My sister suggested a long time ago that I write something about fabrics. She asked: When it comes to shopping planet-friendly, which fabrics should I go for?
Here’s what I’ve come up with, based on internet research, articles I’ve read and some personal eco ideas that make sense to me :)
Step 1: Go for natural fibers
Why? Because in thousands of years when we’re no longer here, the fabric will have degraded, posing little or no harm to the planet. A fabric made from a plant or tree is CO2 neutral, if done right. It absorbs carbon it as it grows, releases it as it is cut down and when a new tree grows up in its place, carbon is absorbed again.
Which? Linen (flax), modal (beechwood), hemp, tencel (eucalyptus), bamboo and cotton.
Where? Well, cotton is everywhere you shop, while the Internet will most likely be your best bet for materials like hemp and modal. I see these fabrics more and more when I browse, often on eco-conscious shopping websites.
Whoa! Rayon is a common natural fiber used in all types of stretchy materials. It is made from wood pulp, but unfortunately due to the heavy chemical processing it takes to make the fabric, it is considered semi-syntethic (see step 2). Rayon is also worrisome as it is often linked to deforestation! There is no need to cut down our rainforests when we’ve got so many other natural choices.
Step 2: Poly-blends are the enemy
Why? Well, they’re made from oil (yuck!) and wearing plastic is not cool when you think about it. These fabrics do not biodegrade – ever. Recent studies have shown that polybased fabrics release up to 4,500 microscopic plastic fibers each time they’re washed, polluting our waterways and oceans. As fish ingest them, the fibers accumulate and act as a “sponge” for toxic material. (Eat that fish later, and you just ate plastic microfibers seasoned with toxins.)
Which? Polyesters, elastane, nylon and fleece. (Fleece being the worst microfiber polluter!)
Where? These fabrics are everywhere! Watch out!
Whoa! Recycled polyester has become popular lately, and although it has a lower initial environmental footprint, it still releases microfibers when washed, making it a bad eco-fabric. If you already own poly-blend/synthetic fiber clothing (which we all do) air out instead of washing as often as possible.
Step 3: Always look for sustainably-made fabrics
Why? Because the more eco-friendly – the better!
Which? Organic cotton is a great choice. Grown without pesticides and fertilizers, it’s safer than regular cotton for the farmers, the lands and the consumers. Modal is generally sourced from sustainably harvested beechwood trees. Hemp and bamboo are fast growing plants, and generally labeled very sustainable. All these fabrics are (95%+) recyclable.
How? Look for stamps (like Oeko-tex or GOTS) and descriptions of how the fabric’s material was grown and harvested. If the store includes a sustainability statement – that’s a good sign. And look for locally grown, domestic fabrics!
Where? Most likely you’ll find the most sustainable fabrics and clothes online, hopefully with details on where the fabric was sourced and how it was prepared (dyes, labor practices, etc.) too.
Step 4: Shop second hand
Why? Second hand shopping has a negligible environmental footprint compared to buying something new!
Which? Go for natural fibers again so washing is a weekly task not a weekly ocean polluter. If you are into wool or leather goods, second hand is the way to shop them! Both are materials with a heavy environmental footprint, especially leather with the toxic tanning practices, heavy chemical use and the questionable treatment of animals. If it’s already worn, your impact becomes minimal. Isn’t that awesome?
Where? At your local resale store, in your mom’s closet, or using online services like Thread Up. Vintage stores and markets are always fun too.
That’s it! Quite easy, right?!
Remember, clothes are “want to haves” not “need to haves” (most of the time) and any new garment you buy impacts the planet negatively even when it is made from, by definition, an eco-friendly fabric. Shop wisely my friends.
Post shared on eco-gites.blogspot.com and skipthebag.blogspot.com/
Great post!
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Thank you :)
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Being vegetarian I look for natural – and poly-blends – absolutely love polyester, not proud of its impact on the environment but aside from that I just love the fabric itself. I’m an avid label reader (on everything!) and definitely steer clear of anything animal derived – not perfect but I try to be. I’m also a thrift queen, an adventure every time especially if you like to dig. Most of my stuff is used..but you wouldn’t know it!
