iPhone? Ethics in Electronics

Generic mirror selfie with my new iPhone 5c

Almost as bad as jean shopping and swimsuit shopping, shopping for a new cell phone can be quite the daunting experience.

They’re expensive, they tend to always break (perhaps from dropping them one too many times without a fancy case), they don’t do water well (unless a really fancy case exists around it), and yet they are so necessary to the life I lead. Currently my phone provides me with the resources to check my class schedule and see where all my classes are, find out when the bus is coming so I can get to Toronto and back to Hamilton, I can read the Bible, snap fun photos, edit them, then post them to share with friends and family as a little peek into my life since a majority of them live at least 2,000 kilometers away.

While the pros definitely outweigh the cons of owning a cellular device—especially one of the ‘smart phone’ variety, the idea of buying a new one always comes with the added thought of ‘how can I purchase one of these things ethically?’

A while back I had found online the FairPhone. My heart leaped for joy when I discovered there was an ethically sourced phone actually available for the world to use! Unfortunately, the phone is currently only available in Europe and doesn’t ship to Canada. Even if it did, the capabilities are slightly less, as it wasn’t designed for use here.

Does this make me sad?

Of course! The opportunity to buy a phone created by using conflict-free minerals from the DRC that support families, factories that support safe conditions, a company who gives fair wages and worker representation, who finds smart ways to use, reuse and recycle phones… This is a company who lives out the ideals I so desperately want to be part of my every day life—that we need to make informed decisions about the products we purchase so we can part of bringing people up and not dragging them down.

Let’s be honest, I bought an iPhone. The 5c, to be exact. I got an epic deal (free, thanks Rogers) and it is compatible with my MacBook Pro, my husbands phone (yay for FaceTime, since we both travel somewhat often and not always together) and good ol’ iMessenger. In terms of usefulness, the iPhone wins in my books. So here I am, sitting at my laptop while my iPhone 5c sits beside me notifying me of a recent text message while I long for it to the FairPhone (with all the capabilities of my iPhone that make it so darn convenient). I can’t help but think of all the people in the massive lineups just last week who, without a second thought, purchased the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus. People don’t even flinch when it comes to dropping large sums of cash to purchase the latest phones and other tech products—especially those from the world’s beloved Apple.

But what if people did consider what they were supporting with their money before they spent it? According to the Canadian Apple store, the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus range in price from $749 to $1079. As shockingly large these numbers are to me (the idea of paying even $129 for an iPhone 5s was too much for me to handle), I know there are enough people in the world who look at those prices and don’t even flinch or think about if that’s where their money should be going. But the question is, what if they did? What if they did take a moment, and before swiping their credit card they thought, ‘who actually makes this thing?’

I was the most pumped, as someone who knows there isn’t a lot of information out there on ethics on the electronics world, to find that my treasured Free2Work has recently released an Electronics Industry Trends 2014 report. What I love about these reports is, if you take the time to actually read through them, you are presented with so much information on slavery in the different parts of makeup of electronics from mining the minerals to putting together the final pieces in factories. Information like this had previously been unknown to most people and now, the information is readily available at the click of mouse.

Click the image to enlarge!

As a society whose basic functions are interwoven with the electronics we can’t imagine being parted from, it is important and vital to our ever-deepening relationship with them to be educated on how they are produced. The worlds cherished Apple has an overall score of B+ and does not provide a living wage to those who make their products. Society will pay $749 for a phone whose makers don’t even make a living wage. If that statement doesn’t make you question the phone sitting beside you or the phone you are reading this on, perhaps read it again and really think about what that looks like. Do you think the individuals working in the Foxconn Factory in China realize it would take over 3 months of their salary* to purchase the least expensive version of the latest released phone? While I’m not trying to bash Apple (honestly, their B+ grade is one of the better ones by an electronics company, comparatively), for myself, it’s hard to set these facts aside, especially when I was looking for a new phone to purchase.

I want to continually live a lifestyle where I practice what I preach. When people question me about what I own, I want to be able to stand up for my decision in the company I have chosen to support. Knowing options like the FairPhone exist is exciting based on my expectancy that if one company can do it and is doing it, others will follow suit. What we need now is for individuals like you and I to say to Apple 'we care and want an option, like the Fair Phone, to purchase with our hard earned dollars!' It’s not just Apple we need to approach, so many other companies are doing worse than Apple and to them we need to say the same thing. If one company is doing it, they all can. Perhaps I’ll find the $749 worth it for a phone that is ethically produced and save my money to purchase a phone I can use with confidence knowing the impact of the product is positive and not destructive to all those involved.

