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Maggie’s featured in University of Michigan Sustainable Fashion Show!

Recently, some of Maggie’s new Fair Labor Certified Apparel was shown at the student-run Sustainable Fashion Show at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The show was produced by UM’s Environmental Issues Commission (EIC), a group of students that promotes environmental awareness throughout the University.

This is Maggie’s second year participating in the fashion show. This time, we chose to premiere some of our new Fair Labor Apparel, including our Fair Labor Certified Pants and Hoodies – see them on the runway in the image to the left! Many thanks to Jessica Galin, the model pictured, for helping to make our clothes look stylish on the runway.

“At first the idea for a sustainable fashion show was a discussion during meetings between a few members of the group,” says EIC member Jill Schmutter, “We continued and elaborated on our passion to make students and the Ann Arbor community more aware of where their clothes came from and how they can support fair trade and environmentally friendly products.” The EIC collaborated with groups such as SOLE (Students Organizing for Labor and Economic Equality), the Peace and Justice Council, Lead Magazine, and (of course) Maggie’s Organics in creating the 2010 fashion show, entitled “JUST GREEN.”

The group was intent not only on promoting environmental awareness, but also to host the fashion show during Women’s History Month – “to promote the mind and body of the female spirit”, explains Ms. Schmutter. This is certainly an idea Maggie’s can stand behind; with the help of the Jubilee House, Maggie’s works with several women-owned and –operated businesses. We founded a 100% worker-owned women’s sewing co-operative in Nicaragua, in an area where women previously found themselves forced to work in sweatshops (if they found employment at all). Today, this co-operative (known as the Fair Trade Zone), is the world’s first and only 100% worker-owned free trade zone. You can read more about the Free Trade Zone our partners’ page.

Hanging out at the Maggie's Headquarters in Ypsilanti

Inspired by customer requests, Taylor spent some time this week taking pictures around the office. You've all seen our pictures from the Fair Labor Certification process in Central America, but what is life like at the Maggie's office in Michigan? Well, let's take a look:

Here is the front of our office building. Before Maggie's moved into this building in 2002, it was a school and a bookstore. We're really happy with it because it has an attached warehouse, so we can handle all of our shipping in-house. Let's take a look inside.

Here’s Tom, our warehouse manager (and resident comedian), pulling an order for some Socks. Tom has worked with Maggie’s since 1998. He handles everything from labeling to shipping and receiving – which he refers to as “the old one-two.”

Here’s a box of our printed scarves back from VGKids, our local screen printer that we’ve been partners with for a long time.

Also in our warehouse is the table where Stephanie, one of our sales persons, has been assembling the new gift baskets. The sock monkeys look pretty content with their pails.

On top of Tom’s computer is the only tie-dye sock shark in existence – one of a few co-op animals that never made it to production. It was made from one of our organic cotton tie-dye crew socks and stuffed with polyester mill scrap.

Here’s Doug, our VP of Sales, hanging out in his office. Lately, Doug and Stephanie have been brainstorming ideas for the most efficient and eco-friendly way to go about making catalogs for our retailers.

In the conference room, Amber and a couple friends are inspecting a new shipment of our Fair Labor Certified Apparel. Amber is one of Maggie’s newest employees, and is doing a great job helping out with the apparel and communicating with stores.

Well that’s all for now – we hope you enjoyed a glance around our headquarters. If you want to see all of the pictures taken by Taylor, you can find them on our Flickr page here.

Maggie's supports OnEarthPeace

Maggie's Functional Organics is proud to support OnEarthPeace, a social justice initiative of the Church of the Brethren. We recently donated 500 pairs of our Mantra knee Hi socks, carrying the “OnEarthPeace" mantra – to be distributed to volunteers in OnEarthPeace programs. These programs include:

• The Youth Peace Travel Team, which visits congregations and summer camps to conduct peace education workshops;
• The Welcome Home project, offering support and healing for U.S. service men and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq;
• The Decade to Overcome Violence, an global initiative of the World Council of Churches.

We're hopeful that Maggie's soft, stretchy dress socks, made with organic fibers, will add a little comfort to the lives of hard-working volunteers for peace and conflict resolution.

Tom's got his hands full as Fair Labor Apparel scores a hit at Maggie's

We've got a hit on our hands – and Tom's got his hands full.

Tom, who runs our Ypsilanti warehouse, is busier than ever filling orders for our new Fair Labor Apparel clothing line, which launched earlier this spring. Faster than we expected, retail customers and distributors are buying Maggie's Fair Labor products, made with 100% organic cotton fibers: camisoles, tanks, wrap tops, hoodies, wide leg pants, knit dresses, unisex tees and scarves.

