- a personal reflection on work, equality, design & consumption
Happy International Workers' Day - a day that has its origins in the fight for better working conditions and equal rights.
I have just arrived at the office and can hear that 3F is already well underway with the warm-up for today's demonstrations. The sounds from outside inspired me - and I felt like sharing some personal reflections. Not a traditional May Day speech, but a small voice in the conversation about design, equality, textile production and consumption.
Maybe you'll be inspired. And if not - just skip straight to the five simple tips below.
Better working conditions - more important than ever
The fight for better working conditions is perhaps more urgent today than ever before.
Let's pay tribute to working people. And let's pay a decent wage - no matter where people come from and what country they work in.
We have to fight for equal rights. For the right to education and work - regardless of gender, religion, race or nationality.
Inequality is growing in many places around the world, and we must take this seriously.
Far too many women still do not have access to education. They do not have the right to work - or work in slave-like conditions for far too little pay. Many experience harassment in the workplace. Far too many women have no rights - or do not know about them.
That's not okay.
Those of us who have the opportunity and the means must share our knowledge and influence. We must help where we can - also globally.
Crafts, culture and consumption
Let us also take time to celebrate good craftsmanship - the creative, the beautiful and the durable.
Denmark has been known for many years for strong design traditions, high quality and long-lasting products. It has been our pride – and good business.
We have never been known as a "buy and throw away" people or for chasing deals at any cost.
But we are getting there - and it is time to stop and take responsibility.
We need to start buying quality that lasts longer.
We can actually afford it. For example, we can afford to choose organic cotton over conventional. And in the long run, we simply cannot afford not to.
Production is far too high. And far too much is made in poor quality.
So let's say no thanks to low-cost platforms that do not prioritize human rights, the environment or the future.
I don't understand that it's legal. And I don't understand why Denmark or the EU haven't intervened long ago.
It's about conscious choices
The Consumer Council TÆNK has documented several times that products from such low-cost platforms contain carcinogenic substances. Just as I, through my work in Design Cluster - an initiative under the Danish Business Promotion Agency - regularly heard about the miserable quality that comes from these places. It is said that they have practically invented a sewing thread that dissolves after the third wash.
It can be difficult to navigate as a consumer - and I'm far from a saint myself.
But you can actually go a long way with a few, simple choices in everyday life.
Here are five easy guidelines that might inspire you:
- Only buy products you can see yourself using for several seasons.
- Only buy good quality products that can last a long time.
- Buy only natural or recycled materials.
- Buy only certified organic cotton.
- Use the GOOD ON YOU app to check the brand's sustainability profile.
Let's continue the conversation.
May Day speeches are usually one-way communication - and this one could easily be one too.
BUT I would like to invite you to continue the conversation in the comments section. Please share your ideas and thoughts on better working conditions and a more responsible future. I think today is the perfect day to speak out - and not just post pretty pictures from our privileged lives.
Thanks for reading - and happy match day!
Camilla Gullits, founder and creative director of CARE BY ME.