A Personal Note on May 1st by Camilla

- On Work, Equality, Design and Responsibility

Happy International Workers’ Day - a day born out of the fight for fair working conditions and equal rights.

This morning, as I arrived at the office, I could hear the union 3F already preparing for today’s demonstrations. Their energy stirred something in me - and I felt inspired to share a personal May 1st message. Not a traditional speech, but a reflection on themes close to my heart: design, gender equality, textile production, and responsible consumption.

Maybe you will find something here that speaks to you. And if not, feel free to scroll straight to the five simple tips at the end.

The Importance of Decent Work

The fight for fair working conditions may be more important now than ever.
Let’s celebrate workers - all of them. And let’s pay them fairly, no matter where they come from or which country they work in.

We need to stand up for equal rights - the right to education and employment, regardless of gender, religion, race, or nationality. Inequality is growing in many parts of the world. That’s a serious issue we can’t afford to ignore.

Far too many women around the world are denied access to education. Many aren’t allowed to work - or they work under conditions that resemble modern slavery, earning barely enough to survive. Harassment is rampant, and many women have no rights - or don’t know they have them.

That’s simply not acceptable.

Those of us with the resources and privilege to act must share our knowledge, our influence, and our voice. Let’s offer help where we can - across borders and beyond industries.

Craftsmanship, Culture and Consumption

Let’s also take a moment to celebrate craftsmanship - the creative, the beautiful, the enduring.

Denmark has long been known for its strong design heritage, its quality, and its long-lasting products. It’s something we’ve taken pride in - and it’s made good business sense, too. We’ve never been a “buy and toss” culture, nor a nation obsessed with the lowest price.

But that’s changing. And it’s time to reverse that trend.

It’s time to choose quality over quantity.
We can afford it. For example, we can choose organic cotton over conventional. And in the long run, we really can’t afford not to.

There’s simply too much being produced - and far too much of it is poor quality.
Let’s say no to platforms that disregard human rights, the environment, and the future.

Frankly, I don’t understand how this is still legal.
And I don’t understand why Denmark - or the EU - hasn’t stepped in long ago.

The Danish Consumer Council, TÆNK, has repeatedly documented that products from certain low-cost online retailers contain carcinogenic substances.
Through my work with Design Cluster - an initiative under the Danish Business Authority - I regularly heard troubling stories about the shockingly poor quality coming from these sources. It’s even said that some have practically invented a thread that dissolves after the third wash.

A Few Small Steps Matter

Navigating as a consumer can be difficult - and I am far from perfect myself.
But we can still make a difference by making conscious, everyday choices.
Here are five simple guidelines that might help:

Five choices for more responsible consumption:

1. Only buy products you can see yourself using for multiple seasons.
2. Choose high-quality items that will last.
3. Choose natural or recycled materials.
4. Always go for certified organic cotton.
5. Use the GOOD ON YOU-app to check a brand’s sustainability profile.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

May 1st speeches are usually one-way conversations - and this one could easily have been too.
But I would like to invite you to continue the conversation in the comments.
Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can create better working conditions and a more responsible future.

I believe today is the perfect day to speak up - not just post beautiful snapshots of our privileged lives.
Thank you for reading - and happy International Workers’ Day!

Camilla Gullits, Founder and Creative Director of CARE BY ME