The fabrics that we wear have a significant impact on our health and the environment. The textile industry is one of the dirtiest industries and is responsible for massive pollution, including microplastics in waterways, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable fabric can help combat these issues and make a positive difference. Here are some of the best eco-friendly options you can choose from!
Biodegradable
Biodegradable fabrics are a great way to reduce the waste created in the fashion industry. They are also a great way to help reduce the harmful chemicals released into the environment when these materials are discarded.
These fabrics break down and decompose within a reasonable amount of time, reducing the amount of non-biodegradable materials in landfills. They are a great way to promote sustainability in the fashion industry and make environmentally friendly and comfortable clothing.
Plant-based textiles like cotton and hemp are ideal for this type of clothing because they can easily be broken down and decomposed by nature. They are also solid, durable, and can withstand regular washing and wearing without losing shape or quality.
Bamboo is another eco-friendly fabric option for making clothing. It’s a natural fiber that doesn’t require much water to grow and can thrive in even the most challenging soil.
However, this fabric is less readily available than other options. It’s also more expensive to produce and takes longer to biodegrade.
There are many different kinds of biodegradable fabrics, each breaking down at a different rate. When buying clothing, you should always check the label to ensure it is made from biodegradable materials.
Recyclable
Recycling fabrics is a great way to create eco friendly fabrics. It also helps reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Cotton is a popular fabric that can be recycled into new clothing or textile products. It uses fewer resources than virgin cotton and prevents additional textile waste. It is usually sorted by dye color and rewoven for reuse.
Recycled nylon is another fabric that can be used in place of virgin nylon. It diverts waste from landfills and uses much less water, energy and fossil fuel than pure nylon. It is most commonly made from old fishing nets or nylon carpets but can also be produced from other materials.
The process of creating recyclable fabrics takes a lot of work. It involves collecting, sorting, washing and drying the textiles before they can be used.
Many different types of fabrics can be made from recycled materials. They are usually much more durable than traditional fabrics and will last longer.
Other fabric options made from recycled materials include hemp, banana fiber, cotton and linen. These fabrics are biodegradable and breathable.
Recycled fabric is a significant environmental option and will help your clothing last longer. It is much more durable than traditional fabrics and can withstand washing machine wear and tear without tearing or degrading.
Non-toxic
Choosing eco-friendly fabrics is one way to help reduce our impact on the environment. Whether you’re looking to buy clothing for yourself or your company, choosing natural and non-toxic materials can make a huge difference.
Cotton, linen and hemp are all non-toxic materials that leave a much smaller footprint on the planet than fabrics made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. These fabrics are also more durable and can last a long time.
Bamboo is another great option for eco-friendly fabrics because it’s a biodegradable, renewable resource that doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers. It’s also less water-intensive than other natural fibers, leaving a lower environmental footprint.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that all bamboo is sustainable. Some types of bamboo are processed with harsh chemicals that harm garment workers, consumers and the environment when the materials are released into wastewater.
Organically-grown cotton, linen and hemp are some of the most eco-friendly fabrics. These fabrics are grown and produced with zero harmful pesticides, herbicides or chemical dyes.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester aren’t as eco-friendly because they’re manufactured using energy and chemicals that release microplastics into the environment. These tiny particles are responsible for up to 35% of ocean plastic pollution. Thankfully, there are a lot of other natural and non-toxic fabrics that can be used to create eco-friendly clothes.
Water-friendly
When choosing sustainable fabrics, keeping the environment in mind is essential. This is a big deal, especially for companies in the fashion industry, as the material can substantially contribute to your products’ environmental impact.
Cotton, for example, is a highly water-intensive material and can cause environmental problems. This is why looking for organic and GOTS-certified cotton is essential.
Another critical consideration is the number of chemicals used during the manufacturing process. The more chemicals, the less sustainable a product is.
A great way to avoid these chemicals is by choosing a sustainable, non-synthetic fabric like a modal. However, modal is often sourced in a way that causes deforestation and pollution, so brands should ensure they are sourcing their trees responsibly.
Linen is also an excellent choice as it doesn’t require water or pesticides and absorbs CO2 naturally. Alternatively, you can opt for hemp.
The best way to ensure that you’re purchasing a sustainable fabric is to look for certifications that indicate that it is made with a minimum of 70% organic materials. The added chemicals, such as dyes, must meet strict environmental impact and toxicity criteria. You can find these certifications using the GOTS, Fair Trade or Forest Stewardship Council logo.
