Eco-clothing

Today more and more people are interested in purchasing items that are considered “green”. Clothing is an area where it is hard to think of what a green purchases really is. Natural fabrics are considerably greener that synthetics. Cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, wool, and even hemp are natural fabrics used in clothing. Are they all the same? Bamboo is being touted today as the new green product to make eco friendly clothing. But, there is a debate about just how “green” bamboo really is.

Bamboo grows fast but so does cotton. In China there are no regulations as to how many chemicals may be used in producing bamboo. The processing of bamboo without harsh chemicals is very labor intensive and costly and does not produce a soft fabric. Also, you have to consider the costs and impacts from the transport of fabric and finished products to the consumer.

When you are looking to purchase eco friendly clothing what are the considerations? Is the fabric sustainable? All natural products are sustainable. Cotton is replanted every year for example. Where is the raw fabric made? Is the fabric made in a sweatshop in a third world country or are fair trade practices used? What labor is used to make the eco friendly clothing? Again, is a sweatshop used or fair trade practices used? What are the transportation costs? These are just some of the details you need to consider if you really are interested in purchasing a truly green product.