Eco Fashion World

TransFair USA, a not-for-profit organization, is one of twenty members of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), and the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Transfair USA thoroughly examines transactions between US companies offering Fair Trade Certified™ products and the international suppliers from whom they source, in order to guarantee that the farmers and farm workers behind Fair Trade Certified goods were paid a fair, above-market price. In addition, annual inspections conducted by FLO ensure that strict socioeconomic development criteria are being met using increased Fair Trade revenues.

A new and exciting development in the world of ethical fashion, is the launch of TransFair USA’s Fair Trade Certified™ Apparel Program, which gives conscious consumers a sustainable and ethical alternative to clothes produced by sweatshop labor.

According to TransFair USA, two brands have made their apparel products available: Hae Now, an online organic and Fair Trade retailer that offers a variety of products from t-shirts to aprons, and Tompkins Point Apparel, which currently offers a line of luxurious men’s polo shirts. Over the coming months, more farms and factories will become certified and more brands will make their products available.

The highly anticipated program is particularly notable because it benefits workers at all points of the supply chain:

Cotton Farmers
Farmers can earn up to 30 percent more on Fair Trade sales through a guaranteed minimum price and a community development premium for collective needs in their communities. Farmers must also meet environmental standards.

Garment Workers
Workers have a voice in the workplace and earn a premium of up to 10 percent of the cost of the garment for community investment or a cash bonus. Factories must meet stringent workplace requirements.

Apparel and Linen Companies
The Fair Trade Certified label allows companies to invest in the farmers and workers from which they source, and to effectively communicate their commitment to social and environmental responsibility to consumers.

Consumers
Consumers are empowered to vote with their dollars when they buy clothing and linens bearing the Fair Trade Certified label.

This apparel program is yet another exciting new venture toward positive change.

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