Fashion Revolution Day! Who Made Your Clothes?
Taressa George
This year, Thursday, April 24 will be known as "National Revolution Day" in the clothing industry. On this day in 2013 over 1,130 people lost their life and over 2,500 people were injured when the 8 story Savar building in the garment district in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed. The building housed clothing factories, a bank, apartments and other shops. It is said that the illegal addition of two floors on an already substandard building caused cracks which led to the collapse.
Savar Building collapse in Bangladesh garment district.
It is said that tragedies lead to hope. The hopefull and promising results emerging out of this tragedy are leading to real change. Consumers are more aware than ever of where their clothing is made and by whom. Companies have signed the Accord on Fire and Safety in Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh government has increased minimum wage pay by 77%.
Wear your clothes inside-out on April 24 and support the industry-wide transformation to a more sustainable future.