Consumer guide

Take 3 pay for 2

Everyone loves a free lunch, even though we know there is no such thing.

There are two major things wrong with today’s throwaway fashion culture: the devastating impact on the environment and the neglected rights of exploited workers. This is the back-drop for bargains like "buy 3 pay for 2", offers that make you look pretty stupid if you only buy a single item. The fact is that in the last ten years or so China has exported deflation. Prices have stood still, which means they are lower than they were in 1983. The actual cost for this has been absorbed by the workers who are not even paid living wages (defined as wages one can actually live off). 

A sort of Modern Cinderella, who doesn't find herself dressed in rags at the stroke of midnight

Things are changing, though. Prices have increased in China, and those who crave cheaper goods have gone on to other markets, some of them unstable politically; making it risky to source there. Predicitions are, though, that as the standard of living rises in countries like China, India, Brazil and Russia; the increase in consumers will increase demand so much that the factories of the world will not be able to keep up the pace. This will mean increased prices in years to come. Hopefully this will also reflect in wages and in quality. So that we can come back to "buy 1 and pay for something that lasts". A study done in England, called "Well Dressed" did an analysis of different scenarios, where one was that the economies in low-cost countries could actually continue to grow if they produced better quality at a higher price, rather than a bunch of cheap stuff that ends up in the bin after a short while.

There is one exception that is interesting to look at, though, in regards to consumers' need for Fast Fashion and quick changes. The thought has been launched by among others Cradle To Cradle, who have suggested that if the those fashion items were produced in a manner where they were biodegradable and contained absolutely no harmful substances; they could become compost; and thereby not be an environmental problem. We would hasten to add, that the amount of water and energy in production would have to be carefully monitored along with labor-conditions. But the thought is compelling: A sort of Modern Cinderella, who doesn't find herself dressed in rags at the stroke of midnight, but certainly should make sure her dress was disposed properly of by the time it started to decompose.