Do you care about the fate of our planet? Wondering how else you can take care of the environment? Find out which fabrics are eco-friendly and sustainably produced.
The fashion industry is characterized by producing a lot. People are buying more and more every year, including clothes. Unfortunately, this does not have a positive impact on the state of our planet – excessive production has a negative impact on the environment, and in addition, many fabrics are produced in a far from sustainable way. In the age of ubiquitous advertising and novelty, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between what has been produced in a conscious and eco-friendly manner and what is harming the planet. That’s why we’re bringing you a quick guide that lists 5 fabrics that are eco-friendly. Each of them is plant-based.
Organic cotton is the most sustainable raw material available in today’s textile market. It is characterized by its versatility and properties that are no different from conventional cotton (except perhaps that it is more durable). Organic cotton is harvested by hand, which makes it cleaner and of better quality than conventional cotton. Only natural substances are used in its production, which makes it a safe fabric even for allergy sufferers and has no negative impact on the environment. Clothing made of organic cotton should be marked on the label with GOTS certificate (Global Organic Textile Standard).
Flax is produced from cellulose fibres growing inside the stems of plants of the same name. It is a very ecological fabric because its production has no side effects on the environment. On the contrary, flax cultivation promotes soil reclamation and fertilizes it. Very important in flax production is also the fact that every part of the plant can be used, so no waste is generated. Flax occurs naturally in our latitude – so it leaves a smaller carbon footprint, because it is not necessary to transport it far away. Fabrics made from flax are very durable, as well as light and breathable – perfect for summer clothing.
This fabric is made from hemp fibers. Apart from being quite unobvious, it is also completely biodegradable and harmless to the environment. Unlike growing cotton, growing hemp uses very little water. Additionally, it is much more productive and has a beneficial effect on soil fertility. Clothes made from this material are lightweight, kind to the skin and have antibacterial and antifungal properties. That’s not all – it’s worth knowing that hemp fabrics have a natural UV filter in them. Clothes made of hemp are definitely more popular abroad than in Poland – they are produced by Patagonia, for example.
Pinatex is produced from pineapple leaf fibres, which are the waste product of fruit cultivation. This makes the fabric extremely environmentally friendly, as it does not need additional crops, fertilizers or chemicals to protect it from pests. When the fibers are extracted from the leaves, biomass is also created, which can then be used as organic fertilizer. Pinatex is a durable fabric that is a great substitute for leather and is suitable for clothing items such as belts and handbags.
Reusing raw materials reduces waste production and environmental pollution. Such fabrics as acrylic, polyester or cotton can be successfully obtained from recycling. More and more often we can find recycled fabrics in popular chain stores, which is definitely the right direction when it comes to taking care of the environment. It is also worth remembering that the clothes, which have in their composition a few or several percent of synthetic fibers, should not be disqualified in advance. Synthetics serve the clothes (e.g. polyamide makes the material more durable), if they are used rationally.
