I want you to feel comfortable buying from Kasper Organics, knowing that you are contributing to a healthy environment. Not just in ecological sense, but in the sense of working conditions for the people who make the organic cotton industry a reality. I have been working with most of the below listed companies for 5+ yrs. and have found them to be the most caring and conscientious individuals, and that is reflected in the way they do business.

The following information was obtained by researching web sites and direct contact. My inquiry was not only about factory conditions, but I also asked what they knew about the farm workers conditions. So this profile also includes some comments in that area. Personally, this is one of my greatest concerns. I believe one of the most important contributions to the well being of our fellow humans that we can make thru the support of organic cotton and organic produce, is supporting farms where the workers do not have to be exposed to the toxic chemicals they would be on a conventional farm. And not only the people that work on the farms, but the people, including children, that live in the surrounding areas.

SOS From Texas:

The Oldham family has been growing cotton for over 100 years in Texas. Our grandfather broke out prairie grass to plant cotton in the rich soil. Grown and Processed, in Texas at a TDA certified family farm and a TDA (Texas Dept. of Agriculture) certified mill. Then the fabric is cut and sewn locally, providing jobs in the community, under the supervision of the Oldham family.

Our chemically sensitive (mcs) customers find it helpful to wear organic cotton clothes, and this is one of our most popular suppliers for these items.

Maggie’s/Clean Clothes:

In contrast to the image of most garment producers who use non-US labor (and many even within the US) Maggie’s has helped to develop a worker owned sewing cooperative in a highly impoverished area of Nicaragua, giving women there an alternative to the sweat shops they were previously forced to work in. These women are now producing organic camisoles and tee shirts which Maggie’s from them, providing hope for the future of the whole community.

When we began Maggie’s in 1992, we contracted directly with the farmers, purchasing their crop directly, and running it through the spinning, knitting, finishing and sewing ourselves. This was very expensive, and as we were not production experts, it was really more than we could handle.

As we grew, and as the industry grew, we spent the next few years getting our farmers in touch with our spinners (and vice-versa). This enables us to purchase finished yarn from the spinners. The apparel industry being in such stress, we lost at least three spinners (they refused to spin OC anymore, etc.), and we had to scramble just to keep a source of supply. So more and more we lost contact with the farmers.

We're now trying to get back in touch with the farmers, but the spinners are at times charging to give us their info (understandably).

I can tell you that all of our socks and tees are made from US cotton, and all of the farmers I know growing Organic cotton are family-run US farms, so I am sure their conditions are acceptable. Our Cams are made from Peruvian cotton, and I do trust the spinner there, though I have not yet done farm visits. We are planning a visit in early ’04.

We're also now trying desperately to use some amazing quality Nicaraguan cotton, which is certified, is from a worker-owned cooperative, and the farmers are anxious to work with us. We have tried for a year, but haven't been able to get any spinners to spin it…this is all probably more info than you were looking for, but you raise a very good point, and I'm just trying to vent a bit of the frustration we have in trying to produce fair organic apparel.

Your questions make me realize even more how important this is, and I'm sorry I do not have definitive data for you.

Please feel free to call me to discuss further, or check back in March of ’04, when we should have more.

Regards,

Bená Burda for Maggie's Organics/Clean Clothes Inc.

   Blue Canoe:

Our business practices are based on a lifestyle committed to living lightly on the earth, following good sense rather than trends, supporting sustainability, recycling and non-chemical alternatives. We are a part of the Co-op America Business Network whose members pledge to conduct business in a way that addresses the needs of consumers, employees, our communities and the environment. We support our community by keeping the manufacturing process at home.

   Ecolution:

Statement of working conditions
Here at Ecolution/Pan World Traders, we firmly believe in fair trade. We have been doing business in Romania since 1990, and we developed our own factory there from the ground up in 1993. We have always dealt fairly and respectfully with our labor there. All of our employees are paid above average wages and have retirement pension benefits and health care coverage. We also ensure that they have non-toxic, safe, well heated, and well lit working conditions. Furthermore, they are given opportunities for advancement and are treated with respect. We are bringing these people jobs and are helping them to develop an ancient resource that they have been producing for millennia into a competitive industry for the future.