My challenge to you: Take just 5 minutes of your time and take a look at Free2Works Electronics Industry Trends report and see where the company of your mobile phone and computer sit.  Share this information with someone and start a conversation on how you can use your purchasing power to change the way companies produce their products.

* $238 monthly salary found here.

Why I Don't Shop At Forever 21

Note: This has been a hard post to both write and publish. While in Dominican Republic over the summer working with Canadian volunteers, eyeing up outfits on Pinterest, or asking friends where they bought the adorable ensemble they happen to be wearing, Forever 21 seems to always be the answer. It’s hard to respond when that is what I hear—I don’t bust out a ‘don’t shop there’ speech that may come across judgmental and negative… I tend to respond with the emotionally non-descriptive ‘cool’. These are my thoughts and I hope you enjoy reading them! As always, I encourage you to make your own decisions when you choose whom to support with your hard-earned dollars!

Oh Forever 21. Your combination of trendy, absolutely adorable and cheaply priced clothing means you have dominated the cash flow from the minimum wage, part-time paycheque of most teenagers since you invaded the shopping scene. It’s these same reasons you monopolize the closets of 20-somethings to 50-somethings that find your massive quantities and varieties fitting for any occasion. While finding clothing that is both trendy and affordable can be likened to finding a needle in a haystack, I can’t bring myself to shop at your stores.

Forever 21 had been a place of confusion for me over the past year or so. As a company with owners who have strong Christian values, even having scripture references on the bottom of their shopping bags, I couldn’t help but be confused by the company’s lack of ownership to the sources of their fast-fashion clothing.

Phew, made it through a tricky, sticky, awkward statement involving faith, business, and where my concerns fit in without making any harsh statements!

Does the fact the company was created, and is run, by owners who are believers of God change the immediate issue of the company lacking transparency? No—a company owned by anyone else would still receive my un-approving reaction and choice to not support them demonstrated by no longer purchasing any of their retail goods.

What does change is, as an individual of faith myself; I find faith as the first and base reason to willingly care about supply chains, ethics, transparency, and ensuring fairness for those involved in the process of where clothing is made.

It seems like two conflicting interests rolled into one—a business with owners who do missions work, take trips to help people in crisis, invest in creating a better world, but currently do not do so with their biggest legacy and asset they created and have taken the world by storm with. On the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) page of the Forever 21 website they note the charity work they, as a company, contribute to. Forever 21 raises funds to donate to charity by selling items that are part of its ‘Love To Give, Give To Love’ collection. It is wonderful to see, and most clothing companies donate to charity. Any company that makes large sums of money will often ‘give back’ which helps make consumers feel good about using their dollars as their vote of support.

I read a 2012 interview on CNN with Do Won (Don) Chang, founder and CEO of Forever 21, for Talk Asia in which he discusses his missions work, faith and the often controversial John3:16 on the bottom of the shopping bag. He says, when it comes to the verse on the bag, 

“I want to ask you whether you have read that verse? It shows us how much God loves us. The love he gave us, by giving us his only son, Jesus, was so unbelievable to me. I hoped others would learn of God's love. So that's why I put it there.”

He goes on to state, as the family does in most interviews, that it’s a statement of personal faith and doesn’t represent the beliefs of the entire company.

When Mr. Chang was asked about his time spent travelling ‘helping out’, he mentions his work when Japan was hit with earthquakes, working in the Philippines and also time in Pakistan when there was flooding. His more in-depth answer comes when speaking on handing out corn in North Korea and states that going and visiting in person, spending time with them [the individuals in the villages in North Korea], is even more important than just donations.

