WORKSHEET

The True Cost (1h 32’)by Andrew Morgan

Imdb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3162938/

Watch from Netflix link: https://www.netflix.com/watch/80045667?

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Before you watch the film:

1. Where do you shop for clothes? (List up to five of your top places)

2. What do you consider before purchasing? (Rank these choices in order of priority)
_____Price _____Style _____Fit _____Brand _____Quality
3. Check the labels inside your shoes, your shirt, sweat-shirt… anything that you can
easily see. Where were these items made?
ITEM COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
1.
2.
3.
4.

4. Think about some of your favorite clothes over the last two years. Do you
outgrow* them before they wear out? What do you think is the average life span*
of the clothing you purchase before you throw it away or donate it? Now compare
your answers with a friend. What do you have in common? Whatisdifferent?
*Teach this vocabulary if needed.
Watch the film and do the following activities:

1. How many workers are estimated to work for the fashion industry globally? Write
the answer below.
40 million

2. Bangladesh is one of the main countries in which clothes are made to supply the
fashion industry. Underline the correct answer:
 How many workers are estimated to work for the fashion industry in
Bangladesh?
4 million 10 million a quarter of the total amount globally
 What percentage of the workers are women?
60% 85% 55%
 What is their daily salary?
Under 3$ 12$ 5€

3. What does the term ‘fast fashion’ mean?

Answer on the lines of: new collections are created and can be found in stores
every couple of weeks instead of seasonally as it used to be years ago. Clothes
are therefore of a lower quality but sold at a cheaper price.

4. Describe how has fashion changed from the traditional four seasons approach 50
years ago.
Prices: more affordable
Costs: lowered
Arrival of new things: faster

*Let students explain using their own words

5. What are some stores mentioned in the film that are part of the ‘fast fashion
industry? H&M for example
6. Describe the tragedy at Rana Plaza in Bangladesh (Who, what, where, when, why?)
Dhaka, Bangladesh (world’s second-largest exporter of readymade garments),
Raza Plaza building, built on swampy ground outside. The country’s worst
industrial disaster (1,135 dead & 2,437 wounded). 38 people charged with
murder as the complex housed five garment factories supplying global brands.
Plaza owner Sohel Rana is the principal accused. 2013. Poor conditions of the
building, overcrowing…

7. In Cambodia, what were the workers demanding? How did the Cambodian
government respond?

Riot police were called in, workers were shot at, and some were killed.

8. How do you think we could become agents of change? What would be the best
way to make changes in the system the fashion industry employs?

Answers will vary.

9. Why did the Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act fail to pass in
Congress? Big companies lobbied Congress not to pass it because it was a barrier
to free trade - it would raise costs and cut profits.
10. What are some of the human rights abuses that happened in sweatshops in this
film? How does the fast fashion industry harm the environment? Give at least 4
specific examples.
Answers will vary but should include, destruction of our planet, pollution of our
resources, greenhouse gas emissions, death and injury to workers, health effects,
children missing out on their education while their parents work in factories,
separation of families

REFLECT: Did seeing this film change your thoughts about purchasing clothing? Were
there surprises that you didn’t know about? Do you think your own shopping habits
will change as a result of this movie? How? What were some of the stories you felt
were most impactful? How do you think the clothing industry will change (if at all) in
the future?