With recent uprise and exposure of where most of America's clothing is made in over-populated third world countries' slave labor factories, I knew I had to change the way I shop. At my university a documentary was shown of the conditions of these so called "safe factories." The documentary was called "The True Cost;" it is available to watch on Netflix. In the film, they highlighted Fair Trade companies and companies for a cause and the big brands who contribute to slave labor. After finding out big brands like Gap, Nike, Forever 21, Old Navy, American Eagle could continue to highlight these inhumane companies forever, I immediately stopped shopping there. Why would I shop and support a company who cannot provide a living wage for the people making their clothes? Considering how big these companies conduct themselves, this just shows they are in the business truly for the profit.

I have always been a advocate for thrift shopping and going to garage sales. At first, it was the purpose of how inexpensive it was for me to get "new" clothes and not feel bad about breaking the bank because the amount of clothes I would get for the cost of one of these items at a retail store. Now I am forever grateful that I mostly shop at thrift stores and garage sales because I am recycling clothes and not purchasing from the big brands that do not care about their employees.

After conducting further research about where I wanted to shop I found some wonderful companies who care about humanity and are changing the world one item at a time.

1. Tom's

Tom's is known for "One for One," I was first introduced to this company back in high school when I saw this brand on a friend of mine. She told me how wonderful this company is and how each pair of shoes sold a pair of shows would be given to someone in need. These shoes are very durable and comfy definitely an investment.

2. Tentree

This company plants 10 trees for every item they sell. If this does not convince you to purchase from this company I do not know what will...

3.Pura Vida Bracelets

This is a jewelry company that employs local artisans to make the bracelets and make a living wage. My sister introduced this company to me and she knows that I am a huge advocate for sustainable lives.

4. Lokai

Is another really cool humanitarian company. For every bracelet they sell, a percent of their proceeds go to different charities depending on the bands charity. Some of the charities have included WWF (World Wildlife Fund), Water Relief, and many more.

"Each Lokai is infused with elements from the highest and lowest points on Earth. The bracelet’s white bead carries water from Mt. Everest, and its black bead contains mud from the Dead Sea. These extreme elements are a reminder to the wearer to live a balanced life – staying humble during life’s peaks and hopeful during its lows." - Lokai

5. Love Your Melon

This company touches close to home since it was created by a group of college students to the brother school of my university. Each item they sell something, they donate a beanie to a cancer patient in need and donate 50% of what they make per item. They first started selling beanie hats and because they have become so popular they now sell apparel. This company also makes their clothing in the USA and you can watch behind the scenes footage of the location and how the items are made.

6. People Tree

People Tree was mentioned in The True Cost documentary. This is an organic cotton company that makes high end clothing that is very good quality, The artisans making the clothing have a living wage and are treated very well. This is a Fair Trade company!

7. Zady

This is another environmental friendly clothing store to purchase from where they make good lasting quality clothing; they also manufactured all their goods in the USA.

8. Thread For Thought

"Threads 4 Thought was born in 2006 when Leigh & I graduated from college & had the crazy idea that the fashion industry needed to be more sustainable. In the spring of 2007, we launched Threads 4 Thought with a small collection of tees made from eco-friendly fabrics with graphic designs inspired by causes that moved us.

Our goal is to bring change to an industry that desperately needs it.

Every time you buy a product or brand, you make a choice & cast a vote...by purchasing a Threads 4 Thought product, you are voting for products that help to improve our planet & move the fashion industry towards a healthier future for us all. Join our movement, and wear your Threads well." -Thread For Thought

9. Thrift Stores

This one is self explanatory. By purchasing from thrift stores, you are recycling people's old clothing.

The more you learn about making the world a better place the better this world well develop. So the next time you go shopping check the label on the clothing. Most likely if it is made in the USA it is Slave Labor made! Shop ethically!!