Child Labor Free

26/07/2018

The 2018 Baptist World Aid fashion report and guide, now released for the fifth time, is one way that consumers can educate themselves on the ethics of fashion brands that retail in New Zealand/Australia. But its important that consumers know the details!

https://www.childlaborfree.com/holding-the-industry-to-account/

The 2018 Baptist World Aid fashion report and guide, now released for the fifth time, is one way that consumers can educate themselves on the ethics of fashion brands that retail in New Zealand/Australia.   Researching transparency and labour rights, the report grades brands on the level of knowled...

13/06/2018

12th June was World Day Against Child Labour. It’s a day that means a lot to us here at Child Labor Free, through this week we are sharing challenges of the recent year in reflection, successes to date and plans for the year ahead.

It brings to light the sad reality of child labour across the world, spurring us on, knowing we have important work to do. As a global call to action, it rallies us and other organisations to keep pushing for the rights of some of our most precious and vulnerable around the world.

Read more on our blog here:

https://www.childlaborfree.com/world-day-child-labour/

12th June is World Day Against Child Labour. It’s a day that means a lot to us here at Child Labor Free, through this week we are sharing challenges of the recent year in reflection, successes to date and plans for the year ahead.   It brings to light the sad reality of child labour …

12/06/2018

World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June 2018

This year, the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) Aligns with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (SafeDay 28th April), it shines a spotlight on the global need to improve the safety and health of young workers and end child labour.

This joint campaign aims to accelerate action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 8.8 of safe and secure working environments for all workers by 2030 and SDG target 8.7 of ending all forms of child labour by 2025 - that's no easy tasks.

Achieving these goals for the benefit of the next generation of the global workforce requires a concerted and integrated approach to eliminating child labour and promoting a culture of prevention on occupational safety health (OSH).

Going beyond just the day, Child Labor Free will be sharing during the week, Director and Staff insights to the work that has been achieved over the recent 4 years of operation, the challenges and set backs that only ensures we remain strong in our quest and highlights of the journey world free from Child Labor.

Join us here, on our blog and other social channels to celebrate the successes and further push the boundaies to achieve these goals.

http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/wdacl/lang--en/index.htm

25/04/2018

There is an abundance of laws and acts designed to tackle the issues that surround Child Labor but often the laws that are designed to protect the children are, unfortunately, ignored not only in Pakistan but globally.

Government policies and laws have strengthened but there is a need for proper implementation if we are to achieve the desired goals to see a reduction in child Labor numbers.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/231542/why-is-there-a-need-to-curb-child-labour/

Child labour is one of the growing social issues faced by Pakistan. The impact it might have on the mental, physical, moral and social life of children is considerable. During the 1990s, 11 million children were working in Pakistan – half of whom were under the age of 10. In 1994, the minimum age ...

09/04/2018

What She Makes is a new campaign by Oxfam highlighting the plight of underpaid garment workers and their right to a living wage. Fronted by this compelling four-minute video, it sends a strong message about the appalling conditions that people, mainly women, live in despite relentless back-breaking work, making “our clothes”.

Check out our latest blog here - https://www.childlaborfree.com/oxfam-calling-us-customer-demand-living-wages/

Blog submitted by by Frederique Gulcher of My Good Emporium

What She Makes is a new campaign by Oxfam highlighting the plight of underpaid garment workers and their right to a living wage. Fronted by this compelling four-minute video, it sends a strong message about the appalling conditions that people, mainly women, live in despite relentless back-breaking....

22/12/2017

On the 10th day of Christmas we have the perfect gift for creative kids! These shoes have been designed to embrace your child’s imagination. Simply colour the shoes in with the pens provided and leave to try - then enjoy! If you want to change the colour, simply wipe off the water or a wet-wipe and start again.

Made from a specially developed coated leather, and built on a specially designed children's shoe last- these shoes not only look epic- but they have your kid’s foot health covered as well.

You can buy them from here: https://www.bobux.co.nz/custom-56729

22/12/2017

On the eighth day of Christmas, give the gift of art, and safety to children in Kenya. New Zealand artist Jen Sievers Art is selling prints of her Massai warrior to raise money for the wonderful people at Rafiki Mwema – a therapeutic safe house for abused children.

The print comes in various sizes, and $20 from each sale goes directly to the running costs of the house.

19/12/2017

For the seventh day of Christmas - the perfect gift to send to cooler climates. This luxurious Alpaloop Infinity Scarf has been expertly and lovingly crafted in Peru by HOPE Made in the world‘.