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I think we are all far from perfect, but trying our best, when it comes to all these choices! I have lots of rayon, for some reason it seems it is very common in US-made fabric. I just hope it wasn’t rainforest rayon! I have some poly too, and must say I love hiking in my fleece.
Used stuff is always a good choice :)
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Thanks! Great post! 👍
But I’ve read so many bad things about cotton farming. I’m sure some came from you / your blog as well! One good source of my knowledge!
So when it comes to cotton should it be labels a special way? Like “eco” or “organic”..?
I love linen! Such a lovely material! But I find it hard to find.
Doesnt poly-(ester and others) also melt if in contact with fire..? Not that it’s that likely to be caught on fire, fortunately, but having my clothes melt on to my skin and stick to my body feels like a horrible experience…
What about shoes..? I admit I love leather shoes (and I also like my TOMS) 😉😜
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You’re right, Linda! In addition to pesticides and fertilizers as I mentioned, there are GMO seeds, corruption and slave labor associated with cotton farming. I still like it as a material, and yes the label should say organic, if it doesn’t it is not. :)
I did burn a pair of work-out pants on a radiator once! The fabric turned rock hard and hurt my leg a little! And smelled. But yes, unlikely to happen (again), right?
For shoes, there are basically two options: synthetic (poly) or leather. If you’d be more concerned about cruelty-free, you’d pick synthetic, and if you’d be more into long-lasting, natural material you’d go leather. I have both! I guess looking for shoes made of recycled materials, that can also be recycled is the very best. It’s good that you still like YOUR toms, since you already bought them you should use them! :D
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Love this post! I’m always surprised when I see how much plastic goes into the environment from clothes. Your posts seem perfect for the Waste Less Wednesday Blog hop! http://skipthebag.blogspot.com/2016/08/waste-less-wednesday-blog-hop-2.html
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OH! You are so right!
Thank you for telling me about that cool blog hop. Can I post at anytime my links? Or should I wait until next Wednesday to link my post? :)
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Either way! Links are accepted Wednesday through Friday.
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I’ve added two links and will add another one or two next week :) How fun! Also took your thumbnail. Thanks again for inviting me!
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This is such an informative post. I am guilty of wearing fleeces as they are great for my farming/gardening lifestyle but I will start to look for alternatives as my old clothes need replacing …. and I do not wash them until they are really grubby, certainly not every day. I adore charity shop clothes and head straight there when I am in England (France has very few but we do have car boot sales that are great for clothes) … and whilst my undies have always been cotton some are now also bamboo and soooo comfortable!
Thank you so much for linking up to my #GoingGreenLinky and I hope to see you there in January :)
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Yay, I am glad you found it informative! I’ve seen a few companies promoting 100% cotton “fleece” sweaters now, haven’t had the chance to try and feel the fabric yet. We did just buy one for my husband, so I’ll know soon how it compares. Thanks for having me at the #GoingGreenLinky link up :)
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Such an informative post. I specialize in selling second hand clothes and while I always prefer natural materials I do end up finding beautiful preloved pieces made from poly. Since they’re already made I figure they’re better off being worn than in a landfill. Another suggestion for cleaning poly is to steam it, if you feel the garment needs a bit more than an air out!
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Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment with the steamer idea, so others would see too :) great tip! I do find and fall in love with polys when second hand shopping too sometimes ;)
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Hi, I’d love to see you revisit this topic. I’m new to your website, but not to sustainable, eco friendly clothing. I recommend you take a look at this book: Sustainable Fashion and Textiles by Kate Fletcher. I do not know her (this is not a paid endorsement), but have recently purchased the book (about a third of the way through) The book says a better alternative to cotton (even organic cotton) is hemp and flax linen. Also, Tencel (lyocell) and other “natural” fibers like bamboo require loads of chemicals to break the raw products down to make a pulp which is then made into a fiber. So while bamboo the plant may grow quickly, the chemicals used to make the plant useful for textiles is one reason some people/organizations are rethinking it as an “eco” fabric.
So much to think about!!
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