischer & Schrader, 2017, p. 3). This includes environmentally conscious purchasing behaviors such as opting for chemical-free production and organically grown materials (Kang, Liu & Kim, 2013), as well as emphasizing social conditions in garment production, including fair wages and ethical labor practices.

Slow fashion, as a component of sustainable fashion, seeks to counter the rapid pace of the fashion industry by limiting production to a maximum of four fashion lines annually, prioritizing quality over quantity, and eschewing mass production (Joergens, 2006). Garments classified as sustainable fashion adhere to principles outlined by Fletcher (2008), which include the absence of child labor, environmentally friendly materials, ethical production processes, and fostering long-term relationships across the supply chain.

Slow fashion addresses the environmental concerns of the apparel industry, aiming to reduce resource consumption and waste generation by emphasizing quality craftsmanship and durability (Ozdamar-Ertekin & Atik, 2015). This movement is gaining increasing support as consumers demand higher standards in sustainability and corporate ethics (Pookulangara & Shephard, 2013), leading to a shift in consumers’ value perceptions and purchasing behavior towards sustainability and well-being. In essence, the slow fashion movement advocates for a change in the core values of the fashion industry towards sustainability through the production of durable products using traditional techniques and design concepts (Domingos, Vale & Faria, 2022, p. 2).

Consumer Behaviour

A research model is proposed to explore the antecedents and mediator of consumer purchase intention towards slow fashion apparel, incorporating demographic information and responses to various measures (Chi et al., 2021, pp. 109-11).

Findings highlight the critical role of willingness to pay a premium in influencing consumers' intentions to purchase slow fashion products, indicating that the value consumers assign to slow fashion apparel significantly impacts their purchase decisions. Moreover, consumers with greater environmental knowledge tend to exhibit more favorable attitudes towards slow fashion consumption, possibly due to their understanding of its potential contribution to sustainability movements. Notably, demographic variables, except for income level, show no significant effect on consumers' purchase intentions towards slow fashion apparel, with higher-income individuals demonstrating a higher likelihood of purchasing such products. Additionally, female consumers tend to hold more positive attitudes towards slow fashion apparel compared to male consumers. Studies suggest that consumers are motivated to engage in sustainable consumption by seeking unique products that minimize environmental damage, reflecting a desire to enhance self-esteem (Stefko & Steffek, 2018) and social image while avoiding mass consumption (Vigneron & Johnson, 2004).

Furthermore, research indicates that Generation Y and Generation Z, especially females, are increasingly drawn to mature and timeless clothing styles while remaining mindful of sustainability, influenced by eco-conscious cultures (Delong, Bang & Gibson, 2019). This has spurred a shift towards Slow Fashion in the fashion industry, prioritizing quality and participant well-being in the value chain (Jung & Jin, 2014).

Cultural values significantly shape consumer behavior, emphasizing the need for tailored marketing strategies. Studies underscore the importance of factors such as fashion employee welfare and Slow Fashion attributes in shaping consumer perceptions, with a growing preference for socially responsible brands (Reimers, Magnuson & Chao, 2016). Additionally, consumer perception of ethical clothing is influenced by factors like product durability and material quality (Jung & Jin, 2016).

Transparency in brand communication and support for local communities are prioritized by consumers adopting sustainable consumption habits (Pencarelli et al., 2020). Perceived values like authenticity and functionality positively impact the intention to purchase Slow Fashion products and the willingness to pay higher prices. However, further market studies are needed to inform strategic decisions regarding the acceptance and effective communication of Slow Fashion demands. As sustainability-conscious consumers, especially among the younger demographic, continue to grow, companies face the challenge of promptly responding to these evolving demands.

Case Study: Big Sister Swap

Big Sister Swap, an influential player in the slow fashion movement, utilizes its TikTok channel to advance its mission of advocating for sustainability and inclusivity within the fashion industry. Founded by Hudi Charin, the platform facilitates clothes swapping, thereby promoting a circular economy model that mitigates the environmental repercussions of fast fashion.

Big Sister Swap's purpose aligns with the concept of digital citizenship by fostering responsible and ethical engagement online through advocating for environmental conservation and size inclusivity in fashion, empowering individuals to use digital technologies positively for sustainable fashion practices and societal and environmental well-being (Morgan, 2022). The platform's target audience comprises women of all body sizes, particularly young adults who frequent TikTok, often with limited income but a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness in their fashion choices.

The channel's content aims to educate and inspire its predominantly female audience about the benefits of second-hand clothing and size-inclusive fashion choices, challenging traditional notions of beauty and body image perpetuated by the fashion industry. Through compelling storytelling and relatable content, the platform effectively communicates its sustainability and inclusivity message, resonating with diverse audiences on TikTok. By providing personalized styling options and ensuring clothing accessibility for individuals of all sizes, Big Sister Swap actively engages with its target demographic, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among its followers. Through its TikTok channel, Big Sister Swap not only promotes sustainable fashion practices but also fosters a supportive and inclusive online community valuing environmental consciousness and self-expression through fashion. Big Sister Swap's videos strike the perfect balance between education and entertainment, offering viewers a delightful blend of insightful content and captivating visuals. Their informative segments cover a wide array of topics, including sustainable fashion principles, details about their services, and practical styling tips aligned with Pinterest trends.

The video features catchy music, dancing, and models showcasing the clothes in a trendy and fashionable manner, adding entertaining elements to the content. Despite their unprofessional production style, lacking flashy lights or high-end cameras, this approach allows for a more authentic portrayal of the products' colors and quality, fostering a stronger connection with the audience. With a commitment to consistency, Big Sister Swap uploads three to four videos a week, ensuring that their audience remains continuously engaged and inspired by the ever-evolving world of fashion.

References

Chi et al., 2021. A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants. International Journal of Fashion Design Technology and Education, 14(1), pp. 101-112.