And no interview with the man behind Forever 21 would be complete without referencing lawsuits on workers rights in factories that Forever 21 sources clothing from. Mr. Chang’s statement… “Regarding that problem, those are actually not my employees. Those are people who work at a company that sells products to us. With companies that we just buy and trade with, we try to check up on their working conditions and try to prevent any problems…”

The biggest shocker to me, in all my research regarding Forever 21, was the one time Mrs. Chang took the stand in a court case. Taken from Bloomberg Business Week is the following from an article titled “Forever21’s Fast (and Loose) Fashion Empire”. To give you a bit of a ‘101 lesson’ reference before the quote: The $175,400 settlement was in a court case involving garment workers who worked in sweat-shop like conditions right in LA making garments for Forever 21. To top it off, a documentary was shot about the entire situation titled “Made In LA”

“Her testimony was revealing beyond her apparent ignorance of Forever 21's operations…. Lawyers had turned up documents showing that one of the company's biggest suppliers, One Clothing, is owned by Mr. Chang's private investment firm, Too Capital. It was also the supplier that reached the $175,400 settlement with the garment workers in 2004... On the witness stand, Mrs. Chang said she knew nothing about the operations of either One Clothing or Too Capital. "We simply trust the vendors, and then they manufacture the garment for us....That's about it," she said.”

To put this into more plain terms, one of Forever 21’s biggest suppliers is a company owned by Mr. Chang’s private investment firm. Trying to prevent problems can come in many forms—from transparency, traceability, factory audits and personally visiting and ensuring codes are kept. Safe to say, just ‘trusting’ a company is idealistic, but certainly not realistic in the fashion industry.

To put this all simply from the factual side, let’s take a look at Free2Work. The Forever 21 Free2Work Score Card and Apparel Industry Trends report are where I found my initial information and served as the foundation of my research.

 As we can see, Forever 21 receives an overall D- grade based on Free2Works checklist and ranking system. In the Worker Rights category they are ‘all in the red’ and even receive an overall F. Any company who wants me to purchase their clothes needs to show they are at least trying to make an effort to do something that will improve the conditions of those who create what they sell.

From a faith-based perspective, we are called to seek justice and help those who need it. I would like to see the Chang’s reach out and go to the homes of those who work in the factories both overseas and in LA that produce their clothing. I’m sure they would be shocked the very people making the clothes they sell in their mega-huge, over the top stores could more than likely be the very people they often seek out on missions trips to be with and offer help to.

Why is there disconnect?

I don’t know. 

It can’t be a lack of education— I feel as though their countless lawsuits would provide you the education you need pretty fast! 

Is it a lack of faith?-- A lack of allowing the idea of ‘practicing what you preach’ to seep into your work life? Mr. Chang has made it clear he separates religion from work in interviews. Perhaps there should be some cross over. Perhaps workers would be treated fairly and we would see a shift from trendy clothes at rock-bottom prices to trendy clothes where a few more dollars through the process means people’s lives are positively influenced. Compassion is in fashion, being a conscious consumer is the best accessory you can wear—I’m quite surprised Forever 21 hasn’t jumped on the trend yet.

If you want to read more articles on why individuals passionate about justice choose to no longer support Forever 21 with their purchasing power check out the following articles!

Awakened Aesthetic - Exposed: Forever 21 

Let's Be Fair - Let’s Trade: Forever 21 

Una Luna Mag - How To Quit Forever 21 

The Frisky - Okay Let's Talk About Forever 21 

Human Trafficking Prevention

Image found on Pinterest

I’ve heard January be referred to as Human Trafficking Awareness month.

As the beginning of research generally starts, I opened up Google and typed in ‘Human Trafficking Awareness Month.’ Upon skimming through the top few headlines one link in particular caught my eye. Posted by the White House, it was a letter that President Obama wrote announcing January 2014 to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Every part of me was filled with excitement.

This is exactly what we need.

Awareness is one thing, and a good thing, but prevention is where we should be focused after awareness has been reached. Once you are aware, there needs to be another step involved-- something practical and tangible and that, my friends, is Prevention.

I know, I know. You might be thinking ‘How can I prevent slavery?’

You may not be actively involved in the sex trade, which is where most of the attention on human trafficking tends to go, so you don’t think you are involved and actively growing the 2^nd largest criminal industry in the world. Think about it, if human trafficking and modern-day slavery were only about sex, would it be the fastest growing criminal industry in the world? While some may answer yes, I would guess probably not.

Human Trafficking and Slavery exists in every area of our lives—from the clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the electronics we use. What we use for entertainment and enjoyment, someone is paying the ultimate price with their life for its creation—and often we don’t think about it.

If you read my blog, you’re probably already aware. I’ve written numerous posts regarding human trafficking and modern day slavery; I documented my time in Thailand working in a Children’s Home with those who have been either exploited or at risk for exploitation, I’ve written about my life changing experience with Not For Sale, I’ve challenged you to end slavery in your life by participating in ethical holidays and being a conscious consumer. Awareness is all around us—from activists to slacktivists, organizations like IJM, Not For Sale, Love 146 and World Vision and even campaigns like MTV Exit and the A21 Campaign.

