As we mentioned in a previous blog entry, the big news is that Fair Trade USA has begun to certify apparel. We here at the Green Stylist have decided to spotlight a few of the factories involved in this certification process. Today’s entry is focused on Zameen Organic Cotton, an Indian based organic cotton factory.
Located in the South Indian states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, this factory of 5,000 farmers was founded in 2006. Focused on empowering and educating farmers, Zameen involves them in all the management and organizational processes. Zameen trains the farmers and makes them the largest shareholders in the company, allowing them to learn and grow as part owners of the company.

Zameen Organic provides Fairtrade yarn, fabrics, garments and more. The cotton they grow is not genetically modified and is completely organic and pesticide free, which not only is environmentally friendly but helps the farmers save money on harmful pesticides or fertilizers. Not only that, Zameen supports equal access for women and supports women’s leadership roles in the organization.
Through awesome companies like Zameen Organic cotton, slowly we can begin to transform the apparel industry and farmer’s lives one factory at a time.