This weeks blog covers the cost of fashion. According to question three on the survey, the majority of responses showed that individuals spent between $100 and $300 yearly on clothing. The average American spends a little more than $1,700 in 2011 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When deciding to make sweatshops my year long project I looked at the labels on my clothing and realized I did not know where half of the countries my clothing came from. When answering question three I would say I spend between $300 and $500 on clothing. I never thought of myself as one that needs to keep up with fashion or have the latest article of clothing but I do enjoy the occasional shopping spree and buying off the Clarence rack. When shopping I hardly ever think of where the clothes I purchase come from or the workers that work to produce the items I buy. All I see is discounts and feel excited when clothes look good and are affordable.
This week I encourage everyone to look your current finances and see where you spend you money and look through your closet and see how many of the clothes hanging on the hangers still have their tags on them. When your out with friends shopping or ordering clothing online do a little research and see where the clothing is manufactured and if the brand is known for sweatshops.
Interesting websites:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/living/high-cost-of-fashion
Interesting blog, Diane! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteIt seems almost impossible to buy clothing that wasn't orginally manufactured in a sweat shop. Do you think that if someone wants to totally avoid the sweatshop issue they should start making their own clothing or pay for tailored clothing? Emily
ReplyDeleteI think people just need to be made more aware of where they shop and decided how important the issue is for them. I would have nothing to wear if I made my own clothing! Although it is a good way to save money. There are places out there that dont have sweatshops and I am still determining my feeling on goodwill or second hand clothing stores. Yes they sell clothing that was made in sweatshops but technically you did not buy them from the story and reusing clothing is a good way to slow manufacturing
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