Sustainable fashion is one technique to assure a more thoughtful purchase in the world of conscious buyers.
In order to keep up with the rapid growth of fashion, producers must turn to inexpensive and quick-to-produce virgin synthetic fabrics.
Fabrics like polyester, on the other hand, may take decades or more to decompose, and textiles account for 7.7% of municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills. If we are to slow it down, we need to pay attention to the labels on our clothes as well.
Fashion consumerism has a negative impact on both our environment and other animals in a variety of ways, from fast fashion to cotton.
If you are concerned with the future of the planet, these are the things you need to consider: Besides reducing, recycling, and mending, what can we do to be a responsible fashion consumer? What are the most eco-friendly textiles to search for when buying new clothes?
Here are several fabrics that might aid in the movement toward a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Linen
Flax plant fibers are used to make linen. Additionally, flax can be fully utilized (seeds, oil, and crop), which eliminates waste.
Because of its long life, capability to keep people cool, and capacity to absorb water, it has been utilized by societies dating back to ancient Egypt.
As long as harsh chemicals are avoided, linen may be composted. The negative part about linen is that it’s generally created in other countries, which means it’s more costly.
Lyocell
Cellulose from wood pulp is the primary raw ingredient. Tencel is a trademark held by a firm in Austria that produces it.
A minimal environmental imprint is achieved since the fibers are biodegradable and compostable, and the manufacturing method is simple. There are no hazardous chemicals employed, for example, in the recycling of wastewater.
The primary drawback is the reliance on wood pulp as a raw material. Also, this fabric needs to go through heat and cold to be made.
Cotton
Naturally grown or recycled polyester made from plastic bottles is eco-friendly; some items are mixtures of cotton and polyester, but those might even out as more chemistry is carried out on the synthetic component.
Perhaps the most well-known of sustainable fashion, cotton is simple to care for and sturdy fabric that can be easily recycled or composted. It’s also biodegradable and doesn’t require any pesticides or fertilizers.
Cotton is also famous for its softness making it one of the best materials to use for customizable hoodies.
On another note, non-organic cotton has serious consequences on our environment due to pesticide use and water shortages, which was even more extreme during the 2010 drought in Texas. Also, half of all clothes sold worldwide are made of cotton.
Modal
Beech trees are the primary source of the modal, a semi-synthetic substance that is also manufactured from wood pulp. Compared to its lyocell brother, this naturally occurring but human-made cloth is often more delicate and softer in feel.
The fabric can be recycled and is biodegradable. The negative side is that it requires colorants and softeners to make it feel good, which aren’t always pure.
Rayon
Cellulose from wood pulp or cotton may be utilized as a raw material for rayon, but the latter isn’t as common as the former since it’s costly.
This semi-synthetic fabric contains no harmful chemicals. In addition, unlike its cousin viscose rayon, this fabric cost less power during production. It’s also biodegradable and recyclable wherever needed.
However, production might lead to wastewater runoff containing pollutants that harm our environment.
Hemp
As the strongest of all the natural fibers, hemp is also regarded as one of the most versatile. It’s very easy to grow in a variety of climates, making it cheap.
Also, unlike cotton, this crop can be grown without pesticides or fertilizers due to its antibacterial properties. Additionally, it has similar benefits when compared to linen, with fewer chemicals employed in harvesting and less waste at every stage in its life cycle.
The major drawback is that it isn’t as soft before undergoing processing. Also, commercial growing for use in textiles is prohibited by law since cannabis cultivation mixes with industrial hemp farming.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a reformative crop that requires little or no fertilizer. It is frequently advertised as a sustainable clothing fabric, while there are concerns regarding land clearance and harvesting practices in certain areas.
This material is perfect if you want to stick to sustainable fashion as it’s biodegradable, reusable, and easy to farm. Because bamboo is very absorbent, soft, and moisture-wicking, it is a favorite among sustainable fashion designers and manufacturers.
Repurposed materials (Deadstock)
Reclaimed material, often known as deadstock, is a fabric that has been left behind by manufacturers. Additionally, it may refer to any useless item acquired secondhand and otherwise thrown away, such as antique fabric or discarded clothing.
By repurposing deadstock, manufacturers are able to keep textiles out of landfills while also using something that has already been manufactured.
Sustainable fashion has become more popular in recent years as people have become more environmentally conscious.
There are a variety of materials that can be used to make eco-friendly clothing, including cotton, modal, rayon, hemp, and bamboo. These fabrics are sustainable because they are biodegradable and recyclable, and they require fewer pesticides and fertilizers than traditional fabrics.
While there are some drawbacks to using these materials, such as the fact that they may not be as soft as traditional fabrics, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.