Associated Press Photos

When adding my post last week about the child labor in Uzbek cotton, I recalled reading a similar story recently about silk production somewhere and decided I would look it up for this week’s post. Imagine my surprise when I found the newspaper article in my office and realized, once again, that this is occurring in Uzbekistan. This story was published by the Associated Press and picked up by many local newspapers and news agencies around the country. For the complete story follow one of the links below.

This issue is not as easy to track as reading the country of origin tags in the clothing that you purchase because these fibers are shipped to other countries for manufacturing. You can however inquire from the brand where the silk or cotton originated. Vist the websites of your favorite stores, check out their code of conduct or social compliance area. JCPenney’s, for example, clearly states on their website that nothing they sell is made of cotton from Uzbekistan. We must let the Uzbek government know that we do not condone nor will we support child labor in our fiber production.

Until next week, I wish to leave you with my favorite William Faulkner quote:

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty, and truth, and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.”

Together we can change the earth.

The Daily Herald

The Washington Times

abc News/Money

Change.org