Organic? How can you be sure?
Organic cotton garments can be certified by a number of independent bodies, including Control Union (formerly SKAL international), the Soil Association and the I.M.O.
All cotton used by Wearology is currently certified by Control Union and IMO. Wearology's supply chain has been audited against the new Global Organic Textile Standard, a standard recognised by the Soil Association in the UK.
How can you have different colours if it's organic?
While Wearology offers t-shirts in Ecru (the natural colour of cotton), it also offers a range of t-shirts in a number of other colours. These other colours are available in fabric dyes that meet the requirements of the Global Organic Standard and are available in various colours.
A large number of inputs are prohibited in the Global Organic Standard these include; amine-releasing azo dyes, aromatic solvents, phenols, short-chain aldehydes, GMO's, halogenated solvents, heavy metals and flourcarbones.
The Global Organic Standard also has strict requirements concerning the management of waste water from dyeing facilities. All dyeing facilities must have a waste-water treatment plant which meets the standards laid out for the quality of water discharged from the facility.
How do I know that Wearology t-shirts are made under ethical working conditions?
The Wearology supply chain is audited against the Global Organic Standard, this standard includes an audit against social criteria, the scope of this social audit includes checking for the following:
· Employment is freely chosen
· Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
· Working conditions are safe and hygienic
· Child labour is not used
· Living wages are paid
· Working hours are not excessive
· No discrimination is practised
· Regular employment is provided
· No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
GOTS Standard
If you want to learn more about organic cotton and the issues associated with conventional cotton take a look at:
