This Christmas, Shop Ethically.

Here at Souley Green, we fully support and encourage ethical consumerism. We believe that if we want to consume something for our own benefits, it should not be at the expense of another’s life or happiness. Here’s why: 

1. The Labour Behind Each Manufactured Apparel

Sweatshops exploit the underprivileged in many developing countries to satisfy developed countries’ thirst for cheap products, usually fashion items. Women and children are most vulnerable as they have less protection or sometimes, forced into cheap labour. About 170 million underaged children are in child labour due to poverty, often working long hours a day thus they cannot get a basic education. Sweatshops do not alleviate poverty. Workers spend the majority of their paycheck on food for their families to survive. 

Not only workers are exploited by sweatshops, but also our environment. Sweatshops can be operating in countries without environmental regulations, thus dumping untreated waste chemicals from the production process. Souley Green's organic cotton range is 100% sweatshop free and supports Indian women's’ journey to freedom from the sex trade.

2. The Hidden Costs Behind Poorly-Manufactured Products

Our daily hygiene and care routines can have rather severe environmental impacts. Soaps and shampoos often carry chemicals like dioxane, P-phenylenediamine, DEA which are usually washed down the sink and discharged into our seas. They not only pollute our waters but also can poison ocean life. Choose gentler products made with natural ingredients, without these chemicals instead.

It takes six months for a tampon to degrade in a landfill. The process of manufacturing these pads and tampons are both resource- and chemical-intensive, often there are chemical residues in the final products too. Our Freedom Menstrual Cup is a more eco-friendly alternative. 

3. Compassion for Animals

For beauty and hygiene products, tests are needed to detect potential unwanted effects on humans. Rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other animals are forced to ingest or inhale massive quantities of substances or have it smeared in their eyes or on their skin. Often, these causes extremely painful reactions to the animals and they are likely discarded after experiments or when deemed not useful anymore.

Animal testing was banned in recent years in some countries like Europe, India, Israel, New Zealand. It is still allowed in some other countries, but that is the cruellest way to ensure that beauty products are safe for our use. There’s more that needs to be done to end this barbaric practice. We believe real beauty is cruelty-free; thus all the beauty products we carry are not tested on animals. 

Shopping ethically may require drastic changes in our habits, but it's worth sparing a thought for the less fortunate. Especially in the production chain, the less privileged are often invisible. We hope to raise awareness and support brands who are trying hard to make the world better - thank you for supporting our mission! 

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” 

― Plato