If you're like me, then you ask a lot of questions. What’s that? Where’s it from? Who made it? What’s it made from? How much? Sorry, I think I misheard you… how much? I've asked many of these questions about school uniform.
Here are some steps to take to check if your child's school uniform has been ethically made:
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Contact the manufacturer: You can reach out to the manufacturer of your child's school uniform and ask about their ethical sourcing practices, including the conditions for workers who produce the uniform and the environmental impact of its production.
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Look for certifications: Check for certifications such as Better Cotton, B Corp, Living Wage Foundation, Living Hours, Planet Mark, or the Ethical Trading Initiative. These certifications indicate that the uniform has been produced in accordance with strict ethical and environmental standards. These are badges reputable manufacturers wear with pride. A quick glance at their website should tell you everything.
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Research the company: You can research the company online to find out more about its history, values, and ethical sourcing practices. Look for information on the company's website, press releases, and articles in the media. They should be shouting from the rooftops about their ethical credentials.
- Ask the school: If you are unsure, you can also contact the school and ask about their policy on ethical sourcing and whether they have any information on the origin of the uniform. If your child's school is an Eco-School or UNICEF Rights Respecting School then the Head will know.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your child's school uniform has been ethically made and produced in a way that is sustainable and does not exploit workers or harm the environment.
At Ethical Schoolwear, we've already done the legwork for you. Our school uniform only comes from manufacturers who've proven their commitment to both people and planet.