The CBC did a profile look at the aftermath of the building collapse that happened in Bangladesh. As sad as it was I couldn't get over just how well dressed these people were. Even though they were paid very little to work in those factories making what can only be described as VERY CHEAP and not very good looking cloths, they themselves were dressed in very colourful silks. It made me want to go out and buy some for myself. Did they miss a chance to do original styles of their own, export these beautiful and colourful robes to wear?
All I know for sure is that these cheap cloths they produce do not last long and for the most part are ugly. I try to put myself in their place and wonder just how unstylish the people are that ware this shit I'm making! But this is the market Wall Mart has made, cheap cheap cheap. I purchased some socks at Super Store (Loblaws) that leave a trail of fabric on the carpet and fall apart so quick I can't keep up with replacing them. I of coarse do not buy this crap anymore, but then when I try to find decent cloths to buy it becomes very hard, or the price is astronomical do to low demand.
When was it that all these stores decided that only the lowest priced goods were what we wanted? Like sheep everyone did the same thing producing crap at the absolute lowest price possible. You all know what I'm talking about, to go out and find anything that is made decent is hard to do. I remember buying a shovel at Crap Tire once, lasted for less then a day. The rivet used to hold it together bent resulting in it's unsuitability. Of coarse I could take it back but when I tried to find a better one all I found was the same kind of crap.
The final thing I want to say about this is something they do not report on. It was revealed in the piece that there was a big rush to put out the "Joe Fresh" order and this was why many died in the collapse as they were working overtime to get it done. All these big buyers put time limits on delivery of the goods, and when they fail to get it out on time they get even less money for the work. Wall Mart does this to trucking companies that show up late with a trailer, no matter why they were late they fine the company more then they make on the load. I know this for a fact as I've been in the trucking business for many years. The post Office does this as well, with the poor owner operator getting stuck with a loss, I mean even 5 minuets late gets you fined. This is the reason for catastrophes like this, way too much pressure to get things done. This needs to stop, everyone needs to take a breath and relax a bit.
7 billion, taking a moment, and counting
Good write up Dad. The collapse of the clothing factory was mentioned at one of the sustainable conferences I was at. Someone asked if eco-labels should include indicators such as building conditions now. It was an interesting point since if we check for social conditions, and minimum wage, we surely should look at the conditions of the workplace. Unfortunately, I don't think it will go anywhere. Not until people stop needing 2 for 1 deals and like you said socks that are destroyed by carpet. Sigh
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