At prices ranging from $12.75 to $25.50, our Fair Labor clothes are attractive and affordable – and available with a guarantee that workers who made them are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

Don't take our word for it. Maggie's Functional Organics is the first-ever clothing line to win a rigorous Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits certification from Scientific Certification Systems (SCS).

Before issuing this certification, SCS examined every stage of Maggie's organic clothing supply chain: the growers, cotton gin, spinner, knitter, dyer, cutter, sewer, screen-printer in Central America, as well as our office and warehouses here in the U.S.

You can read the fair whole labor story here. As always, Tom and the rest of the team at Maggie's are doing our best to make organic clothes that are good for people and good for our planet.

PS: Tom likes being busy, so please keep your orders coming. And if you've already made an order, let us know what you think!

Maggie's Recycles E-Waste!

Today, Doug and Taylor of Maggie's Organics took a trip to Recycle Ann Arbor's Drop-off Station to safely dispose of some of the electronic waste that has been accumulating in our warehouse over the years. We submitted 30 fluorescent lightbulbs, two computer monitors, four computer towers (with hard drives removed), and three printers. Today is a great day to be Tom, our warehouse manager, who had to work around this junk.


With the current rate at which electronics become obsolete, e-cycling (the recycling of electronics), is becoming more important than ever. The chemicals (liquid, solid, or gas) present in many electronics can be very harmful if released into the environment. And so it is important to dispose of electronics at a reputable and responsible e-cycling center - some of the free e-cycling drives have been accused have shipping electronics overseas to be sold in the third world, creating terrible environmental hazards and unsafe working conditions. Some e-cycling centers, like the one we visited in Ann Arbor, may have a small per-item charge that allows them to continue recycling the hazardous waste without having to resort to irresponsible disposal practices.

It is important to note that in most places, you cannot recycle electronics by just putting them in your recycling bin at home. Typically you will either need to take them to a recycling center, or a special recycling event. Some organizations may offer at-home pickup of your electronic waste. To see how you can responsibly dispose of your electronics in you area, visit ecyclingcentral.com.

Maggie’s Organics Honored as one of the 2010 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch”!

Great news everyone!

Maggie’s Organics has been recognized as one of the 2010 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch,” an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Winners were selected by Michigan-based judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities.

The (sixth annual) awards ceremony is taking place on April 29th in Lansing, Michigan. The keynote speech will be given by Governer Jennifer Granholm.

“We are honored to receive this award as it acknowledges the hard work we have done recently to grow and sustain our business while being conscious of the environment and the social aspects of our production process. We look forward to more growth in the future and to meeting the needs of our customers along the way,” said Bená Burda, President and Founder of Maggie’s Organics.

New Spring Colored Scarves In Progress!

Maggie's is currently working on some new spring colors for scarves, tentatively set to become available in March, including Seafoam, Grey, and Dusty Lilac. Check out the picture!

New Limited Edition Snowflake Socks

Maggie's is proud to announce the creation of a limited-edition "Snowflake" Knee-hi sock for this winter season, found exclusively in a tri-pak containing the maroon snowflake socks, a pair of olive socks, and a pair of plum socks. Like all of our socks, they are made primarily from Certified Organic Cotton (with a bit of nylon and Spandex for comfort and stretch), and are made exclusively in the USA.

Click here to view the new Snowflake Sock tri-pak.

Maggie's Rated by Free2Work.org

Maggie's Organics was recently rated favorably regarding our labor and worker’s rights conditions at Free2Work.org. Free2work is a joint venture between the Not For Sale Campaign, International Labor Rights Forum, and Humanity United. The Not For Sale Campaign is working to equip and mobilize smart activists to deploy innovative solutions to re-abolish slavery in their own backyards and across the globe. The International Labor Rights Forum is an advocacy organization dedicated to achieving just and humane treatment for workers worldwide. Humanity United seeks to enable local and global solutions to end modern-day slavery and mass atrocities in our time by pursuing a creative combination of research, policy, and public pressure.

If you've been following our journey of becoming the world's first Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits certified apparel company it may not surprise you that we received an "A" rating in each category we were rated for: Outerwear, Underwear, and Kids/Babies. An "A" Rating signifies: Workers are partners in preventing forced and child labor. The manufacturer takes appropriate steps to ensure that employees know their rights and are able to negotiate conditions of work.

Thank you Free2Work, we are grateful that you have acknowledged the way we choose to do business! We hope to see you continue to assist the consumer in making responsible purchases.

Former Maggie's Intern, Mary Lemmer, wins Entrepreneur Contest

On Friday November 20th, former Maggie's intern Mary Lemmer won the Lakeshore's Next Top Entrepreneur contest held in Holland, MI. Congratulations Mary! The contest was sponsored by the Lakeshore Advantage's Momentum program. Mary and her team were awarded $1,000 to continue work on her project to encourage homeowners to purchase energy-efficient lights and appliances - a company known as Carbon Perks. Mary has been active in the field of sustainable business for a few years and her work at Maggie's was one part of that. Since she worked at Maggie’s in the summer and fall of 2008 she has continued to build an impressive network of like-minded people and a stunning resume for work in the field of sustainability.

