Why are sustainable products always more expensive? The truth is, we’ve gotten used to products being increasingly cheap and accessible. This has resulted in ethically made products seem unreasonably highly priced and thus often cast aside. Fast fashion brands are renowned for not taking into account the human and environmental costs of making an item, which allows them to charge extremely low and uncompetitive prices. Cutting corners is essential for these global organisations to keep prices so low, often in the form of not fairly compensating their garment workers. Environmental corners are also cut, by selecting and using harmful (but cheap) materials derived from oil to make their products, which end up in our landfills for thousands of years releasing dangerous chemicals after often just one use. Where possible we must continue to prioritise second hand, swapping and renting wherever we can! Also always keep your eyes out for greenwashing, when brands take advantage of their eco credentials to bump up the price.
Note to self: Do you think sustainable product is actually more expensive, or, have we been collectively sold an incorrect narrative surrounding how much things actually cost to produce with respect to people and planet?
Co Founder and CEO of Stories Behind Things spoke to Gavin Thompson, VP Corporate Citizenship at Canada Goose. When Stories Behind Things partners with global brands who are looking to build a greener future, it’s important for us to take stock of that business’ direction, transparency and accountability.