They believe in transforming the way the world perceives produces and consumes style, and are certified Child Labor Free.

https://hopemade.world/collections/new-arrivals/products/high-neck-pullover-2

High Neck Pullover ( Color: Oatmeal). Woven in Peru from the most luxurious fibers. It´s modern, its sharp, it´s Baby Alpaca.

17/12/2017

On the sixth day of Christmas, treat your friend to coffee and breakfast at a Source Cafe - Pakuranga or Source Cafe - Ponsonby.

Everything they stock is sourced through ethical and sustainable trade – from their groceries to their gorgeous keep cups. Find a
Source café near you at www.sourcecafe.co.nz

17/12/2017

On the fifth day of Christmas, relax into summer with this Soho Oversized Shirt.

This light weight shirt is a wardrobe must. It’s part of fantastic range from AS Colour, a brand that has recently joined the journey and successfully been certified as Child Labor Free.

https://www.ascolour.co.nz/4036-soho-shirt.html?default=149

15/12/2017

On the third day of Christmas give the gift of naturally nourished skin - The perfect gift pack from SKIN by ecostore includes minis of 4 products all designed to nourish and hydrate your skin with some of nature's most powerful ingredients.
ecostore have always been pioneers in natural home and body products, and have been Child Labor Free accredited since 2015.

http://www.ecostore.co.nz/this-is-me-pack

SKIN by ecostore This is Me Pack SKIN by ecostore This is Me Pack $26.99 (0) No Reviews yetThe perfect gift pack from SKIN by ecostore includes minis of 4 products all designed to nourish and hydrate your skin with some of nature's most powerful ingredients.The set includes 4 generous minis:20ml Gen...

13/12/2017

The second day of Christmas,

On the second day of Christmas, feast your eyes on this magnificent Elephant Wall Art piece from the talented team at Ocean Sole. It’s carved from recycled flip flops (or jandals) found littered on beaches and waterways of Kenya. Each piece is uniqueand lovingly handcrafted – and is also certified Child Labor Free.

http://oceansole.co.ke/

12/12/2017

Celebrate Christmas with a conscience -

The Child Labor Free ’12 Days of Christmas’ ethical gift guide has twelve fantastic ideas for you to give to your loved ones (or spoil yourself). The brands featured are all on a journey to support sustainable, ethical trade. Those that carry the Child Labour Free mark have committed to a world where children are free to be children. Christmas is a great time to support businesses that are aiming to improve the lives of people around the world.

Karen Walker

On the first day of Christmas, indulge in the Meridienne Top from Karen Walker’s new collection ‘Eat Cake’. It’s inspired by a fictional cultural clash between the notoriously indulgent Marie Antoinette and 1970s beat boys. Karen Walker has been with us on the Child Labour Free journey since 2016

https://www.karenwalker.com/clothing/collections/eat-cake/meridienne-top-7659/grey-marle

"The official home of all things Karen Walker. Discover the latest Karen Walker clothing, eyewear, jewellery, fragrance and accessories. Worldwide delivery."

03/11/2017

A great read in the latest edition of Good, the story of Source Cafe - Pakuranga inspired by the Journey of Child Labor Free.

Three inspiring minds behind this great concept. Founders, Nicola Prendergast, Michelle Pratt and CEO Nik Webb-Shephard have created a space that focuses on ethical, upcycle, fair trade and organic products, from food to the furniture.

If your travelling East Auckland check out Source Cafe - Pakuranga or in the city their newest addition is Source Cafe - Ponsonby. Westgate and New Market are also in their sights.

Loving your work Source Cafe!

www.sourcecafe.co.nz

17/10/2017

We are super excited to annouce that Eagle Protect have joined the journey to a world free from Child Labor.

Eagle are already the only B Corporation certified disposable glove and clothing specialist.

Eagle Protect was founded over 10 years ago, growing rapidly to now supply approximately 80% of the primary food processing industry and 50% of the dental market in New Zealand, with responsibly sourced disposable gloves and protective clothing.

This business has been founded on honesty and integrity, only sourcing products from like-minded manufacturers. Having visited many glove manufacturing factories with poor hygiene and labour conditions, they have grown with the desire to only work with those factories who look after their workers, contribute to their communities, and reduce their environmental impact.

Eagle has been a certified B Corporation since 2012 and is now adding CLF to it's social and sustainability efforts.

Top effort Eagle!

