Why we need to know where our clothes come from

With a difficult economy here in the U.S., we find ourselves having to tighten our belts. Sometimes, we lose site of being a knowledgeable consumer when we are lured with cheap prices. However, cheap does not necessarily equate with the best choice.

Last week, there was a devastating factory collapse in Bangladesh. Often, we are very removed from the process of how our clothes are made. However, many of us saw the media reports last week about this terrible accident. We should use this time to learn.

As in Bangladesh, some of these factories are put up quickly with few building regulations. The workers do not work under the same safety standards as we have in this country. The buildings are not subject to the safe inspections that their counterparts in the U.S.  The workers work for many hours for low wages in poor conditions. Last week, sadly, many lost their lives in the factory collapse.

As consumers, we need to think more about what we are buying. Looking at that label is very important. When buying American, you are supporting companies following much safer labor standards. Plus, American factories are also subject to stronger environmental regulations and regular inspections. By purchasing American, you know more about how your clothing was made.

When shopping, we must not turn a blind eye to how things are made. Sadly, hundreds of people died last week. We must make a statement with our dollars and buy American.

For more on the collapse and some of the factory conditions these poor workers face, see CNN's article: Bangladesh factory collapse: Who really pays for our cheap clothes?