Delong, Bang & Gibson, 2019. Comparison of patterns of dressing for two generations within a local context. Fashion, Style, & Popular Culture, 6(1), pp. 99-117. Domingos, Vale & Faria, 2022. Slow Fashion Consumer Behavior: A Literature Review. Sustainability, 14(5). Fletcher, K., 2008. Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. 1st ed. London: Earthscan. Gardetti & Torres, 2013. Sustainability in fashion and textiles: Values, esign, production and consumption. Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing. Geiger & Keller, 2018. Shopping for Clothes and Sensitivity to the Suffering of Others: The Role of Compassion and Values in Sustainable Fashion Consumption. Environment and Behavior, 50(10), pp. 1119-1144. Geiger, Fischer & Schrader, 2017. Measuring What Matters in Sustainable Consumption: An Integrative Framework for the Selection of Relevant Behaviors. Sustainable Development, 26(1), pp. 18-33. Joergens, C., 2006. Ethical fashion: Myth or future trend?. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management , 10(3), pp. 360-371. Jung & Jin, 2014. A theoretical investigation of slow fashion: sustainable future of the apparel industry. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 38(5), pp. 510-519. Jung & Jin, 2016. Sustainable Development of Slow Fashion Businesses: Customer Value Approach. Sustainability, 8(6). Kang, Liu & Kim, 2013. Environmentally sustainable textile and apparel consumption: The role of consumer knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance. International Journal of Consumer Studies, Volume 37, pp. 442-452. Leach, Raworth & Rockstrom, 2013. Between social and planetary boundaries: Navigating pathways in the safe and just space for humanity. In: World Social Science Report 2013: Changing Global Environments. Paris: UNESCO/ISSC, pp. 84-89. Morgan, L., 2022. It's time to get to know Big Sister Swap, AKA the personalised clothes swapping service that everyone is talking about. [Online] Available at: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/big-sister-swap?utm_source=onsite-share&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=onsite-share&utm_brand=glamour-uk [Accessed 6th February 2024]. Ozdamar-Ertekin & Atik, 2015. Sustainable markets: Motivating factors, barriers, and remedies for mobilization of slow fashion. Journal of Macromarketing, 35(1), pp. 53-69. Pencarelli et al., 2020. Luxury Products and Sustainability Issues from the Perspective of Young Italian Consumers. Sustainability, 12(1), p. 245. Pookulangara & Shephard, 2013. Slow fashion movement: Understanding consumer perceptions—An exploratory study. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 20(2), pp. 200-206. Reimers, Magnuson & Chao, 2016. The academic conceptualisation of ethical clothing: Could it account for the attitude behaviour gap?. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 20(4), pp. 1361-2026. Statista, 2016. Worldwide production volume of chemical and textile fibers from 1975 to 2015 (in 1,000 metric tons), s.l.: Statista Research Department. Stefko & Steffek, 2018. Key Issues in Slow Fashion: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Sustainability, 10(7). Vigneron & Johnson, 2004. Measuring perceptions of brand luxury. Journal of Brand Management, Volume 11, pp. 484-506.

[mytipson]

Exploring the Manufacturing Origins of Halara Clothing: Transparency and Production Practices

Understanding where Halara clothing is made provides insight into the brand's commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, and responsible manufacturing practices. Let's delve into the manufacturing origins of Halara clothing:

Global Sourcing Network: Halara clothing is manufactured through a global sourcing network that encompasses various countries and regions. The brand collaborates with suppliers and manufacturers around the world to produce its diverse range of activewear and athleisure apparel.

Ethical Production Standards: Halara prioritizes ethical production standards and responsible manufacturing practices throughout its supply chain. The brand partners with factories and facilities that adhere to high labor standards, fair working conditions, and ethical treatment of workers, ensuring compliance with local regulations and international labor conventions.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Halara is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship in its manufacturing processes. The brand seeks out suppliers and manufacturers that prioritize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental conservation, minimizing the ecological footprint associated with clothing production.

Transparency and Accountability: Halara maintains transparency and accountability regarding its manufacturing origins and production practices. The brand provides information to consumers about the countries where its clothing is made and the ethical standards upheld by its manufacturing partners, fostering trust and confidence among customers.

Compliance with Regulations: Halara ensures compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards governing labor rights, worker safety, and environmental protection. The brand conducts regular audits and assessments of its manufacturing facilities to monitor compliance and address any issues related to labor practices or environmental impact.

Supplier Relationships and Audits: Halara maintains close relationships with its suppliers and conducts periodic audits to assess compliance with ethical and quality standards. The brand works collaboratively with suppliers to identify areas for improvement, implement corrective actions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Halara is committed to continuous improvement in its manufacturing practices and supply chain management. The brand invests in training programs, capacity building, and technology upgrades to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability across its production operations.

Community Engagement and Impact: Halara engages with local communities where its manufacturing facilities are located, supporting social development initiatives, education programs, and community empowerment projects. The brand seeks to make a positive impact beyond its business operations and contribute to the well-being of the communities it serves.

In conclusion, Halara clothing is made through a transparent and responsible manufacturing process that prioritizes ethical standards, sustainability, and social responsibility. By upholding high standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity, Halara reaffirms its commitment to ethical fashion and sustainable practices in the apparel industry.

[usaclothingmanufacturers]

American Clothing Manufacturing in the Post-Pandemic World

Introduction

Manufacturing in the U.S. has always been a high-skill, high-wage industry. Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, American factory workers were able to build some of the most advanced machinery in the world and create products that were far superior to those made anywhere else on Earth. This led to our nation’s rise as an economic superpower and helped drive our economy for decades. However, after years of outsourcing manufacturing jobs overseas and relying on imports for almost everything we use every day.

Many Americans started asking where these goods were being produced — and if they could be made right here in America instead. That question was answered when China experienced a deadly pandemic that killed millions of people just a few short years ago during an outbreak that spread into neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia before making its way back across oceans into North America — terrifying everyone who lived there along with their neighbours across oceans who wondered what might happen next?

Manufacturing In the U.S. Has Always Been a High-Skill, High-Wage Industry

Manufacturing in the United States has always been a high-skill, high-wage industry. A career in manufacturing offers stable opportunities and benefits that can help you support your family. Manufacturing jobs are also a great choice for people who want to get into a trade or technical field but don’t have the time or money to go back to school right away.

Manufacturing workers have some of the highest average wages of any occupation in America. And with an aging population, there’s no shortage of demand for skilled workers willing to fill these positions — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5 million new job openings from 2016 through 2026 alone! Manufacturing in the U.S. has always been a high-skill, high-wage industry, and American clothing manufacturers are no exception. These manufacturers employ skilled workers who are well-trained in the art of clothing production, ensuring that the clothes they produce are of the highest quality.

Furthermore, American clothing manufacturers typically pay higher wages and offer better benefits to their workers than manufacturers in other countries. This is because they are subject to U.S. labor laws and regulations that protect workers’ rights, safety, and health.

By choosing to support American clothing manufacturers, consumers can feel good about contributing to an industry that provides good jobs for skilled workers and supports the U.S. economy. Moreover, buying American-made clothes ensures that workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and sustainable workforce. Overall, supporting American clothing manufacturers not only helps to boost the economy but also upholds high standards of labor and quality in the industry.

Today’s Clothing Manufacturers Offer Far More Than Just T-Shirts and Jeans

In today’s world, clothing manufacturers in USA are much more than just T-shirts and jeans. They offer far more than that. They make more than just clothing; they also produce apparel and sportswear (which includes athletic uniforms). And if you think they only make denim garments like jeans or jackets, think again! There are many other fabrics available for manufacturing purposes including leathers and even silk.

The rise of e-commerce has allowed these companies to expand their reach throughout the world while reducing costs at every step along the way (and this is where I come in). As an entrepreneur myself who has worked with several different types of businesses over my career, I can tell you first-hand how important it is for companies like ours — those who specialize in American manufacturing — to work together so we can continue producing high-quality products at competitively prices while still delivering value for our customers around the globe.

Today’s American denim and sportswear manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion, design, and innovation. While they still produce timeless classics like T-shirts and jeans, they offer much more than that. They are developing new materials, experimenting with cutting-edge designs, and creating clothing that is both functional and fashionable.

American denim manufacturers are known for their high-quality denim, which is durable, comfortable, and versatile. They are constantly innovating, and experimenting with new washes, treatments, and finishes to create unique and stylish denim products. American sportswear manufacturers, on the other hand, are developing clothing that is not only fashionable but also functional. They are incorporating advanced technologies and materials into their designs, creating clothing that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating.

