Our economy could be helped by simply buying American made t-shirts, instead of ones that are manufactured in overseas sweatshops. Buying American made products is one of the most important aspects to supporting the U.S. economy, instead of supporting foreign companies that treat their workers poorly. There are many companies located in the United States that are beginning to manufacture t-shirts made from all natural products in keeping with going ‘green’. Foreign ‘sweatshops’ use cheap labor for their manufacturing, in addition to materials that may not be free of toxins and pollutants. Now is the time for the American public to support USA made clothing and other products.
If you buy USA made t-shirts, you showing support for your own country and keeping American workers employed. Countries overseas that are paying workers very little, denying them the basic rights of humane treatment and seeking reprisal for those who do not conform are not something that should be supported.
The origin of the clothes is not something many shoppers think about before they purchase. They may change their shopping habits if they were more aware of the horrible working conditions these items are manufactured under and the consequences for American workers that may lose their jobs.
Adhering to a few pointers can assure that you are supporting American workers and buying American made t-shirts. USA made t-shirts or those made under the Fair Trade system assures you that the items were made by companies that treat their workers fairly. This means the items you are buying are made by workers who are treated fairly. They are paid an honest wage and are guaranteed breaks and sick leave instead of being treated badly. Workers who are in the Fair Trade system are usually economically disadvantaged so this will be helping them to support themselves and their families.
American made t-shirts that carry a “UNITE” label is another indication they were not made in sweatshops. When the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees and Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union merged, they came up with the idea of the label for American consumers benefit. USA made t-shirts that contain the label are made by the union workers who are treated with the pay and benefits that the union negotiates on their behalf. They have a contract with the company they work for that ensures safe and fair working conditions as well as the wages they are being paid and benefits.
Check on the companies that make clothing. Union made t-shirts made by cooperatives may be another source of t-shirts made from all natural materials. American made t-shirts made by cooperatives may help protect the environment, in addition to keeping Americans working. The co-ops are often formed by individuals who have an ownership in the company. This allows them to have a steady income and good working conditions. They take pride in the manufacturing process so they produce a better product and ownership shares provide a team effort on behalf of the company.
You can check your favorite clothing store to find out whether they have poor labor habits in the products they carry or find out if they carry American made t-shirts. If they carry brands that use sweatshops, you may want to bring it to their attention. The Responsible Shopper Website lists Union made t-shirts that are really made in the USA. USA made t-shirts can be investigated to be sure they are really made in the USA.
It is hard today to make sure the clothing you are buying is made without the use of labor practices that are unfair to others. We should be concerned with the clothes we wear naturally because we want to look our best. Emphasis is on wearing name brand clothing and if American made t-shirts have the brand, this is all well and good. But if the brand you like is being made by children who are being mistreated and made to sit for hours without breaks, is wearing that brand worth it? Do some investigative work about the brands you like. Taking a stand regarding unfair labor practices is everybody’s responsibility, and it is also a way to help the U.S. economy, while putting a financial burden on the foreign countries that take advantage of their people.
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