because farmers, garment workers + the environment matter


I dare you to value people more than clothes.
I dare you to value the planet more than a new shirt.
I dare you to have less in your closet.
I dare you to wear, care for, and repair your clothes.
I dare you to buy only fair, when you need to buy.
I dare you to love your simple wardrobe.
Why we need the Fairdare ::
​
In the 1960s, 95% of American's clothing was made in the USA. Today, 2% of our clothing is made domestically.  via

Clothing companies are outsourcing garment manufacturing in order to pay the lowest prices for production...and the factories are bidding lower and lower prices in order to land the orders. Garment workers, farmers, and our planet are the losers in this race to the bottom.

Our constant quest for something new at the lowest possible price is fueling this whole operation. Together we have the power to demand better for skilled workers and our finite natural resources.  ​​
​​Garment Workers
Garment workers are paid low wages, forced to work long hours, working in unsafe conditions, often forced into debt that they can not climb out of, and prevented from organizing in order to negotiate for better working conditions.
​Farmers

Farmers working in non-organic cotton fields are in contact with chemicals that have been linked to cancer and respiratory disease.  Prices for cotton fall as the demand for low priced, oil-derived polyester rises.
Environment

Fabric manufacturing is often toxic business. Pesticides damage soil health and longterm productivity.  Water is diverted to produce garments. Dyes pollute local water supplies. Discarded clothing is filling the landfills.
How we do the Fairdare ::


We value what we already have :: The most ethical thing we can do in our wardrobes is to wear what we already have. The resources used to make those clothes have already been used, so we have the responsibility to value and honor them. Wear, care for, and repair what is already in your closet.  

We embrace "less" :: Live with less and explore how much is really necessary. Embrace "enough". Test Thoreau's statement: "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone." Let some pieces go as responsibly as possible, and commit to your "enough". Buy less.
We buy fair, when necessary  ::
-Thrift first. Thrifting makes use of the clothing that is already out there, keeping it out of landfills or from clogging up third world supply chains.
​-Next, consider making your own. Sewing a garment educates us about the skill and time it takes to make clothing.
​-Finally, buy fair, if necessary. Fair places value on the farmer who grew the fibers, garment workers who sewed the garment, and the land utilized in regards to natural fibers, dyes, pesticides, biodegradability, water usage and pollution. Fair involves a commitment to wear the garment over and over. Fair means being willing to pay a fair price.
Less, but enough.
Style, but mine.
​Always fair.
​Take the Fairdare ::

Explore "enough" and find contentment in your closet. Make use of our Fairdare Toolkit (links below). Set a timeline (1, 3, 6, or 12 months...it's up to you)...no fast fashion. Set a maximum number of items you allow yourself to buy, if you like. Explore necessity, thrift, make, buy fair. Kindly share what you are doing and thinking with friends and family. Download the badge, so others can hold you accountable. Give yourself + others grace. We are learning. Share your findings and outcomes. Inspire others.

Each of our purchases is a message that tells that retailer or brand, "Keep doing what you are doing." Together we can make our message heard.
Fairdare Toolkit:
Get educated.
Less.
Focusing style.
Finding enough.
Wardrobe evaluation.
Mini-challenges...01, 02, 03, 04 + 05.
Ethical brands, thrift + more.
Fairdare favorites.
Instagram