The Price of a Life

43 workers were killed at a factory in Delhi today. The makeshift backpack factory caught on fire early this morning and trapped workers inside of the building. Many of the factory workers were asleep on the floor resting between shifts and others were at work, unaware of the rapidly spreading fire, catching them off guard and killing them. The factory was just 600 square feet and one of many manufacturing facilities that is not up to code and was not equipped with fire extinguishers. It is believed that the fire was started by an electrical short circuit and due to the overpopulation of the factory, many workers were unable to get out and suffered injury and death from inhaling the poisonous gases. 

These workers were risking their life each day to make as little as $2.10 for a day’s work (Associated Press). Many of them were Muslim migrant workers who came from the Eastern state of Bihar. Unfortunately, this fire is not uncommon. Many factories around the world are forced to drive prices down to stay in business, and the one of the first things to get cut is the worker’s wages. 

With 97% of American clothing made overseas, it is easy to feel disconnected from the hands that once touched the garments you wear. But, the truth is, we are very connected. We are all individuals who have hopes, goals, and dreams. We are all working hard to make our future better, and prepare a future for the next generation. We have a responsibility to demand higher standards from clothing companies. After all, is a good deal on a backpack really worth someone’s life?

Join us in demanding better working conditions through the purchase of our Share Hope leggings and spreading the word about ethical fashion.