Which do you want first- the good news or the bad?
Being abroad means I am usually a bit behind on news from the US. I was so disappointed today to learn that No Sweat has shut down their retail business. Up until recently, No Sweat was an awesome Massachusetts-based company making sneakers and casual clothes in trade union certified factories around the world.
I started buying sneakers from them upon learning about Nike’s purchase of Converse- fair trade style for the same price. Plus they had sweet Rose the Riveter graphics!
Ugh- so sad to hear about such a great company going under. (Their wholesale branch still exists, so if you need ethical shirts in bulk, check it out).
The upside is that in reading about No Sweat’s closing I learned about the Autonomie Project. Another Boston-based company, they have a product line similar to No Sweat- organic, sweatshop-free and vegan shoes and tees. While I haven’t been able to see the goods in person, the shoes look well-made and the printed shirts have cool graphics. I especially like the Bikefish Tee and the All Black Low Top Sneakers…and the prices are reasonable.
Next time you need to replace your Converse, consider going the fair trade route!
