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What Are You Wearing?

Did you know that lots of the clothes and other goods we buy in Canada were made in other countries? In this activity, find out where your clothes were made and discuss why they were made there!

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Plan

  • How will you find out where your clothes are from?  
  • How will you find out if a company is North American?  
  • Where do you think your clothes are from? 

Do

  • Start by figuring out what company your clothes come from. You should be able to find out which company made your clothes by checking the label. Do some research online to find out if this is a North American company.  
  • Next, find out where your clothes are made. This can also be found on the label. Most labels will include a phrase that says, “Made in ______”.  
  • On a piece of paper create three different categories: 
    • From a North American company and made in North America 
    • From a North American company and made somewhere outside of North America.  
    • Not a North American company and made somewhere outside of North America.  
  • Tally up all the clothes in each category. Which category had the most clothes? Why do you think this is?  
  • Why do you think a North American company would choose to make their clothes outside of North America? 

Review

  • Did most of your clothes come from a North American company?  
  • Where were your clothes made 
  • Why do you think Canadian or American companies would choose to make their clothes in other countries? 
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map

Materials

  • Paper and pencil  
  • Map and marker/ pushpins (optional) 

Keep it Simple

Our clothes come from all over the world! Check the labels on your clothes to see where they were made and mark these countries on a map using a marker or a pushpin. Where did your clothes come from? 

Take it Further

Sometimes, companies who make their clothes in other countries do not pay their workers properly. One way to help solve this problem is to take care of your clothes so you don’t have to buy new ones as often. Brainstorm ideas of what to do with clothes that do not fit you anymore, that you do not like, or that are damaged. Some ideas are to host a clothing swap, give your clothes away as hand-me-downs, upcycle old clothes, or use damaged fabrics as rags