Did you know that 218 million children aged 5-17 are involved in child labor? Out of this, 126 million work under hazardous conditions.

If you want to set these children free, then stop buying goods blindly without knowing where it came from.

PlanetGreen has a nice guide to help you say no to sweat-shopping, with a focus on clothes. Highlights below:-

1. Don’t fall for the ‘Made in U.S.A.’ cover:- Just because it says so doesn’t mean it is so. You’ll be surprised how many major designer brands import clothing from sweatshops and simply add the finisishing touches.

2. Look for Union Made labels:- If it has a UNITE or Union House label, then it’s sweatshop free.

3. Look for fair trade-certified label:- Buy brands which are part of, or listed by, fair trade organizations such as Fair Trade Labeling Organization, Fair Trade Federation, Global Exchange, the FairTrade Foundation, and TransFair USA

4. Buy used or recycled:- Buying used clothing is a surefire way to ensure you’re not supporting a sweatshop, and you don’t add to the environmental damage caused by intercontinental transportation of goods.

Photo by striatic

Posted on February 12th, 2010 by PLing
Filed under: Travel Tips