An Ethical Clothing Company Story

It may sound like a talkative monkey, but Gossypium iswe visit the factories ourselves?. They have also set
something even stranger- a clothing company thatup an education fund linked to the garments, each item
puts farmers first.stitched means more money to buy books for local
Their name comes from the Latin for cotton, andschools.
expresses their unexpected belief that the wayGossypium has its own fashion and print designer who
clothes are made is as important as how they look. Alladds a fresh edge to the ethical and environmentally
their clothes are made from 100% organic Indian cottonconscious company. Their yoga collection is particularly
woven on handlooms to prevent wasting energy andpopular because wearers know they are helping
the build up of cloth mountains and without the use ofothers while they reach their higher plane! The
any GM seeds.collection is already stocked in 30 shops throughout the
The cotton they use is grown by farmers supportedUK. Its growing fast and is very popular, says Tom.
by the Agrocel farmers centre. Based in Gujerat,Their childrens clothes are perfect for sensitive babies
Agrocel helps farmers grow their crops completelyand their sensitive parents who prefer not to wrap
organically with technical advice, support and regulartheir offspring in chemicals, and the hardwearing
visits. The 60 farmers are paid a fair, above marketmaterial withstands the games of the most robust kids.
price for their produce, and have a long-termFor adults the emphasis is on simplicity and comfort,
sustainable relationship with the company.but never at the expense of fit or style. We especially
Abigail Garner, a director of the company, set up thelike their slash neck tops and strappy vests.
first clothing collection for Traidcraft and knew howGossypium is bent on not just altering the fashion
important it was to treat not just the farmers well, butindustry but turning it on its head to give power to the
the earth too. Instead of chemical colours, Gossypiumproducers. Because of this, all profits are shared
uses vegetable dyes, a time-consuming but high qualitybetween Agrocel and the design/sales part of the
alternative. No waxes or chemical treatments arecompany. The aim is to get as many farmers into
used to spin the cotton.Agrocel as possible, giving them the freedom to work
The clothes are stitched in India and Gossypium iswithout endangering themselves with pesticides and to
working towards total transparency and independentbe paid fairly for their work. The unique combination of
monitoring. Thomas Petit, a company director explainsethics and style will ensure pretty soon everyone will
that in the meantime they visit the factoriesbe talking about Gossypium.
themselves, We try and use the same factories asLooking for ethical companies ?
fair trade organisations use. Where this isnt possible