How To Choose Sustainable Fabrics
Does Going Green With Fabrics Really Make A Difference?
Nov 5, 2008
Shopping for clothing can be a choice in harming health and environment versus protecting ecosystems without damaging your body. A simple cotton shirt can have impacts far beyond a simple mistake in style. Today, choosing conventionally grown cotton has far reaching impacts beyond the comfort of a soft shirt.
First, cotton is the most heavily pesticide-intensive crop grown in the United States. Second, ALL synthetic fabrics are manufactured from petroleum derivatives. What this all adds up to is that most fabrics used for anything today are very earth-unfriendly.
It's difficult to picture what all of this really means in terms of that cute little top on the rack. Think about this; according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency just one cotton shirt can contain up to about 1/3 cup of pesticides and fertilizers. This includes known cancer causing agents such as cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluraline. That cute shirt may not sound so cute anymore.
Why Choose Organic Cotton?
Education equals empowerment. The more we learn about the cotton growing industry, the better choices we can make for our health and the environment. Here are some facts that everyone should know to become a more aware consumer.
- Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world's insecticides
- The EPA considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as 'possible', 'likely', or 'known' carcinogens.
- The number of active ingredients in pesticides found to cause cancer in animals or humans: 107 (After Silent Spring, NRDC, 6/93)
- Of those above, the number still in use today: 83
Organic cotton is cotton that is grown without the use of pesticides from plants which are not genetically modified. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA) organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Better Choices
Going naked is one option. But there are amazing choices out there for going organic in style. Some better choices include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and linen. Even mainstream department stores are getting in on the action to offer natural and organic clothing choices.
Internet Resources for Organic Clothing
- TheGreenLoop.com - Clothing and Accessories
- LaLaNatural.com - Bedding and Bath
Making the organic choice is no longer a sacrifice to hemp, boxy garments. Today, organic designers are creating styles that are competing big time on the runways from New York to Milan. Go organic in style from the sheets on your bed to the shirt on your back.
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