We've discussed how difficult it is for the consumer to research "green", "sustainable" and/or "fair trade" companies. It is not much easier for retailers to stay on top of the same issues with their suppliers. Enter Fair Factories Clearinghouse.
Fair trade practice issues have been making news since the early 1990's (Nike, Kathy Lee Gifford, etc.) In 2003, the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Reebok joined forces and approached the US Department of State to suggest a non-profit organization that would oversee a "factory database" with categories devoted to fair trade practices. Members would share information about supplier factories so each member could easily find factories that were in fair trade compliance. Funding was received in 2004 and Reebok, the NRF, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and World Monitors joined forces to start the FFC.
FFC is a membership structured organization where industry partners share efforts to create more effective and efficient monitoring practices for factory assessment. The goal is to support and maintain fair trade practices in a variety of industries across the globe.
Based on Reebok's generously donated Human Rights Tracking System software, an FCC proprietary software solution consisting of 2 modules (an Audit Management System & a Sharing Platform) was born. Members can better manage factory compliance with the following features: factory personnel directories, product supply chain maps, production schedules, standard and custom audit questionnaire distribution, recording and assessment, performance improvement management, opportunities for collaboration, access shared documents, and member contact directory. In addition, the package includes a self-assessment tool for risk management.
Membership continues to grow. Pariticipating Fashion/Lifestyle brand members include Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Inc., Levi Strauss & Co., Adidas and Timberland. L.L. Bean, Inc, Global Monitoring Manager, Mike Sheehy reports an increase in ROI and efficiency from day one. Fair Trade Compliace is not just good for the world, it's good business.
till next week --Restore, Refresh, Recycle and Renew
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11 comments:
This post was very informative and really made me think about companies like Nike in comparison to a Reebok. It's really sad to see what companies will do to save or earn a buck. I imagine that it would be very useful for sweatshop conscious labels to monitor their factories through the FFC. There is still the sweatshop issue, however this is a great step in trying to cure the problem. I was reading how the free trade agreement caused such issues stating it only ended up putting profits before workers. (sweatshopwatch.com) This law reduced trading costs and tariffs, but failed to adhere to the conditions of the sweatshops and the safety and protection of workers rights. It is good to see that the FCC is trying to do something about this. It makes me as a consumer really appreciate companies that are trying to make a difference, and the mom and pop shops (much like the one that was in class yesterday) that do everything they can to keep production in the states. I think its time that the big labels make a change, and this will only happen through consumer education. This article really made me think about my recent trip to Forever 21, and what the price of my shirt REALLY cost.
I am very surprised to hear about the companies that chose to participate in these new standards. Not because of their brand names but more because of their products. I always think of the apparel industry as an industry that is out to sell product and make money. Companies that I could see participating in the FFC, and this alliance type agreement, would be green companies. I really agree with Courtney's post, which mentions the actions of now comparing Nike to Reebok and doing the same with other products. This really is a great step in trying to cure the sweatshop problems and conditions that exist. Big labels need to make the change because not only does this positive effect influence the community, and the people that buy their products, but it also sets standards for people running the sweatshops. If large companies will no longer do business with them, they will be forced to change their ways.
I wasn't aware of the organization FFC but I do feel that it must be a big benefit for brands that are members. I also feel that there are certain companies that care about their factory policies and belong to it for the right reason while there are other companies that probably know of unethical practices but let it slide. Many large companies that are getting away with things probably will not make changes unless the consumer becomes aware of them and disapproves. The FFC will not only push factories to monitor their practices but may also urge industry leaders to be careful as well. If the FFC shares information on cost and energy effective practices, it's surprising that more businesses do not join. Since the FFC has only been established a few years, hopefully it will gain more members with time. You would also think that global companies like Nike, would have some spare income to invest in this resource.