Moreover, American denim and sportswear manufacturers are also committed to sustainability and ethical practices. They are using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste in their production processes, and ensuring that their workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. By choosing to support American denim and sportswear manufacturers, consumers can feel good about contributing to an industry that prioritizes quality, innovation, and sustainability.

American denim and sportswear manufacturers offer far more than just T-shirts and jeans. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion and design, creating clothing that is both stylish and functional. They are also committed to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring that their products are produced with the environment and workers in mind. By choosing to support American denim and sportswear manufacturers, consumers can feel good about the products they purchase and the impact they have on the industry and the world.

Modern garment manufacturers can do much more than make clothes

Modern garment manufacturers can do much more than make clothes. They can also make furniture, home décor, and other products that are made of fabric, wood, or metal. There is very little they cannot do because they have access to the same machinery and equipment as other industries that require similar skill sets. If you’re looking for a manufacturer who can make anything out of fabric — from clothing to furniture — look no further than Modern Garment Manufacturing.

Modern garment manufacturers have evolved beyond the traditional role of just making clothes. Today, they can offer a wide range of additional services that enhance the value of their products and make them more attractive to customers. For example, modern garment manufacturers can provide custom design services to clients, allowing them to create unique and personalized clothing items. They can also offer product development services, helping clients to turn their ideas into reality by offering expertise in materials, construction, and manufacturing techniques.

In addition, the modern best clothing manufacturers in usa can offer supply chain management services, helping clients to source materials and manage their inventory. They can also provide quality control services, ensuring that the finished products meet the highest standards of quality and workmanship.

Moreover, many modern garment manufacturers have also embraced technology to improve their operations and offer new and innovative products. They are using advanced materials, 3D printing, and other cutting-edge technologies to create clothing that is both functional and fashionable.

Overall, modern apparel manufacturers are no longer just makers of clothes. They offer a wide range of additional services that enhance the value of their products and make them more attractive to customers. They are embracing technology, offering custom design and product development services, and providing supply chain management and quality control services. As a result, the modern garment manufacturing industry is more dynamic and versatile than ever before.

The Post-Apocalyptic World Will Need Plenty of Clothes Made by American Hands and Machines

You may have heard the news: The pandemic has claimed millions of lives, and millions more are at risk of contracting it. In times like this, people look to their government for guidance and support. But you don’t need me to tell you that our government has been slow to act — and even slower still in providing aid for those most deeply affected by this crisis.

As American citizens and consumers, it’s up to us as individuals not only to take care of ourselves but also those around us who need help today more than ever before. One way we can do this is by supporting American clothing manufacturers — and helping them continue making clothes after the pandemic ends by buying from them now!

The Future of American Manufacturing Is Bright and Open to All

The future of American manufacturing is bright, and American sustainable clothing manufacturers are leading the way. These manufacturers prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices in their production processes, ensuring that their clothing is made sustainably and responsibly. They use sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and natural dyes, reducing the negative impact of clothing production on the environment.

Furthermore, American sustainable apparel manufacturers are committed to reducing waste in their production processes, by minimizing water and energy usage and implementing recycling programs for textile scraps and clothing waste. They also prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions.

The rise of sustainable clothing manufacturers in USA is not just good for the environment and workers, but it also provides consumers with high-quality, stylish, and sustainable clothing options. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment and are seeking out sustainable options. American sustainable clothing manufacturers are meeting this demand, creating clothing that is not only eco-friendly but also fashionable and functional.

The future of American manufacturing is bright, and American sustainable clothing manufacturers are at the forefront of this movement. They prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their production processes, creating clothing that is made with the environment and workers in mind. They offer consumers high-quality, stylish, and sustainable clothing options, meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly fashion. The future of American manufacturing is open to all, and sustainable clothing manufacturers are paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.

Conclusion

We’ve seen the future, and it’s made in America. Our nation has a long history of making high-quality clothing, and we’re not going to let that go away just because some pandemic hit. We have a lot of great information on our site, including tips and tricks for sewing, how to learn about the industry, and even where you can find a job! There are lots of opportunities out there for anyone who wants them. All that’s required is a little bit of elbow grease and some dedication. We’re proud to say that we’ve been able to help many people find jobs in the garment industry, and we’re more than happy to talk with you about what it takes. Whether you want a job at a factory or something else, we can help out!

[local-seo-specialist-bd]

Top 5 Kids Wear Manufacturers in Bangladesh

Being a kids’ apparel producer in Bangladesh is taking on a great deal of responsibility when it comes to the security of young people.

In addition, we have noticed an increasing effect of adult fashion on childrenswear in recent years due to the unavoidable impact of constantly changing fashion trends on our lives.

While some parents prioritize brand value when purchasing clothing for their kids, others prioritize fabric quality and garment design to get the best quality in every aspect.

Here we will list you top 5 kids’ wear manufacturers in Bangladesh to help you choose from the best ones available in the market.

Top 5 Kids Wear Manufacturers in Bangladesh

1. Posh Garments

With so many cunning rivals, starting successful clothes manufacturing business is difficult.

Posh Garments has been completing the aforementioned requirements and more to fulfill its duty as a successful kids’ apparel manufacturer in Bangladesh.

To reduce waste generation and uphold its responsibility as a sustainable brand, Posh Garments not only ensures the use of high-quality textiles for the production of its garments but also supports the usage of 100% recyclable raw materials including fabric, paper, plastic, metal, etc.

They can efficiently carry out all of their core business operations, including the production of high-quality and artisanal products and the timely delivery of apparel, thanks to their skilled workforce of more than 1200 employees.

2. Sunsea Fashion

Sunsea Fashion’s global network, which is managed by local work locations, guarantees quality control and efficient operation. They transmit the fashion sense that kids lust after and the lasting quality for the happiness of our customers, from locating and producing amazing fabrics to quality-controlling trims.

You can check in at any point along the quality chain or choose extensive sourcing and collecting results as necessary thanks to their dedication to versatility. They may complete one-time jobs for you or work with you long-term in a fast-paced business to ensure that you advance in the shaky market and, most importantly, continue to expand.

3. Garment Factory Bangladesh

Garment Factory Bangladesh’s factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh provides you with top-notch, expertly knitted children’s clothes at an inexpensive price while utilizing the most recent technological advancements. Their Bangladeshi wholesale baby clothes distributor and supplier offers competitive prices and a wide variety of apparel styles.

Direct apparel imports are handled by their Bangladeshi wholesale clothing supplier. They provide slippers in all sizes for men, women, and children in addition to all different sorts of outlets. Only the highest quality apparel is produced by them for the most well-known clothing and fashion companies worldwide.

Circularly knit baby boy and baby girl T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, trousers, blouses, children’s sportswear, woven denim, shirts, fashionable kids’ pajamas, underwear, scarves, caps, and many other clothing items are available from their local factory, which employs several cutting-edge production lines.

4. Fashion Tex BD

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fashion Tex (BD) is a reputable business with more than 5 years of production expertise. They work with a variety of textiles and fashion apparel and provide their customers with the utmost sincerity. For men, women, children, and infants, they export both woven and knitted clothing.

