What do bananas, trees and hemp have in common? Environmentally friendly clothes can be made from all three plants, of course.
The eco fabrics produced using these resources have help to replace the use of cotton, which has grown to consume more than 13 million acres of land in the U.S. each year. Cotton production requires the use of heavy chemicals and pesticides which may be dangerous to the environment.
The use of eco fabrics helps reduce the amount of chemical released into the atmosphere. Environmentally friendly fabrics also help to cut down on the use of sweatshops and child labor while helping to support economies in developing nations, according to author Emily Elizabeth Anderson in Eco-Chic Weddings. During the past decade, fashion designers including Vera Wang, Jessica Ogden and many others have joined the green movement, using eco fabrics in their designs and products.
Eight Types of Eco Fabrics Used in Environmentally Friendly Clothes
Choosing environmentally friendly clothes doesn’t have to be difficult — many styles can be purchased online. Simply look for clothing made of any of the following fabrics:
- Abaca: Fibers from the stalk of a type of banana plant are used to make rope and weave abaca fabric. Abaca is entirely biodegradable.
- Bamboo: The most widely used sustainable resource in the world, bamboo is resistant to bacteria, so pesticides and chemicals are not used to harvest the plant. Bamboo also can be used to make food, shelter and fuel, in addition to environmentally friendly clothes.
- Cashmere: Though cashmere is sometimes expensive, it is sustainable and renewable, and helps to support developing nations in Asia.
- Ingeo: This fabric is made from corn. It has a silk-like finish and feel.
- Hemp: Because hemp is a strong and durable natural textile, it does not require pesticides or chemicals to grow. Hemp also grows quickly, so little land is required to harvest the plant.
- Lyocell: This 100 percent biodegradable eco fabric is made from wood pulp grown on tree farms. Lyocell is made using an environmentally friendly process.
- Silk: Silk is renewable, biodegradable and supports the economies of developing nations in Asia.
- Tencel: Also manufactured from wood pulp, tencel is a synthetic material made under a non-toxic, chemical free process. Byproducts of the process can be recycled and used in other products and industries.
Purchasing Environmentally Friendly Clothes and Eco Fabrics
Today, environmentally friendly clothes can be purchased in most department stores. Some stores have special sections for these friendly products. In others, consumers will have to check the tag to determine the makeup of the clothing.
The environmental movement also has sparked the creation of several Internet businesses that sell environmentally friend clothes and eco fabrics. Etsy and Pick Natural are examples of Internet companies that offer eco fabrics.
Regardless of the route a consumer decides to take when purchasing the materials, he or she will likely find the clothing needed through a simple Internet search or stop a into the local store.
Sources:
- Anderson, Emily Elizabeth. Eco-Chic Weddings. Heatherleigh Press, 2007.
- “Eco-Friendly Fabrics by the Yard.” Living Green, 2009.
Kristen Nichols - Kristen is a freelance reporter and copywriter covering Olympic and Paralympic sport for Suite101.com. Kristen's love of sport developed ...
