Eco-Friendly Clothing Fabrics

Eco-Friendly Clothing Fabrics

Sustainable clothing refers to products derived from eco-friendly resources, which don’t harm the environment, in their production, such as sustainably grown fiber crops, or recycled materials. There are a lot of advantages when using green products in fashion industry. They help conserve energy, minimize carbon footprint, and doesn’t lead to substantial toxicity, or pollution to the environment. Moreover, some eco-friendly materials are biodegradable, recyclable or compostable. Basically, recycle products can reduce the need for new raw materials and the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. Check out some useful eco- friendly materials from Green America:

1.    Organic cotton:

The crops were grown using eco-conscious methods, with no toxic pesticides, synthetic chemical inputs or fertilizers. Farming practices also cultivate and enrich the land it's grown on (which must be chemical-free for three years before the cotton can even be planted on it. Natural dyes or colored cotton to further reduce the amount of chemicals dumped into our ecosystem. It garments are likely to be free from chlorine bleaches and synthetic dyes.

2. Bamboo:

Bamboo fabrics are made from heavily pulped bamboo grass. Additionally, the fabric also has natural antibacterial properties, breathes and is biodegradable. It is described as hypoallergenic, absorbent, fast-drying and naturally anti-bacterial and comes from a very fast-growing plant. Making clothing and textile from bamboo is considered sustainable due to the lack of need for pesticides and agrochemicals. Compared to other trees, certain varieties of bamboo can grow 1–4 inches long per day, and can branch and expand outward because of its underground rhizomes. However, like cotton fibers, bamboo fibers are not naturally yellowish in color and are bleached white with chemicals during processing.

3. Hemp:

Hemp is considered a sustainable crop. It is renewable, requires little or no pesticides, grows without fertilizer, requires minimum attention, doesn’t deplete soil nutrients and is easy to harvest. The hemp plant's broad leaves shade out weeds and other plant competitors, and its deep taproot system allows it to draw moisture deep in the soil. Hemp fiber comes in two types: primary and secondary best fibers. Hemp fibers are durable and are considered strong enough for construction uses. Hemp fiber is approximately 8 times the tensile strength and 4 times the durability, compared to cotton fiber. Hemp fibers are traditionally coarse, and have been historically used for ropes rather than for clothing. However, modern technology and breeding practices have made hemp fiber more pliable, softer, and finer.

4. Soy cashmere/silk:

Soy fabrics are derived from the hulls of soybeans—a manufacturing byproduct. This fabric is made from soy protein fiber left over after processing soybeans into food. The soy may be genetically engineered unless noted on the label. Soy clothing is largely biodegradable, so it has a minimal impact on environment and landfills. Although it is not durable like other materials cotton or hemp, soy clothing has a soft, elastic feel. Soy clothing is known as the vegetable cashmere for its light and silky sensation. Soy fabrics are moisture absorbent, anti-bacterial, and UV resistant.

5. Organic Wool:

Like organic cotton, organic wool must be raised chemical-free, including the food the animals eat and where they graze. This material is increasingly becoming available: it is produced using sustainable farming practices. Moreover, since lightweight wool fabrics like merino wool are naturally moisture-wicking, odor resistant, and breathable, they make a great choice over synthetic fabrics for fitness clothes.

References:

http://www.greenamerica.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_clothing#Bamboo

http://www.greenchoices.org/green-living/clothes/more-sustainable-fabrics