In today's increasingly eco-oriented society, the use of sustainable fabrics is on the rise. One of the most widely used definitions of sustainability is that which "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." There are many kinds of sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly fashion is full of them, contributing greatly to the reduction of energy consumption and the cleanliness of the environment.
The availability of luxurious, natural fibers used in organic high quality fabrics is still limited. This makes sustainable fabrics a valuable alternative and a variety of them are available. "Natural" fiber fabric simply refers to fabrics made from fibers found in nature. Many natural fibers may have been grown and manufactured without harmful toxins, but there are no certifying organizations to label them "organic." This includes hemp, silk and linen. "Sustainable" natural fabrics, on the other hand, can be from recycled content as well as from natural and organic sources. Natural fibers fall into three main groups - vegetable fibers such as cotton, protein fibers such as wool, and strong elastic fibrous secretion of silkworm larvae, which is used to create silk. The use of natural fibers extends back beyond recorded history with archaeological evidence indicating that the interlacing of plant fibers (what we call weaving) dates back 12,000 years to the Neolithic times! All natural fiber fabrics are renewable and have the potential to be sustainable. Certified "Organic" fabric is an even higher level of purity, and requires certification. Through the use of sustainable fabrics, sustainable fashion was born.
Sustainable fashion is fashion that is designed to be environmentally friendly. It is part of the larger trend know as "ethical fashion," and according to the May, 2007 issue of Vogue magazine, it will stick around for a while. Eco - minded trendsetters look at inputs to determine what products are harmful to the environment and try to find green alternatives that can function at the same or a better level and, preferably, at a lower cost. With these products you'll know that what you put next to your skin is as healthy as it is beautiful and luxurious. Let’s look at some examples.
Wool is a natural fiber from sheep. Its qualities are its absorbency, resiliency, insulation, and ability to take dye well. Its main environmental concern is pesticide runoff from chemical immersion treatment for parasites. Many wool suppliers now meet sustainability criteria for land use, animal management, and wool processing. When buying wool products, specify wool that is washed rather than dipped in chemicals from sustainable farmers. If you're looking to stay warm check out Maggie's organic clothing (www.organicclothes.com), where they use certified organic wool as one of their main components. Maggie's Organics was founded in 1992 on core values that include workers being treated ethically as well as clothing being functional, affordable and also constructed of environmentally sustainable materials.
Another great sustainable fiber is hemp. Hemp, the strongest natural fiber, is a fast growing renewable resource that requires no chemicals. It naturally replenishes the soil, eliminating the need for crop rotation, and requires half the irrigation of other plants. It is absorbent and naturally resistant to stain, mold and UV light! For fashionable hemp clothing check out The Hempest, (www.hempest.com), where they are committed to sourcing and producing clothing which is ethically and ecologically manufactured, and suits a wide variety of styles.
Moving on to one of my favorites, bamboo is another highly sustainable natural fiber. Organic Bamboo fiber is softer than the softest cotton, has a natural sheen to the surface and feels similar to silk or cashmere. Also, organic bamboo fiber clothing is naturally anti-microbial, requiring no added harmful chemicals. It contains an agent, "bamboo kun", that prevents bacteria from cultivating on it. Bamboo fiber also has natural UV protection. Check out (www.Bamboosa.com) for soft luxurious bamboo clothing.
The most widely used sustainable fiber is organic cotton.
Because of cotton's versatility, it is used for many fiber products, making it one of the most widely traded commodities on earth. Since the early 1990's, an emerging trend toward organic cotton has grown exponentially. Cotton is absorbent, strong and breathes well. Organic cotton is grown in varying colors eliminating the use of dyes. Sama Baby Organics, (www.samababy.com), is a perfect example of how to utilize organic cotton. This children's clothing company holds their cotton to the utmost standards and provides a truly fashion-forward product.
The bottom line is that designing, producing, and wearing natural and organic clothing is important to the future of our world! Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon that are made from petroleum-based chemicals are harming the environment. Their production requires a much higher consumption of energy and chemicals than natural fibers and uses non-renewable resources. Using sustainable fabrics for our clothing is an important part of the green movement and our future. Next time you're shopping, look for these eco-friendly products, and do your part to help keep our planet clean!