How to actually verify if a factory is sustainable (not just greenwashing)

"Sustainable factory" gets thrown around so much it's meaningless. Here's how to verify:

1. CERTIFICATIONS (the baseline)

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) - organic fibers
• OCS (Organic Content Standard) - tracks organic content
• GRS (Global Recycled Standard) - recycled materials
• OEKO-TEX - no harmful substances
• BSCI / SEDEX - social compliance

2. ASK FOR PROOF

• Certificate numbers → verify on certifier's website
• Audit reports → can you see recent ones?
• Traceability → can they trace raw materials to source?

3. THE UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS

• What's your energy source?
• Water treatment process?
• Worker wages (request payslips)?
• Subcontractor list (this is where greenwashing happens)

4. VISIT (if possible)

• Pictures tell you nothing
• Video calls with random timestamps
• Third-party audits (Qima, Bureau Veritas)

The factories that are ACTUALLY sustainable will have all this ready. The ones that say "trust us" usually have something to hide.

Anyone have experience verifying claims? Would love to hear others' approaches.