Is Free People Ethical?
Free People is a clothing brand established in the 1970s that has gained popularity worldwide. The brand has a bohemian aesthetic that appeals to a youthful demographic. However, the increase in scrutiny of ethical concerns in various industries, including the fashion industry, raises the question of whether Free People is an ethical brand. This article aims to examine Free People’s ethical standards and practices, ethical alternatives to Free People, former employee viewpoints, consumer perspectives, and how the brand stacks up against its competition.
Examine Free People’s Ethical Standards and Practices
The fashion industry has often been criticized for being environmentally damaging, mistreating workers, and lack of transparency in supply chains. Free People’s official website boasts of eco-friendly initiatives, selling sustainable products, and having an ethical production process. However, the consumer cannot take the brand’s claims at face value.
Free People’s environmental impact is not completely clear, but the brand has made progress in the use of sustainable materials. The brand also practices water conservation and energy efficiency. On the other hand, some reports indicate that Free People still relies heavily on synthetic materials, which leads to a high emission of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the company has not yet established a policy on reducing waste overall.
Concerning worker treatment, the brand has been criticized for underpaid workers. It is also vital to note that the brand does not disclose the location of its factories. The supply chain transparency of the brand remains a concern.
Ethical Alternatives to Free People
Many brands claim a commitment to ethical practices. Patagonia is an example of a company that has a robust policy on social and environmental responsibility. The company has a traceability program that allows consumers to find the source of the raw materials used in their products. Furthermore, the company is as transparent as possible in detailing its operations.
Pact is another eco-friendly brand that boasts of using organic materials, fair trade practices, and a transparent production process. Earlier this year, Pact committed to using only 100 % organic cotton in all its products.
Former Employees Speak Out
Several anonymous reports from former Free People employees indicate that the company’s commitment to ethical practices may not be all it seems. Some former workers report that workers have to work long hours with no overtime pay. Others have reported that they were not allowed to take breaks or were intimidated for taking too long breaks. Additionally, the company’s policies were alleged to be discriminatory towards people of color and people with disabilities. Reports state that the company may have retaliated against employees who spoke out.
Consumer Perspectives
A survey conducted in 2019 found that 37% of consumers interviewed did not believe that Free People was an ethical brand. Furthermore, fifty-nine percent of consumers interviewed had searched for information on the brand’s ethics before purchasing their items. However, another survey conducted in early 2020 indicated that only 17% of consumers believed that brand ethics are very important.
Free People vs. Other Retailers
Free People’s rival, Zara, has been criticized for its environmental practices, specifically by Greenpeace’s Detox campaign. In 2019, Zara announced a goal to sustainably produce all its clothing by 2025, starting with sourcing only sustainable cotton, linen, and polyester by 2020. The company’s stance on worker treatment has also caused controversy, with reports of the mistreatment of workers in factories overseas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Free People’s claims to ethical practices and sustainability measures is commendable, there remains a lot of controversy. The supply chain transparency, worker treatment, and environmental impact make a difference. It is essential to note that ethical shopping isn’t limited to clothes. It is about all purchasing decisions, from cars, shoes, and meals. Consumers should do their research before selecting a company with ethical standards that align with their values.