31/08/2017

Stunning Show at 👏💕 Join us on the journey to a Child Labor Free world 🌎

22/08/2017

Did you know there is 21 Million people in Forced Labour?
You can help by signing up to support the 50 for Freedom campaign and asking your government representatives to ratify the Protocol on Forced Labour. Together we can make changes!

The ILO's Protocol on Forced Labour could change the lives of millions of people living in modern slavery. But it has to be ratified first. Here's how it works and what you can do to help bring it into force.

13/08/2017

How cool is this.....

Zero Waste Daniel in Brooklyn makes the coolest clothes from recycled scraps to reduce pollution in the fashion industry. You can shop off the rack or order ...

13/08/2017

Check out our recent discussion on Speak Up-Korerotia, a discussion on Ethical Supply Chains!

This is a companion show to the recent show on human trafficking.

Guests David Capperauld (Child Labor Free), Natalie Baird (Trade Aid Christchurch and University of Canterbury) and Jeff Ward (Liminal Apparel) debate the benefits and challenges of ethical supply chains, and what we as consumers can do to ensure these practices proliferate.

https://soundcloud.com/speakupkorerotia/ethical-supply-chains

A companion show to the recent show on human trafficking. Guests David Capperauld (Child Labor Free), Natalie Baird (Trade Aid Christchurch and University of Canterbury) and Jeff Ward (Liminal Appare

02/08/2017

Everything we buy creates an impact on the world - lets make it a positive one!

More than half of the 45 million subjected to forced and cheap labour are in five countries - India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan - but the issues go much further

24/07/2017

What an incredible person ❤️

The man who fought to make child labor a crime against humanity came to Washington, D.C., last week with a message for America and its new president.

20/07/2017

Discussion with representatives of some amazing NZ groups working to try and combat the massive human rights issue of human trafficking: Ralph Simpson of Nvader, Michelle Pratt and Nikki Prendergast of Child Labor Free and Christina Springer at The University of Auckland.
https://soundcloud.com/speakupkorerotia/human-trafficking

Our latest show: Discussion with representatives of some amazing NZ groups working to try and combat the massive human rights issue of human trafficking: Ralph Simpson of Nvader, Michelle Pratt and Nikki Prendergast of Child Labor Free and Christina Springer at The University of Auckland.
https://soundcloud.com/speakupkorerotia/human-trafficking

Photo: Sally and Christina connect with the others - it was a technically-challenging session with one guest in the studio, two on the phone from Auckland and one on Skype from Thailand!

13/07/2017

Interesting read about the garment industry in Bangladesh....

Grave concern was aired by Bangladesh government and Readymade Garment (RMG) factory owners over a 'unilateral' decision made by the

13/07/2017

We are excited to be joining the people trafficking / labour exploitation conference on July 26th and 27th 2017!

Incidents of labour exploitation / people trafficking often remain hidden within local communities and involve a whole range of players from industries to businesses to consumers and people from all walks of life. This conference will allow voices to be clearly heard, offering a real opportunity to work together on ways to effectively disrupt this crime.

Check out more here and join us!

http://movementonline.org.nz/events/tipoftheiceberg/

21/06/2017

Be in to win!

Over the recent week, following the World Day Against Child Labor (12th June), we have been reflecting on what people have been doing to ensure their purchases are free from Child Labor and ethical.

Now it's your chance,

Tell us how you ensure your purchases are Child Labor Free or ethical, share your tips for conscious consumerism and be into win a Child Labor Free limited edition (Freeset) Tee*!

*designs may vary

14/06/2017

Consumers play a significant part in the ethical journey, with each and every purchase made consideration should be had as to where did this product come from, how was it made and by whom? With advancing apps like Not My Style, Good on You and Conscious Consumers access to information on a projects transparency and process is only becoming stronger, supported by online information and reports such as the Baptist World Aid is fantastic, but we need to do more!

We spoke to Sara from Hope Made in the World, a brand recently joining the journey to a Child Labor Free World and successfully completing the Manufacturing certification mark. We were inspired by Sara’s comments, after discussing why Hope joined the journey following the recent ILO’s World Day Against Child Labor.

Sara’s commitment to ethical product is through the monitoring of their supply chain and providing assurances to the consumer that each person involved in that supply chain abides by a strict code of conduct Sara believes that “nowadays, that is a must”.

It was exciting to hear that Hope Made in the World have partnered with a Colombian foundation to provide resources for extracurricular activities and promote the arts. “We want to help children invest their time in fulfilling and learning experiences and make their childhood a happier place”

Now this is a brand making a difference!

