I am a regular visitor to the Oxfam 'Make Trade Fair' website and was concerned to read a report on the manufacturing practices of the above companies, and others already known about!
The report can be found by
clicking here.
As an Asics runner I don't want my fitness and enjoyment to come at the cost of the health and quality of life of those who make my shoes.
Have a look at the site if you're interested and post any thoughts and comments. I have already emailed the companies about my concerns and if their practices don't improve I will need to find alternative running wear.
And for those that think these campaigns are a waste of time, then you only need to look at the successes that have already been achieved by pressure - commercial and political in other areas, e.g. Fairtrade labelled goods such as coffee and bananas.
Surely if we runners reject these type of practices by not buying certain shoes they will change their business practices?
I think it is often forgotten how powerful consumers can be, if they can be a***ed to do something about it!
