I am giving myself a new little challenge. I plan to make “responsible” clothing purchases for the next year. This is a small but necessary step to moving toward total responsibility in my purchasing habits.
Merriam-Webster defines responsible as: 1) liable to be called on to answer 2) able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations and 3) marked by or involving responsibility or accountability.
So, for now, I won’t be buying a single piece of clothing for one year unless I am reasonably convinced that the persons making the clothing were paid a fair wage and that the materials used were fairly traded.
I plan to make a few purchases this year that (hopefully) will support companies who are making clothing products responsibly. I do, however, reserve the right to: 1) keep all of my current clothes 2) buy used clothing as a last recourse. Oh yah, this doesn’t include shoes for now.
Ok, and now here’s the exciting part. I’m asking you to join me. I am going to recruit 100 people in San Diego to make the same commitment. If you are a friend or family member, expect a call or email from me in the near future. 
I’ve already got 1 taker – 99 to go. My wife agreed to take the challenge. It’s a bigger deal for her because she likes clothes (and shoes).
Oh, and if you’re wondering where this all came from visit my last couple of posts on globalization by clicking here…
9 responses so far ↓
1 Jessica // Nov 6, 2007 at 7:37 am
As you continue this journey can you link to some companies that produce responsibly? Especially shoes, I’d love to hear more about this. Thank you!
2 Paz // Nov 6, 2007 at 8:45 am
these personal challenges may be actively speeding up your life, keeping it busy with activism, causes and crusades. I still have not been able to wrap the concept of using my religion as a means to obfusicate world causes.
I do know that listening to DrYvE “whirly wheel” and others while reading your blogs puts things in perspective “at least lyrically.” so much more meaning.
Perhaps that maybe a key to reunite DrYvE to bring about more awareness and changes to your causes. I think you may all ready have some serious lyric and tunes in mind.
3 Cory Verner // Nov 6, 2007 at 9:30 am
Sure, I’m planning to!
4 Mark // Nov 6, 2007 at 11:45 am
I second Jessica’s interest in the companies that produce products responsibly.
5 Jason // Nov 9, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Cory,
This is a great idea, and challenging. Check out this book for social responsibility rankings of companies http://www.betterworldhandbook.com.
one question: why is used clothing a last resort? I’ve always thought that used anything was a good way to go–re using resources instead of putting demand on making new stuff, and your money is not going to a company but a ministry.
take care brother.
-jason
6 Cory Verner // Nov 9, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Hey Jason,
You know, I thought about that. I’m not opposed to buying used. The key to this challenge for me is to buy some new things and to support this cause by doing so. Not buying helps, but doesn’t seem as effective because it doesn’t “create a market” for responsibly made goods. If we can increase demand for these products then supply is sure to follow.
So are you up for this one!!??
7 Cory Verner // Nov 9, 2007 at 5:08 pm
By the way, thanks for the link to the Better World Handbook. What a great idea.
8 Nina Ruth // Nov 14, 2007 at 12:32 am
I’m on board! Of course, that means no new clothes (horrific sacrifice for me!) for now! I cannot afford Edun & Ashley Judd’s duds don’t come in petite, that I know of. But I hate contributing to someone else’s misery by my purchases!!!
9 Cory // Nov 14, 2007 at 9:59 am
Nice! That’s great Nina!
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