Check out Child Labor Free’s other certified brands here – https://www.childlaborfree.com/site/on-the-journey. Brands carrying the CLF mark give you the best assurance that these products are free from Child labor and exploitation.

What are you doing to provide assurance that your purchases are made ethically?

14/06/2017

3 years on from the official launch of Child Labor Free, our Founders and Directors, Nikki and Michelle remain dedicated to the initiative and continue to strive for a world where children are free to be children.

Amongst the busy day to day lives of both Michelle and Nikki, we managed to have a chat in response to this years World Day Against Child Labor (June 12th), and questioned what more has been done external to the Child Labor Free initiative, but within the vision of Child Labor Free.

It was clear and apparent that not only is there commitment to ensure personal purchases are free from child labor, it’s an initiative now that expands across the entire group of businesses Michelle and Nikki own and operate.

Michelle confirmed; "We have changed our entire thinking about what we purchase at New Shoots Children's Centers, we now consider very carefully our suppliers and their commitment to ethical manufacturing this has linked more fully into our commitment to greater sustainability. We are well and truly making a difference"

"The most rewarding sounds within our centres, is the sound of childrens laughter, something that every child has the right to experience" the implementation of our responsible purchasing policy within New Shoots is one step in ensuring that the right to laughter and enjoyment is experienced globally for children".

From personal purchases to business operations, you can make a difference. What have you done 12 months on to ensure your purchases are free from Child Labor?

14/06/2017

Our Founders and Directors, Nikki and Michelle have not only dedicated a lifetime to Early Childhood Education, they have personally supported and remain dedicated to the initiative of Child Labor Free since its launch in 2015.

To mark World Day Against Child Labor this year, we asked Nikki what significant learnings through the journey of Child Labor Free has impacted on her and how this has changed behavior in her everyday life.

Nikki is passionate and remains committed to a world free from Child Labor and believes that "consumers should use their purchasing power to find out and to support brands who are on the ethical journey".

"I have always been a strong believer in a child’s right to an education and know the difference this can make in not only their lives but the lives of their communities, Children have a right to freedom and fun".

Three years on from the start of my Child Labor Free journey I know this to be true more than ever.

13/06/2017

Over the last 12 months Child Labor Free has continued the Journey for a world where children are free to be children, striving for a reduction in Child Labor numbers globally. The 12th June 2017 marked another significant day, the ILO World Day Against Child Labor.

As we looked back and reflected upon our activities of the last 12 months, here at CLF we were confident that we have participated in some way towards our vision and mission. This has hapened from launching the Child Labor Free certification within the wider global market, to further advancing our preventative project within Kolkata and supporting the development of an Early Childhood Centre.

We asked our CEO, Nik Webb-Shephard about the year in review and to personally reflect on the personal quest made to support the efforts of a Child Labor Free World.

Nik responded;

“The last 12 months have continued to provide significant learnings of supply chain mapping and management especially across the business elements we work within, and of course further understanding of the issue of Child Labor globally and in some instances the changing patterns and statistical information available due to varying causes and global issues. Heightened awareness to the issue ensures that more and more consumers are challenging brands to provide assurances of their supply chains, and to provide assurances that they are clean and clear of ill practise, this is really pleasing to see. Given the information I have to hand from my learnings, research and now first-hand experiences, I will always, where possible, reflect and consider the supply chain of the product I am purchasing, and encourage more people to do so.

Consumers should actively ask brands about their supply chain, challenge and ask have they visited the factory which they work with? Do they know, hand on heart that the people within those factories are treated fairly and ethically and of course, do they know that there are no child labourers subject to their brand? Not only is it vital that the brand knows this of their factories, but additionally this information should be checked and confirmed across all tiers of the product, their manufacturing, the components of the product and the original source of everything that creates the end good.

We acknowledge that we are not talking about a simple fix, and 12 months on we understand that we could not have signficantlly altered what is a global issue, but working through this year after year will, and working through this together as consumers of products is the best starting point”

What have you done within the last year? Have you altered the way you shop?

We would love to hear.

11/06/2017

Today is World Day Against Child Labor!

The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

Through this week we are looking back on what we have done to directly impact the reduction of Child Labor numbers globally and the efforts others around us made!

Tell us what action you have taken when thinking about Child Labor in your day to day activities?

http://www.un.org/en/events/childlabourday/