Time for prevention.

As I was reading Mr. Obama’s letter, I fell in love with this paragraph that is a call to both action and duty.

“As we work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so many into bondage. We must develop economies that create legitimate jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no child should ever be exploited, and empower our daughters and sons with the same chances to pursue their dreams. This month, I call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world, and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of freedom, dignity, and justice.”

That is prevention—changing the way we have lived our lives up until this point. Ethical business practices, a sense of world community, knowing the basic rights of freedom, dignity and justice are the foundation for a world that can thrive.

Below are what I think of when I contemplate prevention and steps we can take, as every day individuals who understand the value of the human life, to no longer see any more innocent victims to something that is preventable.

1 – Make sure you know the facts

Awareness is the first step to prevention. Do you know what human trafficking is? When someone asks do you find yourself stumbling upon what the exact definition is? Spreading basic awareness is as simple as knowing the definition and having some examples of what it is.

Image taken from Not For Sale

2 – Educate yourself on your personal contribution to the continuation of modern-day slavery.

Take just one hour out of your day and search out information on the companies of the clothing you happen to be wearing. Free2Work is a great place to learn about companies. Think of what you are planning on eating for dinner—research what kind of slavery exists in the growing, harvesting and production of what you are planning to eat. Did you know people work in factories peeling shrimp? There are documented cases of exploitation (unfair wages and working conditions to name two of the issues) to those workers peeling shrimp. Are you using a laptop to do your research? Labor issues around Apple have been documented and are easy to find upon doing a google search. And check out Slavery Footprint to see a rough estimate of how many slaves are working for you.  This isn’t meant to make you feel bad—but to make you aware of your personal contribution.

Screen Shot from the Slavery Footprint Questionnaire

There are 30 slaves working for me-- my personal Slavery Footprint results!

3 – Research alternatives to your current lifestyle contributions.

Instead of shopping at Forever 21, shop at H&M. Buy second hand clothing where the money goes to a charity instead of the company who originally made the garment. Instead of buying chocolate from Hershey or Nestle, buy from Divine or AlterEco. Try to buy locally made products (even if they are a little more pricey). While it may be impossible to cut out slavery from your entire life, your purchasing power says a lot and changing a few basic parts of your shopping habits can make a difference in the long run. Check out Free2Work.org for company ratings to see how your favourite brands compare to others.

4 – Be the change.

Ethical leaders are needed for real change to happen. Planning on starting a business? Do it right from the start. Be a person who is committed, in whatever they set out to do, to do it in such a way that doesn’t allow the exploitation of some for the your own personal gain. Find out you’re surprisingly passionate about the cause? Start a blog, share your story of justice-seeking, speak to others. Combine your current passions with a goal to end slavery.

David Batstone, founder of Not For Sale, posted a quote on his Twitter feed that was retweeted by MTV Exit where I happened to stumble upon it. It goes like this:

I encourage you, not only during Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month but also throughout the year, to do just that-- change your view of slavery where your current life finds you and design creative ways to come against it. Be pro-love  and be the change that is needed to end modern-day slavery.

What are some creative ways you have found to raise awareness or prevent human trafficking?

Challenge: Ethical Christmas

Putting the words 'Ethical' and 'Christmas' together is quite the statement. From a faith-based perspective, this simple phrase would have one epic meaning! From a live-my-life-without-slavery perspective, it can take on another. I believe the two go hand in hand to create a holiday season that remembers why we celebrate to begin with, and allows that remembrance and celebration to flow into how we purchase the goodies for our festivities.

I’m currently going through a series for Advent by She Reads Truth called Emmanuel. One of my favourite parts about the series is the daily “Advent Action.” Each day, after reading scripture and the accompanying devotion, you pray, then are given an Advent Action to perform. These actions are anything from listening to a meaningful song (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel being one of them) to baking a loaf of bread and writing meaningful letters to friends. Each action is meant to help you reflect and internalize what you read and learn as we lead up to the momentous occasion of celebrating the birth of Jesus.

