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No right answer
Now it becomes difficult. Obviously all of these things matter, but how on earth do you balance them all out? Is it better or ‘more ethical’ to think short-term (development of people) or long-term (survival of planet)?
Obviously, there’s no right answer to this, but I’d be interested in hearing what people think.
I’m leaning towards socially responsible at the moment, because I believe that people matter most to me. But then again, not everyone will be able to develop in the same way that the West has, and maybe we should be working at a more local level to ensure survival of the planet.
Tom, tomtaylor.co.uk, 10 July 2006
good luck!
2nd & 3rd one, not sure if it will succeed commercially and profitable. 4th one, safe but boring, not so challenging. I would say 1st one for "socially positive and environmentally responsible". always have some negatives but can be improved better way, i believe. excuse my poor english.
midori, paris, 21 May 2006
cash crops and biodiversity
Its important to consider the 'cash crop' issue, making sure that cotton was not being grown for western markets at the expense of local food production also biodiversity could be an issue. Its also worth thinking about how potentially basing a local economy on cotton production will impact on an enviroment and community in the longer term, say 20- 30 years ahead. With regards to comfort and shape retention, I think if you don't get this right its not going to work commercially. Is it possible to experiment with some sort of felting type process to both create a different feel annd help stabilise shape?
Amy, Ipswich, 18 May 2006
Make all four
Have four teams compete, get sponsored by the BBC, film it and make a show of it. See which idea pans out the best. I bet it would be the best learning experience trying all the ideas and, even if they all fail to prove viable, the process would be far more informative than just one project. Teams could share space and equipment to reduce the extra cost but the novelty of the competing ideas would be quite compelling.
Michael
Michael, USA, 23 April 2006
Socially responsible t-shirt
I truly think that assisting low-income communities around the world (not wealthier, European communities) by the purchase of their sustainable crops or products is win-win. However, you do mention some significant negatives with the West African location. What about moving the production to India? I've purchased quite a few organic garments which were fair-trade and were labeled as community-made in India. Would some of the negatives go away if the t-shirt's production location was changed?
J., New York City, 18 April 2006
Damien's response
For those who haven't had time to look at Damien's in-depth response to our potential perfect t-shirts, thought I'd cut and paste what I thought were his most resonating comments on this t-shirt.
Organic agriculture not only prevents the devastation of biodiversity and soil fertility, it helps to rebuild it. The very survival of future generations depends on it.
A federation of approximately 700 farmers and their families would directly benefit from this single project. However, 20,000 organic cotton farmers worldwide would benefit through this unique opportunity to raise awareness. The lessons from organic cotton offers tremendous hope for 100 million cotton farmers and their families, most of them currently are on the edge of survival.
Cate, Nunhead, 13 April 2006
Organic Cotton from West Africa
West-African Organic Cotton
Is there enough rain?
Does it have to be cotton?
Quality
I don't want to wear something of any lesser quality - it will make me feel miserable! I would like to help West African communities, but maybe you can do that by helping them to improve the quality of their work so it can really stand up to international standards and expectations. Why don't you help them find some different crops they can grow where they don't have quality issues - or find a different kind of work entirely?
Yuko, Tokyo, 05 April 2006
Increasing awareness
We need legislation!
Somehow my gut feeling isn't so good about this t-shirt... I'd rather be able to certify that something's been made ethically using legislation, which ultimately is the only way I think we can live as an ethical society, rather than certifying things ourselves. The standards of independent audits can vary hugely and confuses consumers. It's a simpler, stronger story if we make everything under sturdy EU standards.
Cate, Nunhead, 05 April 2006
ITs about TIME
For too long, workers in third world countries have been cut out by North America and Europe, shamed into only doing the least paying work, or least respectable positions. No More. Create jobs in Africa, in South America and Asia, feed our brothers and sisters and give them the chance to work hard, and reap the benefits! P.E.a.C.E
Francesca, Toronto, Canada, 18 July 2006
273 agree 148 disagree Agree Disagree