There are many companies located in the United States that are beginning to manufacture t-shirts made from all natural products in keeping with going ‘green’. The purchase of t-shirts and clothing made in other countries is also an issue now with ‘sweatshops’ being used for cheap labor. There are many reasons for only purchasing american flag shirts made t-shirts.
Tips for Finding American Made Products
If you want to be sure the products you are purchasing are not produced in sweatshops by workers, who are being exploited, buy USA made t-shirts. Countries overseas that are paying workers very little, denying them the basic rights of humane treatment and seeking reprisal for those who do not conform are not something that should be supported.
Shoppers are often unaware of the origin of the clothes they purchase. All they know is they go to the store, see something they like and make a purchase. If they knew what was really behind the manufacture of the clothing they may change their minds about buying these items.
American made t-shirts may be found by adhering to several tips that will ensure the clothing you are purchasing is not made in a sweat shop. One of the ways of finding USA made t-shirts is to look for clothing made under the Fair Trade system. This means the items you are buying are made by workers who are treated fairly. They are paid an honest wage and are guaranteed breaks and sick leave instead of being treated badly. Workers who are in the Fair Trade system are usually economically disadvantaged so this will be helping them to support themselves and their families.
The UNITE HERE label is another way to find American made t-shirts that are not made in sweatshops. This is a union that was created when the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees and Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union merged. USA made t-shirts purchased with a Union label is a guarantee that the workers who made your t-shirt are treated fairly. They have a contract with the company they work for that ensures safe and fair working conditions as well as the wages they are being paid and benefits.
Check on the companies that make clothing. You can find cooperatives in the U.S. that are a very good organization to support. American made t-shirts made by cooperatives may be another source of t-shirts made from all natural materials. By helping to protect the environment you are also helping low-income employees to support themselves. The co-ops are often formed by individuals who have an ownership in the company. This allows them to have a steady income and good working conditions. The products made are of a good quality because they take pride in the manufacturing process of a company they own.
If you have a favorite store where you purchase your clothing, you can check them out and see if they have poor labor habits. Are the t-shirts you are purchasing American made t-shirts or is your favorite store using sweatshops for the clothing they bring to you? The Responsible Shopper Website is one way of finding out if the USA made t-shirts are really made in the USA. The company’s profile will have any accusations made against them and information about whether they are lined to abusive sweatshops.