THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 26, 1996 TAG: 9606260009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
Mike Royko's column about clothing was heartless and self-centered. He derided public concern about sweatshop conditions for garment workers in other parts of the world.
But, consumers and retailers don't need degrees in ``international economics'' to begin to address this issue.
An easy way for consumers to help workers and their families in developing countries is by purchasing goods from the alternative trade community. While these garments, handcrafts and food products may not be ``the cheapest wash-and-wear thing that fits,'' prices and quality are often surprisingly reasonable.
A non-profit partnership, Serrv International, is one such alternative-trade organization. I've bought and even sold its products for years with terrific results.
Churches and community groups can market Serrv handcrafts for fund-raisers, and they can help artisans in developing countries in the process.
Serrv is based in New Windsor, Md., and can be reached at 1-800-723-3712 by those who many wish to participate in its programs.
MARY LOU CARROLL
Elizabeth City, N.C., June 14, 1996 by CNB