Maggie's Gossip about Gossip Girl

Last week, a stylist from the hit TV-show Gossip Girl called Maggie's and ordered some of our tights for one of their actresses. Supposedly, the actress has sensitive skin and is interested in eco-friendly apparel. Will they be featured on Gossip Girl? We'll let you know once we know!

Maggie's Menagerie Named A Best New Organic Product of 2009

In the November/December issue of Organic Processing Magazine, the Maggie's Menagerie Co-op Animals were named one of the "Best New Organic Retail Products of 2009." From Organic Processing Magazine:

Maggie's Menagerie Co-op Animals are an example of socially and environmentally-forward innovation. Promoting fair labor models, these stuffed animals are sewn by Opportunity Threads, a 100 percent worker-owned sewing cooperative in North Carolina. In addition, each unique toy is made of re-purposed fabric and irregular socks that otherwise would have been wasted.

You can find the original article by clicking here.

Fashion Show Highlights!

On Sunday November 8th, 2009, Maggie’s Organics participated in a community benefit event in San Francisco, CA on behalf of the Progressive Jewish Association (PJA). We met the PJA folks at this year’s Bioneers conference. PJA is a new Jewish organization, one that serves as a vehicle connecting Jews to the critical social justice issues of the day. PJA fights for economic justice by educating Jews about an obligation to stand with the working poor, and then organizes the Jewish community to join in campaigns to improve working conditions and secure a living wage for low-wage workers.

Maggie's scarf, camisole, and leg warmers in action for a good cause.

Maggie’s Tights in a New Lightweight Style!

Maggie’s is delighted to announce a new style of versatile cotton tights. Our new Lightweight Tights are thinner than our previous tights, but with an increased organic cotton content (now up to 77%). Able to stretch more than our previous tights, the Lightweight Tights provide a more generous fit – making for a sheer and elegant look in any season! They are available in sizes small through XL, in colors black, chocolate, and grey. You can find them here!

Maggie's Organics Certified Labor Practices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maggie’s Organics will be first to acquire Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits Certification

Maggie’s Organics will become the first apparel company ever to be certified Fair Labor under a rigorous new auditing process: Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits certification by Scientific Certification Systems. This certification validates socially responsible practices both in agricultural production and at all stages of the post-harvest production process.

Ypsilanti, MI – September 15th, 2009 – Maggie’s Organics has been making apparel items with certified organic fibers and fair labor practices since 1992. The agricultural standard and process of growing fibers organically has been in place since Maggie’s started their business. Maggie’s is proud to announce that its production chain in Central America has been evaluated by an independent third party and all of the workers involved in the process are treated fairly with safe and healthy working conditions based upon a global standard. Maggie’s Organics will be the first company in the world to hold this certification.

Bená Burda, President and Founder of Maggie’s said, “We have always taken the high road when it comes to making sure all who are involved with producing our products are treated fairly and that somehow we have helped sustain their lives in the process. It is validating to have others verify this and put a standard in place that can be measured.”

The Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits Certification standard, developed by Scientific Certification Systems (www.scscertified.com) in conjunction with key stake holders, validates socially responsible practices in agricultural production and all stages of processing including: growing, harvesting, ginning, spinning, knitting, finishing, cutting, sewing, screen printing, and distribution. Certification to this standard covers: equitable hiring and employment, safe workplace conditions, worker and family access to health, education, and transportation services, local and regional impacts, community engagement, and demonstrated economic stability.

The Jubilee House Community (http://www.jhc-cdca.org), a non-government organization located in Nueva Vida, Nicaragua was instrumental in coordinating the production chain within Nicaragua. JHC has been nurturing local communities in Nicaragua since 1994.

The first products to be offered under this new certification are Maggie’s Solid Scarves made with 100% certified organic cotton and will be available in all stores this holiday season. Whole Foods Market® has been offering Maggie’s Organics products in all of its stores for years. “We are excited to be able to offer these scarves that not only look and feel great but they also have quite a story behind them. Our customers will not have to second guess about what went on behind the scenes of the production of this product”, said Jeremiah McElwee, Senior Whole Body Coordinator for Whole Foods Market.

All of the solid color scarves: Black, Maroon, Plum, and Olive, will be ready to order on September 17^th, 2009. Other items including a new t-shirt will be available Spring 2010.

About Maggie’s Organics

Maggie’s Organics is located in Ypsilanti, MI. Bená Burda is the President and Founder of the company. Ms. Burda helped launch worker-owned sewing cooperatives in Nueva Vida, Nicaragua and more recently in Morganton, North Carolina.

