I’ve ranted about this before. We all have to think about where our clothes come from and who made our clothes. We can’t keep ignoring the reasons for why a tee shirt only costs five bucks or a pair of jeans is a mere $50. Yeah, the dollars may be low but the cost to our planet is brutally high.

When clothes are made irresponsibly, they’re cheap because the manufacturers are most likely using child labor and dumping their waste waters into rivers people use for drinking water.

After The True Cost hit the media, I honestly thought things would change in this industry, but after watching the film River Blue at the One Earth Film Festival last night, I’m realizing nothing’s different. The biggest suppliers of denim, leather goods and athletic wear (see below) are still dumping toxins into rivers that are killing not only wildlife in and around them but the people living in the communities these rivers run thru.

I know it’s tough to digest the fact that our shopping behaviors are impacting our planet. It’s even harder to absorb the fact that unless we make immediate changes, the world as we know it is, well, pretty screwed. I may not be that ray of sunshine you’re seeking today, but I have a solution…

Across Chicago and even in other cities, the One Earth Film Festival is here to help us. This festival is all about the planet and the films they’re screening are not only informative, but also helpful. They explain what’s happening to our planet and reveal the corporations that are having the biggest, negative impacts on it. The good thing is these films help us find solutions to combat Climate Change.

MAJAMAS® EARTH is partnering with OEFF to speak locally about the fashion industry’s impact on our planet (specifically on our water sources throughout the world). “Through harsh chemical manufacturing processes and the irresponsible disposal of toxic chemical waste, one of our favorite iconic clothing items (denim) has destroyed rivers and impacted the lives of people who count on these waterways for their survival.”

Our talks will be inspired by “RiverBlue,” a “groundbreaking documentary that examines the destruction of our rivers, the effects on humanity, and the solutions inspiring hope for a sustainable future.” Join ME for a screening of this inspirational film, followed by deep discussions on…

Saturday, March 2, 3 p.m. [Central] @ Columbia College, Music Center, Chicago

Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m. [South] @ U. of C. Performing Arts Center, Chicago

Saturday, March 9, 1 p.m. [Lake County] @ Catlow Theater, Barrington

Knowledge is power and by watching these films, we can all learn how to help our planet. Sure, some of the information is tough to watch but the biggest changes come from knowing what’s happening and learning how to fix a problem. So join ME at the One Earth Film Festival March 1st thru the 10th. Listen, watch, learn and help us help the planet so it’s here for future generations to enjoy.

See you there and thank you!

– Germaine Caprio, Company Owner & Designer

P.S. Can’t make it out to see ME or River Blue? Check out the full film fest schedule here for more films, dates and locations or feel empowered to make a donation to one of our favorite organizations, the Ocean Conservancy.

Wondering who to shop with?

Find eco-friendly, ethically made lists of brands at Fashion Heroes, Good On You, Still Being Molly & Style Wise (ME: MAJAMAS EARTH too, of course!)

Wondering who to avoid?

To name a few… H & M, ZARA, ADIDAS, NIKE, Forever 21, UNIQLO, Diesel & Gap were named in River Blue. Please share other companies with ME in the comments below!

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What are your favorite environmental films?

Please share your own thoughts with us – let’s get a conversation started in the comments below! Your comment may even win you a free MAJAMAS® EARTH garment this week!