When myself and KNOWN SUPPLY co-founder Travis started our work in ethical fashion, we began by building our own production operations from the ground up. We set up shop in impoverished communities within developing countries and established a program that included fair wage employment, education, and local mentorship. 

The goal: create pathways out of poverty for families.

For us, clothing has always been a means to an end. We produce clothes to provide better opportunities for individuals and families living in developing economies, and we use those clothes as an education tool in order to empower shoppers with a better understanding for how their purchases can make a positive impact.

That being said, as we continued to grow our brand it became increasingly difficult to manage all aspects of our business through the entirety of the supply chain. We needed a partner to help us scale the components of our work that we were least adept at doing, BUT at the same time maintain the high level of impact of our mission. Full stop.

It was at this time that Fair Trade USA was expanding its efforts into apparel manufacturing. As we met with the organization and researched their approach, one thing stood out to us above all else. While the fair wage employment and safety measures taken at the factory level are crucial, the way we saw the true impact of their work with garment workers was in what they call their Community Development Fund.

To briefly explain, this fund is paid into by all brands wanting to sell Fair Trade Certified products. It is managed and dispersed by democratically elected garment workers who make up the Fair Trade Committee. Simply put, these are additional funds (above and beyond their wages) that help fund important programs and opportunities that are decided on by the garment workers themselves.

We've written in the past about different uses for these funds from our existing production partners. You can view those HERE.

But today, we want to celebrate a HUGE milestone reached by our partners at Fair Trade USA. This month they surpassed a goal of distributing over $100 million directly to garment workers through the Community Development Funds.

The best part about this? This is a major accomplishment that would not be possible without Fair Trade USA, partners brands like KNOWN SUPPLY, but most importantly... YOU. Shoppers choosing to support brands is the most important factor in this milestone being reached. Brands and organizations can choose better business practices, but their work can only be sustained through the steady support of thoughtful shoppers.

So here's to celebrating YOU in helping reach this amazing milestone. You should be proud. )

* * * * * * *

READ MORE ABOUT THIS ON THE FAIR TRADE USA BLOG

(Top photo from Fair Trade USA. Caption: Jegadeeswari V, a tailor at a Fair Trade Certified Factory in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India.)