They have a skilled workforce and solid relationships with production companies, allowing them to find the appropriate products to meet customer demand. Their merchandisers are well-educated, skilled professionals, and diligent workers. In essence, their major assets are their professional expertise, a qualified workforce, and solid relationships with the manufacturers. They always consider the demands of their customers and pay close attention to them.

5. Toptex Design BD

Toptex Design Ltd. is a Bangladeshi firm based in Dhaka that produces high-quality garments for the global market. The ability to operate as a liaison between our foreign importers and Bangladeshi manufacturers to guarantee first-rate service during the sourcing of new goods development cycles, prompt delivery, and adherence to quality standards set by international standards.

Their headquarters are in Dhaka, the center of all economic and commercial activity in Bangladesh. For clothing and home textile retailers, brand manufacturers, and wholesalers across the world who are searching for offshore manufacturing or sourcing home textile, apparel knit weave, and sweaters as per their design and specifications, they offer an export-import sourcing buying service.

Read Also: Top 5 hospital uniform manufacturer in Bangladesh

Why Do You Need Good Kids’ Wear?

Below are a few reasons why kids’ clothing is important:

Comfort: Children are more at ease throughout the day when they are wearing children’s clothing that is composed of soft materials and is fitted properly.Choosing children’s clothing that is designed specifically to make youngsters comfortable while they move around is helpful because kids spend most of their time playing around.

Safety: Since children are not always grown enough to know what is safe or dangerous for them, it is important to clothe them in children’s clothing that is not too loose or tight and does not have any sharp embellishments.

Aids in a child’s development Children learn about time and space by dressing differently for various occasions and weather situations.They gain a better understanding of the distinctions between various clothing items and when or where to wear them.

Final words

With so many cunning rivals, starting successful clothes manufacturing business is difficult.

A garment company’s success is largely dependent on several factors, including consistent hard effort, mutual respect among employees, skilled workers, a safe workplace, an effective manufacturing line, adoption of cutting-edge technologies, etc.

The Article Was Originally Published at: magzinenow.com

[ciyapaofficial]

Fast-Fashion Recipe : Harmfully Impacting The Environment

Customers have responded positively to fashionable, reasonably priced clothes. Therefore, companies are now attempting to lower their social and environmental expenses. The garment sector fared well in the early twenty-first century. 

Clothing manufacturing more than tripled in the past ten years thanks to lower costs, streamlined processes, and higher consumer expenditure. Fast fashion has been a trendy category, providing certain garment companies with exceptional growth. 

By shortening production cycles and producing cutting-edge designs, these companies have enabled customers to expand and quickly refresh their wardrobes. Everyone is looking for stylish and quality mens t shirts, women's dresses or kids' apparel. 

Consumers maintain clothes items for roughly half the time they did 15 years ago in practically every garment category. According to some estimations, buyers treat low-cost garments as nearly disposable, discarding them after only seven or eight wears.

However, the truth remains that innovation in how clothes are created has yet to keep up with the rate at which they are designed and marketed. Fast fashion is now a massive, sophisticated industry supported by a fragmented, low-tech production system. 

Environmental Consequences Of The Fast Fashion

This method has far-reaching environmental consequences: clothing often requires water and chemicals and produces many greenhouse gases. Without changes in clothing manufacturing, these problems will worsen as more clothes are manufactured.

Reports about clothing-factory workers being underpaid and subjected to hazardous—even deadly—working conditions continue to emerge, particularly when dealing with materials like cotton and leather that require significant processing. 

So far, sales growth indicates that most consumers either ignore or tolerate fast fashion's social and environmental costs. However, some businesses are not waiting for a consumer response. They have begun to address the mostly unnoticed consequences of the fast-fashion industry. 

Apparel companies can overcome obstacles in two important sectors of their value chain: the high resource needs and severe labour issues in the manufacturing process and the excessive waste involved with disposing of out-of-date or worn-out garments.

Apparel sales have skyrocketed in recent years thanks to several trends that appear certain to continue. Businesses have cut expenses and streamlined their supply networks aggressively. As a result, clothing prices have fallen relative to other consumer goods prices. 

After customers leave the store with newly purchased garments, the environmental effect of clothing continues to grow. According to our estimations, washing and drying 1 kilogram of clothing using standard methods produces 11 kilos of greenhouse gases. 

Consumer post purchase decisions, such as whether to wash items in cold, warm, or hot water, also have a significant effect. Regarding garment disposal, present technologies cannot consistently convert discarded clothing into fibres that may be used to produce new things. 

Recycling procedures such as shredding and chemical digestion are ineffective. Furthermore, markets must be large enough to absorb the material generated by recycling clothing. As a result, the equivalent of three pieces of clothing is discarded annually for every five created.

Conclusion

Whether you buy plain shirts or stylish t shirts for men or women, in some way or another, you are contributing towards environmental degradation. So, be responsible and buy clothes that satisfy environmental protocols and don't have a bad impact. You can buy quality men's t-shirts, women's t-shirts, sweatshirts and unisex hoodies from the most trusted t-shirt brand Ciyapa. All of their products are environmentally friendly and don't harm the surroundings.

[103066791digcommunities]

Social Aspects of Slow Fashion

Slow fashion is the "antipode to fast-fashion" (Lai et al. 2017, p. 82), with the clothing often having qualities such as longer product life cycle, emphasis of quality, often high prices and increased consciousness from producers and consumers (Ting et al. 2021).

While many people’s minds jump to environmental aspects that affect and are the result of fast fashion, such as the enormous amounts of raw materials used, pollution in production and after, the large carbon footprint and the high amount of waste (Brewer 2019), social aspects are also key to understanding the detriments of fast fashion. The social aspect generally looks at the working conditions and working environment within garment factories, where many workers are often crammed into small spaces, with the buildings often not being structurally sound. Just thorough the nature of clothes-making, workers are exposed to toxic dyes and chemicals like alum, copper sulphate, potassium dichromate and tanning acid (Minney 2016).

A case study that looks at how workers lack so much social rights is in the Rana Plaza tragedy of 2013. It involved the collapse of an 8-story garment factory, which killed at least 1,132 people, and injured over 2,500 more. The event wasn't entirely unprecedented, as the day before, the lower floors were closed as cracks in the structure of the building were found. According to Land et al (2019), some workers were absent, but some are so incredibly reliant on their low wages that they ignored these life-threatening conditions, if they even heard of them.

These events aren't as infrequent as you may think, though. Only 6 months prior to this incident, 112 workers lost their lives from being trapped inside a burning fashion factory, not far from Rana Plaza. In the time since that Rana incident, 109 more accidents have been recorded (Goodwin 2021).

What slow fashion is trying to do is increase the rights for workers, so that they are not risking their lives every time they clock in for work. The working conditions need to be elevated, and slow fashion aims to not support fast fashion and this high level of production that leads to the risking of lives.

Personally, I support slow fashion by buying first hand only a couple times a year, if that. When I do buy clothes, it's in person and I generally buy second hand from op-shops, as opposed to online-only retailers. I know this doesn't come without it's own critiques as well, but I believe it's at least worth making some kind of effort, personally. Additionally, when I do buy first hand, I do research on the brand beforehand using apps like Baptist World Aid Australia's iPhone app to look up stores' ethicality ratings, as well as do some further research, as there is varying information out there. I only ever spend money in stores that have a B- or higher equivalent rating.

--

Written for Week 6: Digital Citizenship Case Study: Social Media Influencers and the slow fashion movement

References:

Brewer, MK 2019, ‘Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World: Promoting Sustainability and Responsibility’, Laws, vol. 8, no. 4, MDPI AG, p. 24–.

Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang, Y 2021, ‘A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants’, International journal of fashion design, technology and education, vol. 14, no. 1, Taylor & Francis, pp. 101–112.

Lai, Z, Henninger, CE & Alevizou, PJ 2017, ‘An Exploration of Consumers’ Perceptions Towards Sustainable Fashion – A Qualitative Study in the UK’, Sustainability in Fashion, Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp. 81–101.

Land, A & Zakaria, R 2019, Rana Plaza collapse, its aftermath, and future implications for sustainability, SAGE Publications: SAGE Business Cases Originals, London.

Minney, S 2016, Slow fashion : aesthetics meets ethics, New Internationalist, Oxford.

[whitneyrmcguireblog]

Racism and Sustainability in Fashion

By Whitney McGuire, Esq.

Fashion Revolution Week, the fifth of its kind has come and gone. A lot of manifestos, pledges, and educational actions were made to give more truth to the power of the sustainable fashion movement (sustainability in every industry, really). But missing from virtually all of these declarations for change was the acknowledgement of race, specifically racism which is deeply entrenched in the issues calling forth the need for increased sustainability measures in the first place. Racism is the least sustainable system we have created and perpetuated as a human species and there is no way humanity will survive without shifting its practices towards sustainability. So why the blatant omission, in the age of empowered, glaring white supremacy?

Definitions, especially in the age of “isms,” hashtags, and blanket statements, are crucial. Let’s start by defining what sustainability is. In short, according to Google, sustainability is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, as in, "the pursuit of global environmental sustainability." A more comprehensive definition of sustainability provided by the Brundtland Commission in 1987 provides that sustainability means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Essentially, sustainability is about being selfless, to a certain extent. Or at least it’s about being aware of how one’s self impacts one’s environment and whether one’s practices in the present create value to support future generations.

Next, let’s attempt to define racism. The elementary version (thanks, Google) is “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.” A deeper take is that racism includes the systemic perpetuation of exclusion and dehumanization of historically oppressed races. Racism looks like many things. It can look like a racial slur being hurled at a passerby, a joke about a historically oppressed culture, calling the cops on any black person who has without a doubt not committed a crime, erecting prisons for the sole purpose of reducing the population of black males, using state sanctioned violence as a way to terrorize entire historically oppressed communities, attempting to justify these acts in the name of egalitarianism/all lives mattering, or not correcting the behaviors of others perpetuating these acts, etc. Racism has plenty of sub categories, all of which blur together. It’s a spectrum. On one end there is white supremacy, the KKK, etc. on the other there are white liberal “activists,” many of which happen to be environmentalists as well. Regardless of where one falls on the spectrum, the truth is we all participate in the system of racism to some extent, either as the oppressed or as the oppressor (intended or not). Which is why it baffles me that this topic is usually omitted from sustainability agendas and conversations.

Below are the 2015 Global Sustainability Goals for businesses and organizations according to the United Nations.

It’s very clear that eliminating -- or at least reducing the effects of -- racism is not a global goal for sustainable development, yet almost every goal in this chart has a deep complicated relationship with racism which results in mostly black and brown people all over the world being adversely affected by the issues  identified. For any sustainable agenda to be truly successful, we need to acknowledge and eliminate the elephant in this (global) room. If we fail to identify the malignancy, all restorative measures will be in vain and no real sustainable value will be created.

According to Russ Vernon-Jones, “[t]he underlying ideology of racism is that some groups of people can be defined as ‘other’ and labeled ‘inferior’ by a dominant group that sees itself as ‘superior.’”  He further explains:

[a]s the age of colonization began in the 16th and 17th centuries, white Europeans developed the ideology of racism to justify the theft of resources, degradation of the land, the enslavement of people, and genocide directed at dark-skinned people and indigenous people all over the world. Greed was the primary driver of these practices. Disregard for the effects of these practices on the targeted populations was (and is) central to the operation of the system. Practices and enterprises today that contribute to the degradation of the environment and to climate change are rooted in the same features – greed, a feeling of being “superior” to those most affected, and prioritizing one’s own profits and comfort as completely legitimate, regardless of the effects on others or on the environment.  Racism has long provided a justification for such perspectives, as enacted through colonization, genocide and slavery, extending into the present.

For instance, according to author D.N. Pellow:

Black Lives Matter challenges the scourge of state-sanctioned violence…with a primary emphasis on police brutality and mass incarceration…If we think of environmental racism as an extension of those state-sanctioned practices—in other words a form of authoritarian control over bodies, space, and knowledge systems— then we can more effectively theorize it as a form of state violence, a framework that is absent from most [environmental justice] scholarship”

Let’s start with food. One of the most clear examples of environmental racism is hunger or “food insecurity.” One in seven (1 in 7) Americans struggle with hunger. According to the University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute, in 2014, 48.1 million Americans were classified as food insecure, translating to 14% of households in the U.S. One in four (1 in 4) African American households were classified as food insecure and more than one in five (> 1 in 5) Latino households were classified as food insecure, compared to one in ten (1 in 10) white households. Latino and African American households are twice as likely to suffer from hunger than their white counterparts. Additionally, landfills, water pollution, and other environmental violent acts are much more likely to occur in lower-income communities of color. We see similar effects in product manufacturing industries such as fashion and tech. Most people who manufacture goods and textiles globally are people of color.  Yet the majority who profit off of these industries are not.

Enter the sustainable fashion revolution, a movement that is attempting to highlight the economic and social injustices experienced by those who make our clothes. This movement is perched upon the rhetoric that transparency is essential to eradicating the inhumane practices of an entire industry and is premised upon an egregious tragedy. In 2013, more than 1,000 garment workers lost their lives in Bangladesh due to a building collapse. This building housed a number of garment factories that manufactured apparel for brands including Benetton, the Children's Place, Joe Fresh, Mango, Primark, and Walmart. In other words, fast fashion companies. This is known amongst the sustainable fashion circles as the Rana Plaza incident.

Rana Plaza is an example of capitalism’s role in environmental and racial inequality. In 1920, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote that capitalism brought about “a chance for exploitation on an immense scale for inordinate profit, not simply to the very rich, but to the middle class and to the laborers. This chance lies in the exploitation of darker peoples.” Countries that consist of black or brown people have been referred to as the “Global South” -- less developed countries experiencing environmental and economic violence comparable to that which was perpetuated in the southern states of the U.S. during slavery, Jim Crow and, for many, present day. Historically, people of color in the Global South bear the most significant burdens of resource development, while receiving very little payoff. Capitalism has justified greed and Rana Plaza was a prime example of this truth.

A sustainable revolution in the fashion industry is therefore critical to the future of fashion, the preservation of natural resources and the empowerment of garment workers worldwide. However, I caution against any further omissions of the discussion of racism - the underlying reason this industry has been allowed to exploit people and resources.

