Sustainable fabrics are often made from natural or recycled materials, aiming to reduce harm either through the production process, fiber properties, or overall environmental impact. These fabrics can also contribute to waste reduction, water conservation, lowered emissions, and soil regeneration
“Fast fashion can never be
Sustainable or ethical “
When it comes to environmental action, one of the biggest way in which we can individually have a positive impact is by choosing fabric that are earth- friendly. Clothing production and micro- fibers that are released when we wash our cloths are two extremely polluting activities, seriously causing damage to the environment and our water ways. We can circumvent some of these effects by choosing fabrics that have less of an effect on the earth when in production, fabrics that are well made and have a long life, and fabrics that are easily biodegradable for when they are no longer needed. I have outlined 4 fabrics below that rank from most earth friendly to least and the impact they have in production, during their lifetime and in the afterlife.
- Organic cotton:- organic cotton fabric is made up of cotton fibers that grow on the surface of the earth and have not been treated with chemical pesticides for at least three years. Organic cotton fabric smells fresh and has a soft hand feel, as compared other fabrics. Also this ecofriendly fabric does not trigger allergies. Organic cotton fibers are made up of natural cotton seeds, rather than processed ones. Natural processes of organic cotton fibers are very absorbent. They tend to feel cool in summers and warm in winter.
- Organic wool:- wool is naturally an organic fiber and it has inherent characteristics that make it renewable and biodegradable. That applies to all woolen products. Organic wool that has been produced without involving many widely used chemicals, including commonly used veterinary medicines such as preventative treatment against lice and flies and internal parasites.
- Linen:-The majority of clothes we wear today are either man made or very chemically intensive to produce. Linen is made from flax plants, a plant which grows without the need for fertilizers or pesticides. This means it is a renewable resource, one that is fast growing and can be produced without damaging the environment. The Ancient Greeks used linen to make garments and home wares, and the Phoenicians later introduced linen production to Western Europe. However, historical records suggest that there was no effort on behalf of European powers to regulate flax production among farming communities until the 12th century AD.
- Bamboo fabric:-The term “bamboo fabric” widely refers to a number of different textiles that are made from the bamboo plant.Fabrics have been made from bamboo for thousands of years, but it is only in contemporary times that the process of making this hardy and fast-growing wood into fabric has been perfected.Bamboo textile and apparel products are a recent development. Products made from bamboo are often labeled as ‘green’, ‘bio-degradable’, etc. irrespective of their method of manufacturing. While ‘agro-resources’ by definition do not use petroleum as raw material, there are often hidden consequences and impact created by their uses.
Blog By :-
Ms. Pooja Somvanshi
Asst. Professor (Fashion Designing)