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Clothing Manufacturing Polluting Local Waterways in China

Thursday 30th of August 2007 11:31:25 PM

Even though many consumers enjoy paying less for clothing manufactured in countries like China, it is local residents who live near the textile plant, Fountain Set, who may be paying an even bigger price. One of the ways to cut down on manufacturing costs is to dispose of dyes and other harmful chemicals into local water systems, which is used to provide residents with clean drinking water. As a result, while many low priced T-Shirts and other clothing is sent to countries like the US, Canada, and UK, local waterways in China are becoming unsafe for everyday use.

“After labour issues, the environment is the new frontier. We certainly don't want to be associated with a company that's polluting the waters,” says Daryl Brown, vice president for ethics and compliance at Liz Claiborne Inc. In addition to inspections by the Chinese government, some retailers have sent their own inspectors to ensure that dyes are properly disposed of.

“What's happened has happened. What's important is what we did as a company when this was drawn to our attention. ... When a problem arises, we try to fix it as properly as we can,” said Gordon Yen, executive director of Fountain Set. But is this enough for consumers and residents who are forced to find other methods to provide clean drinking water to their families?

In an era where there is much more awareness about the effects of pollution, retailers are concerned about boycotts by consumers who may stop buying T-Shirts and other less expensive clothing. These concerns are valid as many consumers in the past have stopped purchasing items from retailers who bought materials from sweatshops.

(c)Lars Sundström, www.sxc.hu