2) What types of problems or dilemmas similar to those that Griffith encounters are you aware of in your own design field?
A)My major is Textiles,more specifically, woven textiles.The main problems in this field is that just like Griffith, finance is a major problem.There are extremely expensive set-up costs for machinery in order to produce a cheaper product.Hand-looms are becoming extremely rare, due to the fact that like Griffith the amount of energy and time needed to produce a one off fabric by hand does not create a great enough profit to sustain a business.The woven textile industry relies completely on yarn, which is becoming increasingly expensive to buy. Woven products are therefore being imported from other countries where labour is cheaper and human rights are breached in order to produce woven fabrics at a fraction of the price it would cost to produce in this country.The other reason for this action to be taken is "culture", as explained by Griffith.As a society we have a "throw-away" attitude where we no longer spend large amounts of money on products that will last us for years to come, instead we spend less money on products which have lower quality and which we can throw away , due to the fact they are no longer in fashion.
3)Groups and organisations have been formed to help work towards solving these problems.One of which is the "Handloom weavers development society ".They assist weavers in purchasing material, supplies and give training to keep this process alive.They fight the government through campaigning and networking in order to retain government support for the handloom industry.They have established day care centres and education programmes for children and adults that aim to decrease child labour in these poor countries.In the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs used London Fashion week , as a launchpad for its new Sustainable Clothing Action Plan.A series of pledges from high street retailers who have had previous critisism regarding environmental issues.For example,Nike will apply its considered design ethos to improve the sustainability performance and innovation of all its product ranges.Grants are also given from different organisations to help individuals set up their own business, helping them afford yarn,and equipment to get started in the industry.
