LS&Co. Unzipped
Feb 22 2011
GoodGuide, You and Your Clothes
So, just how much do you know about those jeans you’re wearing? Or that t-shirt? Where were they made? And how?
More and more consumers want answers to these questions. They want to know how a manufacturer’s practices affect the environment, workers and communities.
Leading apparel companies have developed initiatives to monitor factory conditions, measure energy and water use, and even trace cotton to its source. But this information has primarily been used internally.
Until now.
I’m excited to announce that today, GoodGuide is releasing the first ratings of apparel brands designed for consumers and delivered whenever and wherever people make decisions about apparel.
The GoodGuide ratings assess the environmental and social performance of 118 apparel brands. They’re available at our website and on our free iPhone app.
Our environmental assessment is based on evaluating sustainable product design, green production practices, and the brand’s commitment to transparency. Our social assessment is based on evaluating fair pay for workers (specifically whether the brand has a meaningful policy to support living wages), whether the company audits working conditions, commitment to transparency, and responsible purchasing practices. You can learn more about our ratings methodology on our website.
Brands that rate highest work closely with their supply chains to improve working conditions and minimize environmental impacts. Top brands disclose the identity of their suppliers, audit how they perform on labor issues, and publicly disclose the steps they take to respond to violations. They also design their products using life cycle principles and educate consumers about how to reduce impacts.
Based on GoodGuide’s comprehensive assessment, Levi’s® ranks number one in the jeans category. Here’s why: the brand’s initiatives such as Water<Less™ jeans, the “E-valuate” life-cycle assessment program, participation in the Better Cotton Initiative, and leadership on product and supply-chain transparency, set the company apart from other jeans brands on environmental performance. On the social front, Levi’s scores well. However, the area where Levi’s has the most room for improvement is on the issue of the living wage.
Learn more about our new apparel category in this video:
Posted By: Dara O'Rourke, GoodGuide Co-Founder |
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Bokeoppograva (not verified) - Jul 01 2011
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Jemsright (not verified) - Apr 13 2011
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moncler outlet (not verified) - Mar 20 2011
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