As proof of the adage, “one good thing leads to another,” we are happy to announce the newly established group, Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN).  RSN is a new project of As You Sow, fostering responsible manufacturing through global value chains.  In other words, RSN advocates for responsible manufacturing practices and labor standards with regard to consumer products.

For example, one of their biggest projects currently involves advocacy for cotton manufacturing. The Cotton Program focuses on eliminating the use of child labor in the production, harvesting, and manufacturing of cotton and cotton goods.  RSN cites that the problem of child labor in cotton production is present in many countries, but remains an extreme problem in Uzbekistan.  The Uzbek government controls the cotton labor domain and forces children to partake in cotton growing and harvesting, closing schools and public offices for months each autumn to facilitate the process.

The Responsible Sourcing Network operates within a broad band of NGOs, apparel brands and retailers, investors, industry associations, and trade unions to facilitate the end of child labor in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry.  RSN uses their position and resources as a socially responsible investor to partner with companies and retailers who have committed to boycott Uzbekistan cotton until conditions change.  While RSN is working through corporate avenues, they encourage consumers to further the cause through four simple actions:

1.      Before you purchase clothes, check apparel companies’ websites to see if they have developed policies on Uzbek cotton.

2.      Spread the word to friends and family about forced child labor in Uzbekistan to help raise public awareness of the plight of the children there

3.      Purchase garments that have accountability built into them, such as those made with alternative cottons (Organic, Fair Trade, Better Cotton, ect.)

4.      Check out RSN’s resource pages for the latest information and links to others in their network

Last year, founder of RSN, Patricia Jurewicz and As You Sow worked with other organizations to submit resolutions on the proxy ballot of Abercrombie and Fitch, who refuse to change their supply chain standards. You can see their opinion on last year’s ballot on Moxy Vote.   The work of Patricia and RSN has gained the attention of many retailers, and the list of companies taking action has continued to grow as a result of shareholder activism and company negotiations. 

Interested in learning more about the companies involved in the Cotton Project?  Check out the site.  Responsible Sourcing Network is also on Facebook and Twitter, so take a look and support the cause!

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