When we decide to shop more sustainably, it can be overwhelming to figure out just what to look for or where to buy sustainably sourced products. I hope to demystify the learning process by sharing what I've learned in the past decade or so and the first thing I'm going to start with is the GOTS certification label.

GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standards. It’s the world’s leading processing standard for organic fibre textiles. The standard covers all steps of the supply chain - from harvesting to manufacturing and beyond.

As consumers looking for sustainable options, we want to know our products were not involved with any toxic or harmful substances. When the items are labelled organic and eco-friendly we may feel assured on that front but what about ethical working conditions?

The GOTS certification label assures us that all laborers involved in the production, manufacturing and trading processes were compensated fairly and worked in good conditions. Their specific standards for workers allow for collective bargaining (yay for unions!) and ensure safety for all. You can find out more here.

When I am choosing a yarn or a textile product from my print-on-demand supplier, I choose GOTS certified products. The only time I don’t is when recycled fiber products are available and/or present a better alternative. All GOTS certifications are noted in each product description (and show up below) for transparency and to help YOU make more sustainable shopping choices!