Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Baby Care Brand, Green Sprouts, Inc., Signs Cotton Pledges to Help End Forced Labor in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Pledges aim to raise awareness and support for the continued efforts to eliminate these practices.
January 2, 2020
Asheville, NC– In its continued commitment to support ethical and safe working conditions in its supply chain, international baby product and lifestyle company, Green Sprouts, Inc., has joined over 3000 other brands and retailers in signing the cotton pledges , which are managed by Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN). The pledges aim to help end forced labor practices in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan governments force over one million citizens to work in cotton fields picking cotton each year. These practices affect human life, and put a burden on health, education, and well-being. RSN is part of the Cotton Campaign, an alliance that works with governments, companies, investors and international institutions to eradicate forced labor in cotton production. Green Sprouts, Inc. signed both the Uzbek Cotton Pledge and the Turkmen Cotton Pledge , asserting that they would not source materials for use in their product manufacturing from these countries until these practices are reformed. The Uzbek Cotton Pledge has made an impact, with the Uzbek government no longer sending children ages 7-14 to the cotton fields, but continued awareness and support is needed as RSN seeks to stop forced labor for the remaining citizens.
“We take the responsibility very seriously to only partner with suppliers that provide safe, fair and ethical working conditions,” said Becky Cannon, President and Founder of Green Sprouts, Inc. “We recognize the necessity of supporting this very important campaign and the people affected.”
Patricia Jurewicz, Vice President and Founder of RSN, remarked, “We’re delighted Green Sprouts has taken steps to not only sign the cotton pledges, but to implement sourcing procedures so no Uzbek or Turkmen cotton is entering their supply chain. These actions help build trust with their customers.”
About Green Sprouts, Inc.
Since 1982, the family-owned and -operated company, Green Sprouts, Inc., has closely collaborated with customers and suppliers to provide baby products that support whole development, along with resources for parenting naturally. The green sprouts® family of brands includes i play.® by green sprouts® baby wear, green sprouts® baby care, and grow healthy. grow happy. ® the whole baby resource. Visit greensproutsbaby.com to learn more about green sprouts® full line of baby and toddler products and resources.
About Responsible Sourcing Network
Responsible Sourcing Network (sourcingnetwork.org) is a project of the nonprofit organization As You Sow (asyousow.org). RSN is dedicated to ending human rights abuses and forced labor associated with the raw materials found in products we use every day. RSN supports network stakeholders in leveraging their influence to achieve significant and measurable solutions in the areas of conflict minerals, cotton sourcing, and slave labor.