Sustainability requires its participants to shift paradigms, see through barriers, and courageously and compassionately engage with people and systems that one might not otherwise consider in order to create a future we can all be proud of. Sustainability must be disruptive. Change is uncomfortable. But building a house, building an enterprise, building a mindset, new habits, a future, requires the destruction of fear, weakness, and comfort. This is the only way to drive innovation in our personal lives and in society. Sustainability is not ahistorical, and we must engage in reflexivity, that is, critically reflecting on how the past influences the present and the future. Moving forward requires addressing where we’ve come from and where we are going.

[orbemnews]

Jobs Report Is Expected to Be Strong as Rebound Picks Up Speed: Live Updates Here’s what you need to know: A bartender at Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colo. The labor market will need months of strong growth to approach its prepandemic level.Credit…Eliza Earle for The New York Times The U.S. job market is ready for takeoff — and this time, few economists expect it to come crashing back down to earth. The Labor Department will release data on Friday detailing hiring and unemployment in March. Forecasters surveyed by FactSet expect the report to show that U.S. employers added more than 600,000 jobs last month, up from 379,000 in February and the most since October. Even better numbers probably lie ahead. The March data was collected early in the month, before most states broadened vaccine access and before most Americans began receiving $1,400 checks from the federal government as part of the most recent relief package. Those forces should lead to even faster job growth in April, said Jay Bryson, chief economist for Wells Fargo. “If you don’t get a barn burner in March, I think you’re probably going to get one in April,” he said. The biggest risk to the economy is as it has been for the last year: the pandemic itself. Coronavirus cases are rising again in much of the country as states have begun easing restrictions. If that upward trend turns into a full-blown new wave of infections, it could force some states to backpedal, impeding the recovery, Mr. Bryson warned. But few economists expect a repeat of the winter, when a jump in virus cases pushed the recovery into reverse. More than a quarter of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and more than two million people a day are being inoculated. That should allow economic activity to continue to rebound. “This time is different, and that’s because of vaccines,” said Julia Pollak, a labor economist at the job site ZipRecruiter. “It’s real this time.” Still, the labor market will need many months of strong growth to return to anything close to its prepandemic level. As of February, the United States had roughly 9.5 million fewer jobs than in February 2020, and the gap is even larger when accounting for a year’s worth of missed job growth. Forecasters expect the March report to show that the unemployment rate fell to 6 percent, down from 6.2 percent in February and from a peak of nearly 15 percent in April. But economists caution against reading too much into the unemployment rate, which excludes millions of people who left the labor force during the pandemic, in many cases because they needed to care for children while schools were closed or because they did not feel safe going to work. If those people begin to look for jobs again as the pandemic ebbs — as economists hope they will — the official unemployment rate might be slow to recover. “So many people have been pushed out by the pandemic and its fallout that the short-term trends are going to be really hard to parse out,” said Nick Bunker, research director for the hiring site Indeed. Ed Bastian, the chief executive of Delta, was accused by Georgia’s governor of spreading “the same false attacks being repeated by partisan activists.”Credit…Steve Marcus/Reuters For two weeks, Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola had been under pressure from activists and Black executives who wanted the companies to publicly oppose a new law in Georgia that makes it harder for people to vote. On Wednesday, six days after the law was passed, both companies stated their “crystal clear” opposition to it. Now Republicans are mad at the companies for speaking out. Hours after the companies made their statements, Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, took aim at Ed Bastian, the chief executive of Delta, accusing him of spreading “the same false attacks being repeated by partisan activists.” And Republicans in the Georgia state legislature floated the idea of increasing taxes on Delta as retribution. On Thursday, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida posted a video in which he called Delta and Coca-Cola “woke corporate hypocrites.” Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi said Coca-Cola was “caving to the ‘woke’ left.” And Stephen Miller, an adviser to former President Donald J. Trump, said on Twitter, “Unelected, multinational corporations are now openly attacking sovereign U.S. states & the right of their citizens to secure their own elections. This is a corporate ambush on Democracy.” It was another illustration of just how fraught it is for big companies to wade in to partisan politics, where any support for the left draws the ire of the right, and vice versa. Other big Georgia companies have managed to stay on the sidelines. UPS, which is based in Atlanta, also refrained from criticizing the new law before it was passed. On Thursday, the company said it “believes that voting laws and legislation should make it easier, not harder, for Americans to exercise their right to vote.” It made no mention of the law. Mannequins at a Brooks Brothers warehouse in Enfield, Conn.Credit…Amr Alfiky/The New York Times In the fallout of Brooks Brothers’ bankruptcy filing and sale last year, the retailer abandoned a warehouse in Connecticut full of junk — mannequins, sewing machines and a whole section of Christmas trees. Ever since, the couple that owns the warehouse, Chip and Rosanna LaBonte, has been scrambling to figure out how to get rid of it all. Junk removal companies have told them it will cost at least $240,000 to clear the space, which Brooks Brothers had rented through November, Sapna Maheshwari and Vanessa Friedman report for The New York Times. In order to pay the bill, the LaBontes are going to have to sell their home. Chip and Rosanna LaBonte, owners of the warehouse where Brooks Brothers stashed its stuff before abandoning it.Credit…Amr Alfiky/The New York Times Brooks Brothers, which was founded in 1818 and is the oldest continuously operated apparel brand in the United States, began renting the warehouse in Enfield in 2011, most recently at a rate of roughly $20,000 a month. The couple bought the warehouse in 2010. They said that it was their first foray into commercial real estate and that they worked on residential projects before that. They have other tenants and a self-storage section, but are frustrated about the mess and the fact they can’t use the space for anything else until it is cleared. The couple’s plight illustrates the far-reaching consequences of retail bankruptcies, which cascaded during the pandemic and affected everyone from factory workers to executives. Smaller vendors and landlords have often been left holding the short end of the stick during lengthy byzantine bankruptcy proceedings, particularly with limits on what they can spend on legal bills compared with larger corporations. And once bankrupt brands are sold, people like the LaBontes are typically left in the dust. Ford and enjoyed substantial increases in sales to individual customers at dealerships while reporting declines in sales to fleet operators.Credit…Brittany Greeson for The New York Times General Motors reported a modest rise in car sales in North America for the first quarter, but its operations continue to be hampered by a shortage of computer chips. G.M. said on Thursday that it sold 642,250 cars and light trucks in the first three months of the year, up just 4 percent even though sales a year ago slowed sharply as the coronavirus pandemic took hold. By contrast, Toyota Motor showed a strong rebound in sales compared with a year ago. The Japanese company reported that sales in North America jumped 22 percent in the first three months of 2021, to 603,066 cars and light trucks. Its March sales were a record high for that month. Toyota’s big jump helped it outsell Ford Motor, which has also been hit by the semiconductor shortage. Ford’s sales in the first quarter were up just 1 percent, to 521,334. Stellantis — the company formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France’s Peugeot SA — reported its U.S. sales increased 5 percent in the first quarter. Ford and G.M. both enjoyed substantial increases in sales to individual customers at dealerships while reporting declines in sales to fleet operators like rental car companies and governments. G.M. and Ford have had to halt or slow production at a handful of plants. G.M. has resorted to making some vehicles without parts containing computer chips with the intention of installing those components before sale when supply improves. In a statement, G.M. said it hoped its strategy for building cars without some components would help it “quickly meet strong expected customer demand during the year.” That approach to building cars “underscores the dire nature” of the semiconductor shortage, an analyst at CFRA Research, Garrett Nelson, said in a report. “One of the key questions is how much better the U.S. auto sales recovery can get from here.” The chip shortage is reflected in G.M.’s unusually low inventory of 334,628 vehicles. That is about 76,000 less than at the end of the fourth quarter and is half the number of vehicles its dealers held in stock a year ago. Ford’s inventory was 56,100 lower than at the end of 2020. G.M.’s sluggish sales were confined to its Chevrolet brand, whose sales fell 2 percent in the first quarter. That included a 13 percent decline in sales of its full-size Silverado pickup truck, a critical profit maker for the company. The Buick, Cadillac and G.M.C. brands reported strong sales in the quarter. Toyota also reported a drop in sales of its full-size pickup, the Tundra. But the decline was more than offset by big increases in sales of its RAV4, Highlander and 4Runner sport-utility vehicles and cars from its Lexus luxury brand. Also on Thursday, Honda Motor reported its first-quarter sales in North America had increased 16 percent, to 347,091 vehicles. Source link Orbem News #expected #jobs #Live #Picks #Rebound #Report #speed #strong #Updates

