The environmental and human impacts of fast fashion are catastrophic. In addition to being the second largest polluter in the world, there are also to more than a hundred million children working in factories supplying clothes to North American and European stores.
CSI member Adila Cokar is working hard to provide alternatives that put people and planet first. Her company The Good Tee was created to make it easier for you to purchase guilt-free, responsibly made fashion basics.
From their website:
Our fair trade certified tees are designed and delivered to you with the environment and ethical manufacture in mind. How we do this: through the good and honest relationships we maintain with our partners and through 100% transparency of a supply chain which The Good Tee tracks throughout its lifespan – from farm to finished garment right through to delivery.
After receiving fair trade certification, Adila made it her mission to make it easier for consumers and businesses to source the kind of supply chain which supports responsibly manufactured apparel.
Adila is generously offering a 20% discount right now to the CSI community. So check out her shop and use the code CSI20 at checkout.
We talked with Adila about how COVID is impacting her work and how CSI members can be a part of it.
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What were your biggest wins and lessons this year?
My biggest win this year was the launch of Source My Garment – An Insider’s Guide to Responsible Offshore Manufacturing as well as the launch of The Good Tee. I’m proud to have gone through the certification process of B corporation and getting the clothing brand Fair Trade Cotton certified. The biggest lesson I learned was to let go of expectations, anything can happen, and regardless of what happens to try to focus your thoughts on gratitude.
How has being part of the CSI community impacted your work?
I’m completely motivated by the sense of community and the inspiring work of so many people here!
What can CSI members do to help support your work?
A Follow, subscribe, or like via social media or newsletter would be appreciated! And if you feel extra love for my work a shout out or purchase would be super appreciated!
How has COVID-19 impacted your work?
My first shipment for The Good Tee arrived right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Typically I sell direct to businesses as our t-shirts can be printed, but since I could not ship to them I had to pivot. I am now selling directly to consumers to stay afloat. It was tough, often felt discouraged, but what I know now is anything can happen and we have a choice on what we focus on. I decided to focus on gratitude and continue to try my best to shut out the noise.
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What is your favourite CSI memory of the year?
I’m a newbie, so I haven’t had much chance to get out there and make some memories. Looking forward to the future and connecting with everyone!
What is your big dream for a post-COVID world?
More people working on growing their empathy muscle. More self-awareness is key, some people may be doing harm but may not even know it. It’s been a tough go for everyone, and I hope the time we got during the pandemic gave everyone a chance to reflect on their actions and to be a force for positive change. I hope the world will become empathetic and inclusive of one another.
Adila has also partnered with Thief & Bandit — a Halifax fashion line with a commitment to sustainability — to make this gorgeous Black Lives Matter teeshirt. You can pre-order it on their website, 100% of the profits are divided equally between to The Black Lives Matter Solidarity Fund Nova Scotia and Black Lives Matter.
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