Wearing green materials
Nov
24
Despite reservations about the ethical and green credentials of some of the materials used by the clothing industry, the number of sustainable clothing materials available is increasing. These include the following:
Hemp is one of the greenest crops because it’s resistant to pests and so doesn’t need chemicals to maintain its quality. It’s easy to grow in large quantities and enriches the soil when in the ground, both of which are big plus points.
Linen is made from flax, which is resistant to pests and grows more easily than cotton.
Organically grown cotton and wool isn’t genetically modified (in cotton’s case), uses natural fertilisers and pesticides, and traditional farming practices.
Recycled materials are also a green choice. For example, clothes and shoes for outdoor use (especially in wet weather) can be made using recycled polyester, rubber, and even car tyres.
Silk is made from the saliva produced by the larvae of several species of moth, commonly called silkworms but really caterpillars. It’s a sustainable source of material but it takes thousands of larvae to produce a silk tie and some people prefer to avoid it because it can’t be produced without the death of a living creature.
Linking clothes and oil
About 25 thousand barrels of oil a day are used to manufacture materials many of which are used to make clothes. Oil is a non-renewable resource and the petrochemical industry can cause serious pollution. The resulting materials aren’t biodegradable and large quantities of greenhouse gases are emitted in the production process.
The most popular synthetic materials – nylon and polyester – are made from petrochemicals. Processing petrochemicals into small fibres uses a large amount of oil and energy and emits greenhouse gases. Manufacturing polyester also uses a large amount of water.
Because of the move away from the use of fur in the fashion industry, fake fur has become popular. Up to four barrels of oil can go into the manufacture of a jacket. Think carefully before you buy fake fur – the real thing is sustainable as long as the animals aren’t from an endangered species but the fake alternative is not. If you don’t want to buy real fur you may well decide not to buy either.
Synthetic fabrics take a long time to break down in landfill sites. If you want to be green, avoid any clothes that have these types of materials in them, no matter how much of a bargain they may appear to be in the shops.
Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Wearing green materials
- Dressing Greener
- knowing that natural doesn't necessarily mean green
- Shopping for Green Clothing, Yearning for Vintage Clothes
- Link Exchange
- Special Compost Mixture
- Green Shopping, Eating Vegetables
- What your food come from? continued
- How to Use you Green Compost
- The Perfect Place to Compost
- Gathering Garden Composting Materials continued
November 26th, 2008 at 3:01 am
He describes the intent behind the design by saying, ” The clothes should fit a woman, not the woman fit the clothes.” The team of designers for Apple Bottoms seeks to highlight and accentuate the curves of a woman. … Designer Clothes
November 26th, 2008 at 5:09 am
These low profile pads are sewn into a slim fitting brief allowing the Hipsters to be discretely worn under clothing. … Skate Clothing
July 11th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Feast on the culture of hip-hop as it weaves its magic into every piece of clothing, offered in the finest fabrics and the best garment construction. … Hip Hop Clothes
August 18th, 2009 at 11:39 am
This dress is just amazing, vibrant green brocade frock, 50’s in style, 60’s in length, perfectly fitted top with a fib yellow net skirt underneath to make it extra quirky and full bodied. … Wedding Dress
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 am
This is Urban Eco Wear for the street, with real flare and a quality that will appeal to any one who appreciates the very best in modern, streetwise clothing. … Streetwise Clothing