levi’s jeans have been around since 1852, starting as a brand for American workers, soon becoming the uniform of progress. worn by miners, cowboys, rebels, rock stars, presidents, and everyday men and women, levi’s was a brand for anyone and everyone. not all big-name brands can say they are truly socially responsible, but levi’s can. not only do they speak about what is going on in the world, but they take action and commit to fighting for social justice. when visiting levi’s websites, you can immediately direct yourself to a page all about their value, with countless stories about how they stand up for what’s right.
“true progress only happens when we unite, together, we can make a difference”
they rejected racial segregation.
during world war II, levi’s was one of the only companies that hired african-american sewing machine operators in its factories in California.
in the 1960s, levi’s looked to open a factory in blackstone, virginia. however, the city of blackstone expected them to open a segregated facility. a man named Tom Harris would tell the city planners that unless levi’s could create an integrated facility, they would seek another location for the plant. after continuously writing to the city, the desegregated factory was finally open. it marked one of the first desegregated factories in the country at the time.
in 1990, levi’s launched the “project change” initiative, aimed at fighting racial prejudice and institutional racism in the communities where the company did business.
levi’s commitment to diversity and social justice has not only continued but has gained momentum in the last 70 years.
“LS&Co. never chooses easy over right and the company continues to be recognized for its leadership on the issues and events of our time.”
educated the public on issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
equality and nondiscrimination are one of levi’s core values. they ensure inclusivity with everyone in their workplace, and continue to fight the battle for equality and support the community.
as a part of their foundation, levi’s continues to support and donate to organizations that are helping the LGBTQ+ community like the Transgender Law Center, which mobilizes advocates against discriminatory legislation. in addition, they partnered with Human Rights Campaign to fund the HRC Foundation Youth Ambassador Program. these youth are engaging in advocacy on the most pressing issues LGBTQ youth face and are serving as powerful voices in support of the Equality Act. levi’s continues to provide grants to Project One America to support HRC’s effort to expand LGBTQ equality in the south.
if you would like to contribute to this cause, you can shop levi’s 2019 pride collection, where 100% of proceeds will go to OutRight Action International, which works to advance the human rights of LGBTQ people around the world.
putting sustainability first.
the fashion and apparel industry has one of the biggest negative impacts on the environment. a big name brand like levi’s has the power to change how we buy and wear clothes.
levi’s mantra: “buy better. wear longer.” they approach the need for sustainability by re-making old and new products sourced from better materials, for more durability and all-around quality, with the same cute styles you know and love. the only difference: it respects our planet.
they’ve created innovations like “Cottonized Hemp”, “Levi’s® WellThread”, “Water<Less®” technology and other production techniques, that use less resources and make less waste. since introducing “Water<Less”, 4.2 billion liters of water have been saved and 6 billion liters of water reused and recycled. in addition, levi’s tailor shop can repair or redesign your clothing to literally last a lifetime, and in 2020, they introduced “secondhand”, which offers customers a wide range of vintage products.
more sustainability by the numbers:
- 75% of our cotton now comes from more sustainable sources.
- 65% of our products are currently made in factories that run our Worker Well-being programs.
- 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in our supply chain.
- 100% sustainably sourced cotton and renewable energy in owned & operated facilities by 2025.
you can even read their sustainability report to learn more about their commitment and progress.
final thoughts
i honestly believe levi’s is one of the best brands to actually take action and use their platform for good. i think it gives them an edge from other clothing brands. knowing that you are buying from a company that cares about social justice, worker well being, and all-around sustainability would make me want to keep going back to that brand. all and all i think levi’s has amazing corporate social responsibility. i think all brands should take after them.