For more information about Maggie’s Organics and their products, please visit www.maggiesorganics.com, or contact Doug Wilson at 800-609-8593, or dwilson@organicclothes.com.

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Farm Visits in Nicaragua

New Worker-owned Spinning Mill and Gin in Nicaragua

Fair Labor Inspection at Knitting and Sewing operation in San Jose, Costa Rica

CIA Textil in San Jose, Costa Rica

This is the 3rd installment of Bena's journey to observe the Fair Labor Practices certification of Maggie's production process in Central America

September 2nd, 2009

Today we visited with the knitter, dyer, finisher, and cut and sew facility here is San Jose. This is all done by one company, Cia Textil CentroAmericano, in business since 1953.

We have done business with Cia over three years, first as a knitter of fabric only, and gradually to cut and sew our garments also. They are not a co-op, but are a family-run business. Costa Rica is one of the most developed countries in central America, and is highly regarded for both wages and labor laws.

The company was started by a Polish immigrant here in Costa Rica, Mr. Israel Nowalski. He was a very poor farmer when he began, and started the company on a shoestring. He actually started by knitting socks (an irony for us), and as the company grew they kept taking advantage of market opportunities, adding on operations bit by bit.

Mr. Nowalski is now 91 year old, and still comes to work for 2 hours each day. He checks in on operations, tours the plant, and leaves. His original 2 partners were his brother and a lawyer friend. When they wanted to sell their shares, Israel bought them out and gave shares to each of his 4 children. Now one of his sons and one of his son-in-laws are active in the business.

It seems that Israel Nowalski has always been a very special owner, and took great care of his employees. Many have worker here for over 30 years. All employees belong to an association that represents the workers, runs a health clinic, etc.

The company pays 10-15% higher wages than the prevailing rates for textile workers in Costa Rica. The company has an in-house clinic, and a doctor is on hand each day from 7AM - 9AM, and a nurse is available all morning. Costa Rica has socialized medicine, but the employees here tend to get better treatment and service at the clinic.

Today for example a notice was posted about flu shots being available to all employees and their family members for $14. All the employees had to do was sign up, and they were presented an option of paying the $14 as a payroll deduction with no interest.

These shots will be available later this fall through national medicine. However, anyone who wants them would who is not part of a high-risk group will have to go to a private clinic and pay $50 each for the immunization.

The clinic offer free wellness seminars often, open to all, on things like handling stress, nutrition etc. Their clinic also handles dental work, optical, and can also dispense medicines.

I found out about two other community benefits today that I never knew were offered by Cia:

First, there is a gorgeous national park right across the street from the company. They have been active as a company in helping improve the park. A few years ago, Cia actually paid for the construction of an events building at the park, which is used to teach classes to kids on natural resources, host park tours, etc. The park has two swimming pools, soccer fields, many hiking trails, and a zip line (just like the tourista eco tours, only this one is free and you have to climb the trees to get to it!). Cia employees use the park at lunch and after work. Fabio (Tonio) Vargas, who is a designer and the pattern-maker for Maggie's garments, toured me around the park. He teaches swimming classes here to Cia employees' kids.

The other community benefit I was struck by involves houses and land provided to approximately 60 employees. Apparently, years ago Mr. Nowolski found out about some land for sale near the plant. Cia is in a very residential area (kind of like Maggie's). Mr Nowolski purchased the land, and then sold it to the worker association for a very low price. The association then accepted loan applications from employees, and provided low-interest loans to approximately 25 of them to buy a lot and build their own home. Interest rates are always very high in Costa Rica, and the rate the employees paid was about 1/3 of a typical bank rate. All payments are deducted from the employee's pay.

Our pattern-make Tonio and his family took advantage of the loan program 20 years ago. A few years and two kids later, they were able to secure another loan from the association, and added on a second story with 4 bedrooms to his home. His house is now paid for, his children are now able to attend a semi-private school, and his wife Karen has a room to run her own business, which is designing and sewing custom undergarments for women (very high end and beautiful pieces).

After touring their home, admiring Tonio's orchids and their many amazing plants, I asked both Tonio and Karen if they could have afforded to purchase a home like this without the benefits at Cia, and they both replied with a resounding "no way!".

Cia has since purchased more lots nearby, making a total of 60 workers who have been able to buy a lot a build a home this way.

Unfortunately, globalization and the recent economic crisis have taken their toll on this company. From a high point of 1000 workers, they are down to 155 workers today. So many of Tonio and Karen's neighbors are not currently employed by Cia. But they have all been able to keep their homes, and we hope to increase the Maggie's business in upcoming months and years to provide them the ability to bring workers back.



Regards,
Bena Burda
Maggie's Organics