I don't like what I see in manufacturing today, but I'm hopeful that things can change. I want to be a part of that change. Businesses don't need to profit at the expense of their workers' safety, discarded clothing doesn't need to pile up in landfills, and cotton farmers don't need to be exposed to cancer causing chemicals. These are large scale problems, but they each share one solution: people. The manufacturing industry evolved into what it is today because of us -- because of consumerism and the demand we've created. To reverse these destructive cycles we have to shift the demand for good.
The next phase of our economic evolution is conscious capitalism, the idea that businesses should benefit not only their shareholders, but their employees, customers and communities too. This movement gained popularity recently, especially in fashion, but if it's only a fad we won't see any lasting change. I want to prove that conscious capitalism has staying power.
Over the last couple of years I've been honored to connect with inspiring companies that use innovative business models to produce desirable products, all the while making the world a better place. I started this site because I want to share these companies with you. Contrary to what you may think, you can find ethical products that fit your style and budget. You just need to know where to look.
My goal is to make myself obsolete.
One day you won’t need a website to show you where to find slave-free goods, because they will be the norm, but to get there we all need to do our part. Each individual has the power to shift demand towards fair wages, quality manufacturing, cruelty free companies and eco-friendly products. In the words of the great Patti Smith: “I believe everything we dream, can come to pass through our union, we can turn the world around, we can turn the earth’s revolution.”
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Image via Lace & Lapel Photography