The PojectJUST platform was created to tell the stories behind our clothes, and to offer the opportunity to partner with consumers and brands to shift the status quo of the fashion industry for the better. Growing through collaboration they consider themselves “perfectly imperfect”, and a work in progress. With the intent to grow through collaboration, the platform expands through an engaged public, asking questions, brand submissions, and sharing stories.
While working in Uganda, founder Natalie Grillon saw the immense value to the farmers who’s livelihoods were improved, but also realized the lost opportunity to communicate that to the end users. Fellow Acumen Global Fellow, Shahd AlShehail in India, agreed, and the two pondered how to tell the stories behind their clothing? Could they empower the farmer and worker as well as the person buying the clothes by connecting all parties? ? Could they help an industry, which celebrates identity and beauty, by extending that purpose all the way to the garment worker and farmer?
One month later Rana Plaza collapsed. With no knowledge of whether the clothing they were wearing was produced in that factory, they came to the joint conclusion that they were potentially wearing injustice on their very backs, and so Project JUST was born. Based on the belief that real change can happen through the accumulation of thoughtful choices, Project JUST inform and empower consumers to transform the fashion industry with each purchase.
Beginning with well known US brands, the platform looks to expand into every sector of the industry. The criteria Project JUST look at when selecting a brand, is who are trying to ‘do no harm’ through their business operations. They evaluate how a brand takes care of people and environment in the supply chain, as well as knowledge of their supply chain, and transparency. They also look at how a brand does more good in the areas of community and CSR, Project JUST share online the categories, to help inform consumers about a brand’s ethics and sustainability. The database is built through assigned researchers, self reported information, and third party reporting, all of which is verified, and referenced on the platform, building into a comprehensive picture of a brand. Information is constantly updated, with crowd soured reporting acting as an important component.
Website: http://projectjust.com