(Side note: Does anyone remember, as a kid, people being all “there was no snow when Jesus was born so he obviously wasn’t born in December?” Oh a child’s view of 'rational' thinking haha)

The enjoyable advent actions from She Reads Truth have inspired me to come up with my own set of actions for you to complete to assist you have a holiday season that is positive in every way. While you take time to consider the amazing story of the birth of Jesus and what that truly means to us, I hope these actions will ensure you take that most meaningful moment and allow the love-filled sentiment to overflow into how you shop and celebrate this holiday season.

Action #1 – Read

Who doesn’t love stories—especially at Christmas?!?! 

I know I do! Enter into the scene; my love of just about every Christmas movie. 

Take some time to read the story of the birth of Jesus. It is amazing how Mary was all 'about-to-pop' pregnant, ridding to Bethlehem on a donkey, and gave birth to our savior in a stable. It’s a story that makes you go “This is ridiculous” in an amazing and incredible way. 

The fact slavery still exists makes you go “This is ridiculous” but in a whole different way. It’s not in the positive, awe-inducing passion the story of Jesus awakes inside of us. It’s in a negative ‘I’m amazed this still exists’ kind of way. Reading stories of individuals who have been caught in various forms of modern day slavery can help open your eyes to the reality many individuals are living in this exact moment. Read books like ‘Not For Sale’ by David Batstone, ‘Where Am I Wearing?’ by Kelsey Timmerman and ‘Disposable People’ by Kevin Bales.

Action #2 – Share

As soon as I started reading the Advent series by She Reads Truth I thought of a number of folks who would also love the series. I texted my mom, told a friend and even shared my enthusiasm with a co-worker. When something affects you, you feel the need to share with those around you. As you read stories about human trafficking and slavery, share the information with those you encounter. I know, I know, you don’t want to be the Debbie Downer at the staff Christmas party, at your family gathering, or while chilling with friends. No one wants to be ‘that’ person. How’s this for a suggestion, when people ask you what you’ve been doing lately, simply say you’ve been learning a lot about human trafficking and slavery, and share one of the stories you have learned along the way. Keep the positivity up by telling them of organizations, even those where you live, that are doing amazing things to address the situation!

Action #3 – Give

Give a gift of meaning. We all know people explore stores, seeking out epic gifts for those they love. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but while out and about visiting Ikea for my very first time ever, I stumbled upon a gift for my husband... which is AWESOME! It was a magical unexpected moment—the gift was not in my plan of items to give him, but this special surprise was something I couldn’t pass up! We all know part of the joy of shopping over the holiday season is finding the perfect gift, the hunt in stores or online, and knowing you will give the gift of glee to the recipient! When you give, give responsibly. Did you know that ethical chocolate DOES exist? Even stores like Target have fair-trade options! Instead of heading for the festive-and-probably-on-sale-shaped-like-Santa chocolate, head for a smart purchase of delicious chocolate, which supports individuals who are striving to live a life of dignity! Aiming to buy someone a cozy sweater, generic socks and underwear, or something trendy? Check out Free2Work and see what clothing companies are doing things right and commit to shop there this season. It can be hard to remember that quality trumps quantity when money can be tight and the reality of having many people to purchase for is dimming out your shiny festive spirit. Remember, no matter how enticing a deal can be, the phrase “steal of a deal” can also mean your purchase is stealing freedom from the individual who is making it.  While shopping for my husband, I did his clothing purchases at H&M. As a company with a B+ rating, I can feel as jolly as Santa when giving him his gifts!

At this time of year in 2012, I was arriving home from a stint with Not For Sale as part of their Fellowship program. It was an amazing experience, which has transformed my life. While with Not For Sale, I helped create this lovely Free2Work Shopping Guide. While this version is a year old, it still gives some helpful points to keep you in check while shopping this Holiday season!!!

As faith-based Christmas Cards, inspirational songs, and your Church may be reminding you, keep in mind the “Reason for the Season.” Allow that awe-inspiring, hope-filled joy to infiltrate every part of your festivities this holiday season. For God SO loved the world he gave his only Son… As we are called to Love others with the same Love Christ has for us, let us not forget that people create the things we often purchase during this time of year. Loving those individuals means taking time to do our research, allowing that research to turn us into a conscious consumer, and use our purchasing power to support companies that show Love to those they employ.

Wishing you the merriest of Christmases! Stay warm, feel jolly, and spend time with those you love!

**For more information on modern day slavery, and for more ways to challenge yourself to an ethical life, check out Challenge: Ethical Easter and Challenge: Ethical Halloween