As parents, we all want to do what's best for our children. We want to make sure they're healthy, happy, and safe. But have you ever thought about the people who make the clothes our kids wear? Are they being treated fairly and ethically? That's where the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) comes in, and it's making a huge difference.

GOTS is a certification for textiles that ensures the entire production process is ecologically and socially responsible. This means that the fabrics are made from organic materials, and that the factory conditions for workers are humane and ethical. It's a big deal, and it's making a big difference

GOTS changed factory conditions

In fact, GOTS has completely changed factory conditions for workers. Let's look at the numbers. According to a report from the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve labor conditions in the textile industry, the average wage of a textile worker in Bangladesh is around 64 cents per hour. That's not enough to live on, let alone support a family. But GOTS requires that workers are paid fairly for their labor, which means a living wage that allows them to provide for themselves and their families. It's a small but significant step toward fair and ethical treatment of workers.

The actual wage paid to GOTS textile workers can vary depending on the country and region, but it is typically higher than the minimum wage and fairer than the wages paid in non-GOTS factories.

According to a 2019 report from the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve labor conditions in the textile industry, GOTS certified factories in India pay an average wage of INR 12,590 (approximately USD 170) per month, compared to the national minimum wage of INR 9,000 (approximately USD 120) per month. That’s approximately a 30% higher salary. Not to mention the additional benefits workers receive.

Partnership with Aadhava Apparel’s

Treehouse’s partner Aadhava Apparel’s not only pays their workers a living wat but also ensures:

• Safe working conditions: Aadhava ensures that its workers work in a safe and healthy environment. The company provides protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, to its workers.
• Social security benefits: Aadhava provides social security benefits to its workers, including health insurance and access to government-provided social security schemes.
• Access to training and career development: Aadhava provides training and career development opportunities to its workers to help them develop new skills and advance in their careers.
• Maternity leave: Aadhava provides paid maternity leave to its female workers.
• Leave benefits: Aadhava provides its workers with leave benefits, including paid vacation days and sick leave.
• Regulator working hours with regular tea and lunch breaks
• Workers are unionized

GOTS is not just about ensuring that workers are treated fairly and ethically. It also requires that factories provide safe working conditions, including adequate ventilation and lighting, clean water, and sanitary facilities. These basic requirements are sadly not met in many textile factories around the world, but GOTS is working to change that.

Gots and fabrics

Furthermore, GOTS certification means that the fabrics used in the products we buy are made from organic materials, which is better for the environment and our health. Organic farming practices use fewer pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which reduces the impact on the land and water systems. It also means that the fabrics are free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for workers to handle and ultimately for our kids to wear.

By choosing products that are GOTS certified, we're not just making a difference for workers - we're also making a difference for the environment. It's a small but meaningful way to help build a better future for our children.

So the next time you're shopping for clothes, take a moment to look for the GOTS label. It may not always be easy to find, but it's worth the effort. By supporting brands that prioritize GOTS certification, we can help to create a better world for everyone.