June 11, 2021
A year ago today, I made a decision to make my company more conscious about the products I sell. I set some goals to expand the collection to include more sustainable and socially responsible products over the following year. Here’s why I decided to set these goals and where I’m at now…
+ The clothing industry contributes up to 10% of the pollution driving the climate crisis. This is caused by a few reasons. One of the reasons being that clothing is made with harmful chemicals or materials that are non biodegradable. This issue has also been exacerbated by the fast fashion industry which mass produces cheap clothing in order to keep up with the ever demanding trends. Due to mass consumerism, this cheaply made, non biodegradable clothing inevitably ends up in landfills even if it has been donated. Majority of clothing is also made in sweatshops where garment workers, primarily women, are not paid livable wages. In an effort to combat this issue, I set a goal to have 50% of my inventory include products made with eco friendly materials, fair labor practices or up-cycled, vintage products. I’m proud to say currently 58% of the collection meets this criteria.
+ The women’s fashion industry is surprising ran mostly by men owned companies. In an effort to support women owned businesses, I set a goal to have 25% of my inventory made by women owned companies. I’m proud to say currently 34% of the collection supports this initiative.
+ If we want to see a society that values everyone it represents then we must support minority owned businesses. In an effort to transfer wealth back into minority owned business, I set a goal to have 10% of my inventory made by BIPOC owned companies. I’m proud to say currently 12% of the collection supports this initiative.
+ Purchasing products made by local artisans or products made in the USA not only supports the economy it also provides environmental benefits by minimizing transportation pollution. In an effort to support American made products, I set a goal to have 10% of my inventory reflect this. I’m proud to say currently 19% of the collection supports this initiative.
This past year has had its own set of struggles and much needed adjustments. I’m proud to see the progress so far and excited to see where COUTONIC will be a year from now. Thank you to everyone who has supported my company over this past year. You have no clue how much it means to me.
xx Owner, Danielle McKellar
