Recently I was invited to join a Facebook fan page of one of the labels I stock. These fans post pictures of their children wearing their favourite label, they buy, swap and sell pieces on the page and have generally good spirited conversations about why they love this particular label so much. They are fiercely protective of said label and go to extreme lengths to grab their favourite items and add to their collection.
One fan posted a question today and it made me think......I need to write about this! It's something I am fiercely passionate about.
This fan stated that she likes to dress her children well however a family member thinks she wastes her money buying boutique labels when she could buy trackies from chain stores for $5.00.
When you buy a $5.00 t-shirt or $8.00 pair of jeans, ask yourself where did it come from, who made it, what pay did they receive, did they work a standard week and under fair conditions? Could you really make a t-shirt for $5.00 and tick all the fair and ethical work conditions boxes?
Child labour in China and many other parts of the developing world is a huge problem and reports show that it's increasing at a rapid rate. It's estimated that of the 10 million children out of school, 5 million of them are working in factories. Many of these children are forced to work over 10 hours a day and they are as young as 5 years old! Can you imagine your own 5 year old picking cotton or packing boxes for over 5 hours a day with very little pay and virtually no breaks? The conditions they work in are horrid and beyond belief. Child kidnappings are on the increase and it's believed they are being sold to factories as slave labour.
My challenge to ALL the major chain stores is to show consumers that they don't support child labour and that they do manufacture under fair and ethical working conditions.
Next time you go to buy the bargain pair of coloured jeans or cute tee, think about how much it cost to make it, who made it, where was it made and was it made under ethical conditions for fair pay. My theory is, if I wouldn't let my daughter work under those conditions, why would I pay for someone else's child to do it.
Labels we trust are ethically made under fair working conditions include Oishi-m, Baobab, Skeanie, Uh-Oh! Sleepwear, Gaia Organic Cotton and Silkberry Baby. Let us know your favourites.
Tomorrow is forecast for 43'C here in Albury! That's damn hot!!
I fully intend on having an early morning swim and spending the rest of the day indoors under the cooler. Our main concern is bush fires and heat stroke during this week long heatwave that started today.
If you have a small child or baby and you live anywhere in the vicinity of say Melbourne to Canberra and across to Broken Hill then take note. Kids are especially susceptible to extreme temperatures and so here's a few tips for keeping them cool during these very hot days.....
- It goes without saying, avoid taking your baby or child outside during extreme heat. If you have to go outside, make sure that your baby's skin is protected from the sun by keeping in the shade or by covering the skin with loose clothing and a hat. Use baby or toddler formula sunscreen on parts of the baby’s skin which cannot be covered by clothing.
- Make sure they keep up their fluids. Extra breastfeeds if you're breastfeeding only (which means extra water for you Mums) and lots of plain old water for kids. Small amounts of cooled boiled water is good for formula fed babies in these conditions.
- Frozen treats such as watermelon, grapes and other fruits can be a refreshing and healthy treat during hot weather.
- Dress babies and children in light, loose clothing. Nappies and singlets are ideal in this weather.
Baobab Organic Cotton Bodysuit - Light clothing is best for hot days
- Lukewarm baths and sponging with water can be helpful for keeping cool. Don't put children or babies under cold showers or in cold water baths.
- Choose the coolest place in the house for babies or young children to sleep and make sure the air can circulate around the bassinet or cot (remove any liners or padding). Don’t leave babies to sleep in a pram.
- If you have no fan or air-conditioner, you can cover your baby or toddler’s body with cool damp cloths and place wet towels or sheets around the bassinet or cot to cool the air immediately near them. Check your baby regularly to make sure they are not getting too cold.
- Don't forget to look after yourself too! Make sure you're hydrated, wear light cool clothing and stay out of the sun.
I hope everyone stays safe throughout the next week of heat. Don't forget we have loads of online shopping specials including Sizzling Saturday with 15% off all sales items by entering sizzling at the checkout (offer valid from 05/01/2013 - 06/01/2013).
Stay Cool!