Like Whitney, I was also unaware of FFC and can only help but wonder if there are any other organizations out there like this? Of course fair trade is a pertinent issue, but every other aspect of an eco-friendly product should be addressed for the inquisitive consumer in one way or another. For instance, I would love to know the carbon footprint from a piece of merchandise from a retailer like Forever 21. If there are not any other related organizations I think the FFC is a great place to start. Big brands need to get involved in organizations such as this so they can influence their market to be conscious about pertinent facts pertaining to the merchandise. I know many people would love to know a company’s fair trade practice but have no idea how to obtain this information. I think it is great that you are trying to get this kind of information out to the public through your blog and I think others need to take part in raising awareness as well.
As everyone else, I was unaware of the FFC. This organization is great a great idea for keeping track of factory practices. Illegal factory activities are a very important topic here especially since many companies are outsourcing and are unaware of what's going on across seas. A few people talked about Forever 21. If they are not a part of this organization, they really should be. I feel that retailers like them (fast fashion companies) probably need to really look into their carbon footprint as well as the types of practices they could be supporting.
It is interesting to finally see that people are taking charge of fair trade. Big companies such as Nike, source to so many places that I believe they are not totally aware of where all of their products are coming from. It really made me uncomfortable to imagine how we were ever going to gain control of factories. The goals of the Human Rights Tracking System software seem to be on the right track. They have identified the causes for the problems and are attempting to make them right. I know this won’t fix all of the problems, but it is a step in the right direction!
I feel that NGOs are definitely the driving force behind many of the ethical movements within the fashion industry. It is great that so much collaboration is happening not only to help the consumer identify ethical goods but also help the retailer find ethical means of production. To answer Amanda’s question, there are tons of NGOs working out there to develop standards for both social and environmental issues. One example is Ceres, a nonprofit organization started in 1989. Ceres developed the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which serves as a standard of disclosure on environmental and human impacts a company has. H&M has an example of the report on their website, you can also visit ceres.org for more information. What I fear is that the abundance of NGO efforts may confuse consumers and business management. Each is trying to develop the most beneficial standard of business practice but too many options may be available. This is why I think legislation is extremely important in determining the future of the ethical fashion industry. Eventually some authority will have to decide what plan needs to be implemented by every company. However, the current diversity and open collaboration of ideas serves as a great opportunity for change in the industry.
FFC is a great idea. I'm surprised this is not more well known. Like everyone else, this is the first I've heard of it. Seeing the companies involved give me more respect for them, for trying to make a difference in staying on top of these issues. After looking at the website it seemed like there weren't as many companies involved in this as I thought there would be.
The stores that people are asking to see the carbon footprints of would be very interesting. Forever 21, H&M, Zara, all of those places. I plan on checking the website in the future to see what companies decide to participate in the FFC.
It wasn't until recently when I was in Trader Joes that I looked into the Fair Trade issue, I had seen and heard about the importance of Fair Trade but I was not fully informed of the facts. After doing some research I realized the importance. This post provided me with a lot of additional information about Free Trade. Since Free Trade has been an issue since the early 90's I am surprised that it has only been four years since and overseas database has been implemented to help categorize fair trade practices. Because the FFC is a fairly new organization and the education on the importance of Free Trade is now being spread I assume that the fashion/lifestyle Membership will grow astronomically in the next two years.
-Kristan Alekna
I'm surprised to see how many companies are participating in this. It's awesome that a lot of major companies like Nike are doing this. I think it's a really smart choice on the companies parts. They are helping the environment, and the world. It seems like maybe these companies can start a trend or start setting an example for other major and small companies to start using the same methods. If more and more people started participating in the FCC there could be a huge positive reaction that could change our world for the better.
Just like several of the other posts, I also was unaware of the FFC and the many steps they have taken to improve fair trade practices and their sustainability efforts. In the past week, I have become aware of other trade practices through my product development class and a recent event I attended regarding trade between the city of Philadelphia and Chile. All three instances have made me stop to think about how shop as a consumer and what I take into consideration when making a purchase. With the many successful companies apart of the FFC, it shows that it is possible to care about you carbon footprint and fair trade practices and still make money. Each week as I read these different posts, I become more aware and want to change my habits more and more.
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