[breakingdownsu]

A String of Pearls Chapter Eleven

Author's note: I'm going to be an obnoxious git and spam the link to my novel on Amazon here, for a limited time it's free (and knowing it's there is giving me more motivation to write than I've had for a long time) : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BGSPPBY

With that out of the way, back to our regularly scheduled angst.

…..

Needs

She had been impressive, once.

She had been a shining beacon on the battlefield for a long time, it was even said that if it wasn't for the four Diamonds being there at the right time she might have become a Diamond herself. An unlucky swipe of a zoatox's serrated tail had been enough to keep her out of the climactic battle and gem history was made without her.

Still, Emerald retired with full honours, more money than she could have ever earned in peacetime and a small measure of political power that she hardly used. A small sector of Homeworld's manufacturing district was under her control, and it was enough for her.

The crack in her gem made her nervous, but she never did anything about it, preferring to pretend it wasn't there. At the start of her retirement, it had only been a scratch, but it deepened every orbit. It ran under her manifested form, where it couldn't be seen without special tools. It was easy to ignore, for a while.

It's just an old war wound. Nothing more. We all have them.

She made a huge mistake on the budget for the orbit quarter, one that sent the factories she had under her control struggling to catch up with the rest of Homeworld. A Kunzite was dispatched to look over the accounts, and she did so shaking her head and muttering under her breath, to Emerald's utter humiliation.

“These are a mess,” Kunzite grumbled. “Half of the spreadsheets aren't filled in and the data that's here doesn't make any sense. How have you been operating all this time?”

“A few things were overlooked,” Emerald shrugged, trying to appear casual.

“Overlooked? This is more like willful blindness,” Kunzite retorted.

That hit a nerve, because Emerald's vision had been warped lately. Everything was hazy and numbers floated when she tried to look at them. She'd thought she had done a good job of hiding it.

“Look, not everyone's got a good head for number-crunching,” said Kunzite. “But Homeworld can't afford these kinds of mistakes. Just get a pearl in to do the spreadsheets and data work, it'll pay for itself in efficiency. You don't even have to get a new one, just a working one.”

“Okay, that's not a bad idea,” Emerald agreed, though she barely suppressed a shudder.

Like many veterans of the zoatox war, Emerald had a visceral dislike for pearls. It only intensified when she heard rumours that they could carry zoatox spawn without being harmed in the process. But really, what choice did she have?

She picked up a second-hand pearl, one that had ended up in the impound and had been resold instead of being liquidated. She couldn't see it particularly well given her vision problems, but she saw enough to know she wanted to be as far away from it as possible. She gave it a dank little alcove to work through the data banks and tried to ignore it.

She still had to bring it home in the last quadrants though, and it was harder to find a corner to banish it to at her apartment, so she left it outside on the balcony until they had to go to work again.

At first, everything seemed to be going well. The pearl's number-crunching got the factory back working on schedule, and it was on alert for any mistakes Emerald was making. But less than an orbit had passed before Emerald realized that it wasn't just her vision that was affected by the crack, but her hearing too. She misheard multiple reports from the assembly line supervisors and the Kunzite was back again, muttering at the data readouts.

“I don't understand....kshhh....happening again, and not even....tpschieeee....checked the pearl, it's working just......kshchiiiitschop........it must be coming from somewhere else,” she told Emerald, half-heard through the haze.

Now, Emerald was afraid. She knew what happened to gems with cracks that couldn't be repaired. Homeworld couldn't afford to let her maintain her lifestyle when she was basically defective. She would be sent to one of the veteran's homes until her gem could no longer support her mass. That was if they didn't decide she was a waste of resources and shatter her right there and then.

She convinced her higher-ups to let her work from home, under the pretense that the pearl was able to crunch the numbers more efficiently from there with better access to the mainframe database. It worked.

For a while.

Then her vision and hearing weren't the only things affected. Her legs were starting to shake as she walked, and her talking was becoming slurred and unintelligible. When she received a contact request from none other than Yellow Diamond, she thought she was finally doomed.

Except, at the last possible moment, the pearl toddled in from its dank little corner, froze the contact image on Emerald's face and imitated Emerald's voice so perfectly even Emerald herself was convinced for a parsec that she was the one talking. The pearl smoothly apologized for any mistakes made and assured the Diamond that her work would be flawless from now on.

It was as good as its word. It took over Emerald's job with an efficiency that was frightening. Emerald didn't even have to speak to anyone anymore, or even appear in public. The pearl ran the entire operation from its little corner of the apartment without fail.

At the start of every cycle, it lifted Emerald gently out of her rest pod, set up her screens to keep her occupied and brought her anything she needed, and at the end of the cycle it put her back in the rest pod. It kept her clean and nourished to the best of its abilities.

Towards the end of her life, Emerald was prone to crying and asking the pearl why it had been so good to her.

“You needed it,” was the only answer she ever got.

…..

Wants

She had always wanted a pearl.

Not just any pearl, because she would have been able to afford one from the black market, or a battered second-hand one from the impound auctions. She wanted the latest one, the best one the market had to offer.

The newest ones were smaller, shinier, more efficient and less likely to break down than any that had come before. Ametrine passed the pearl shops on her way to the factory and on her way back, even though that was a walk that added a good half-quadrant to her journey.

She took to standing in front of the shop window looking in when the newest pearls were released and she spotted one she wanted more than she had ever wanted anything. It was pale yellow with threads of gold running through its long straight hair, and its eyes were a blue so dark they were almost black. It was ruinously expensive, even by pearl standards because it was part of a limited edition.

She could make enough to buy it. She had cut back on almost everything to save money. It wasn't impossible.

Except, the next cycle the pearl had been sold. She'd never really had a chance.

Worse still, she saw it a few cycles later, on the luger with its new owner. It would have to be a Larimar, wouldn't it?

If there was a gem type she could say she hated, it would be Larimars. She had never met a single one that wasn't vain, spoiled and stuck-up. They lived off of the hard work of other gems and their own beauty. They were no better than the zoatox really, at least the zoatox had no choice but to be parasites.

This Larimar was particularly bad, because she was well known to be attached to a Kunzite that had won accolades during the zoatox war and a healthy lifelong pension. That pension was now being spent on keeping this Larimar in gaudy apparel, gallium smoke and expensive trinkets (including the limited-edition pearl.)

“Just forget it,” her neighbouring Spinel on the assembly line told her, after hearing Ametrine complain about it over and over. “What would you do with a pearl anyway? You could barely fit it in your room.”

That was somewhat true...all the assembly workers lived in the factory accommodations in the outer districts, which were just big enough for a rest pod and not much else. The luger brought them in at the start of the cycle and back out at the end, but Ametrine preferred to get up early and walk.

“The new pearls are smaller,” she mumbled by way of an answer. “It would fit.”

“Just barely,” Spinel said. “And the database connection is really weak there anyway, so it would just be like a really nice statue. Seriously, why not just get one second-hand if you want one that badly?”

Ametrine clenched her jaw and refused to speak for the rest of the day.

As luck would have it, the Kunzite who had been partnered with that same Larimar visited the factory to look at their accounts, and as it was just before clocking-off-time, Ametrine was able to follow her home. Strangely enough, Kunzite didn't live in the fancy high-end district but near the docks.

It was almost too perfect. Gems were mugged down at the docks all the time.

She trailed them for twelve cycles, trying to figure out Larimar's routine and when she would be most likely to let her guard down. The chances of her getting away with the pearl were very slim, but it was better than nothing, right? Sure enough, Larimar had a blind spot; she stopped for a smoke of gallium with a friend every two cycles in the same district. She usually left the pearl sitting with another pearl in the quadrangle.

There were holo-recorders mounted around the quadrangle, that's what made gems like Larimar leave their pearls out in the open with no fear that they'd be stolen. But Ametrine had made holo-recorders before in another factory; she knew well how to jam them.

She disguised herself as an off-colour Jade; they were around the same size, and many off-colour Jades were known criminals. After setting up a signal to jam the holo-recorders, it was simply a matter of stabbing the pearl through the stomach to get it to retreat into its gem and pocket it. It all went off without a hitch, nobody even tried to stop her (perhaps just the sheer shock of having something stolen from the quadrangle paralyzed the witnesses.)

The pearl was even prettier up close, when it manifested its form again back at Ametrine's apartment.

“I have been stolen,” were the first words the pearl spoke. Ametrine was taken aback.

“Uh, yeah, I guess,” she responded. “I was going to buy you anyway, though, and that Larimar would have gotten tired of you after a while, so I kinda did you a favour...”

The pearl blinked. Its stillness was a little unnerving, come to think of it.

“Our processes are usually wiped when we are stolen,” it told Ametrine bluntly. “Otherwise there's a chance we can be traced.”

“Right, I'll get around to that, thanks,” Ametrine spluttered. It was a real novelty to be given tips on how to be a thief from the object you stole.

The novelty wore off fast. Ametrine didn't really know what to expect, but she got the feeling the pearl...disapproved of her, somehow. It never said anything unless it was asked, and it did exactly what it was told to do, but there was always a glimmer of something underneath, something that sent Ametrine's skin crawling.

She had committed a criminal act that usually resulted in a shattering, to feel like a nobody in the presence of a damn pearl?

The worst part was when she brought it along to social gatherings and there were other pearls there. (She had to disguise it as a regular edition pearl, which took a lot of the joy out of limited-edition.)The pearls sat on the sidelines and didn't talk, but Ametrine still got the feeling they were communicating somehow. Occasionally they would move, just a hand or even a finger, and then she got the feeling they were laughing at her.

In the end, she dumped it outside the impound centre wrapped in a polychrome sheet, and tried to put the whole sorry mess behind her.

[kellycrawford93]

governing sustainable fashion

Organizing a transition requires cooperation from all parties involved, but how do you structure a change like that? Take into account that the textile industry is part of a global economy with power imbalances between the global north (consumers) and the global south (producers). How will resources and labour be divided in a fair way in the transition towards circularity?

there's a mainly Western viewpoint on change, but what can we learn from the viewpoint of the non-Western countries where most of the world’s textile production takes place? How do they organize change? The video below tells you what steps have been taken by the textile industry in Bangladesh to improve workplace safety and reduce environmental impact. Meet Rubana Huq, head of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), a national trade organization of garment manufacturers in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is the 2nd largest apparel exporting country in the world and our economy is heavily dependent on this industry. 84% of our overall export earnings are generated from this particular sector. It employs around 4.4 million workers, mainly women from rural areas.  In recent times we see that globally, the demand for sustainable fashion is increasing,Consumers are asking for products made in a sustainable manner.

In Bangladesh, we are faced with some environmental challenges as well. Such as, as groundwater depletion, energy efficiency, waste management, etc.

In this era of disruptive technology, we have to be in equal footing with the global trend to be competitive. we have to be very cautious and we have to be very careful and we have to prepare our industry for the next move. Governing this transition is absolutely a huge task! Policies have to be revised, new standards need to be introduced and promulgated. Being the highest trade body of the industry, we are leading this change along with the government, brands, academia, workers and trade unions, and of course development partners as well.

Currently the second phase of the project is under implementation.Through this program, industry reduced environmental impacts in terms of water consumption, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Another thing that's be achieved is policy improvement , as well as the regulatory framework for sustainable growth. This has been through the public-private forum named TSP, or Textile Sustainability Platform. TSP works collectively towards lowering sectoral barriers, and improving the policy and regulatory framework to ease sustainable growth. TSP is composed of members from textile factories, brands, industry associations, civil society organizations, NGOs, UN, university, academicians, banks, and concerned government bodies.

Through this platform we're able to create a 200 million US dollar worth Green Transformation Fund (GTF), fiscal incentives for green factories, energy audit regulations, and sludge management guidelines being enforced by the Department of Environment.

there's also been a signing of the UN fashion industry charter for Climate Action with UNFCCC; it includes a target of 30% GHG emission reductions by 2030.

they're now in the final stage of inaugurating RMG Sustainability Council, Ready-Made Garments Sustainability Council. This council will be a self-monitoring entity looking into all aspects of sustainability, such as workplace safety, labor, and of course environment. The chapter on environment will work in a three-tier system namely: Pollution control: to develop capacity of factories challenged to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Two. Climate action: to develop factories to reduce environmental footprints and carbon emissions of their production.

Three. Climate positive: to support and guide factories to achieve low and no carbon pathway. The good thing is that the industry has already made some praiseworthy good stories.

Bangladesh has the most number of LEED green factory buildings certified by the United States Green Building Council. 101 green factory buildings and 500+ more are in the pipeline. the factories are now having rainwater harvesting, solar power, cogeneration, waste to heat generation, etc. So, the transition has already started.

there are some challenges like global price fall, climate change, lack of local technology, skills etc. But,with a friendly policy framework, an enforcement system along with market led incetivisation will be able to take our industry to the level that it desires.