The 4 Benefits of Switching to Environmentally Friendly Fabrics
Choosing eco-friendly fabrics can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health and the environment. They help reduce air pollution, waste, toxic chemicals, and environmental impacts.
Clothing production accounts for a hefty share of carbon emissions and air pollution. Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable options for fashion enthusiasts to consider.
Lower Carbon Footprint
If you’re looking for an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, you can start by switching to environmentally friendly fabrics. The benefits include a lower environmental impact, better health for you and your family, and a cleaner environment. Suppose you look for fabrics certified by independent textile certification agencies, such as GOTS or SMART. In that case, you’ll be guaranteed to find fabrics that don’t pollute the earth or contribute to harmful deforestation. These fabrics also don’t require harsh bleaching or dyeing processes, often toxic to the soil and water.
The most sustainable fabrics, however, can be challenging to locate. It’s also important to choose fabrics that are available locally. This will save energy and reduce transport emissions from the manufacturer to you.
Another excellent option for a lower carbon footprint is choosing fabrics made of natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, and linen. These fabrics are a great way to make your clothing eco-friendly without compromising style.
Aside from being a good choice for your wardrobe, these fabrics can also help protect the planet by diverting waste away from landfills and providing nutrients for your garden. Additionally, they can be found in various colors and patterns, so you’ll have plenty of options when putting together outfits.
Better for the Environment
As you may have guessed, switching to environmentally friendly fabrics can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Not only does it lower your carbon footprint, but it also helps reduce air pollution, waste, and toxic chemicals in the environment. Eco-friendly fabrics typically use fewer chemicals in manufacturing and are often more sustainable than conventional fabrics. Synthetic fibers like polyester and petroleum-based materials require a lot of chemicals to make. At the same time, natural fabrics can decompose harmlessly in landfills after they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Cotton is the world’s most common textile but also one of the most harmful to the environment. Cotton farming releases 24% of the world’s insecticides and 11% of its pesticides into the atmosphere. Instead, choose organic cotton grown using pesticide-free and herbicide-free methods to avoid pollution and toxins. Other sustainable fabrics include linen, hemp, alpaca wool, and silk. Lastly, recycled cotton is an eco-friendly fabric that uses old or waste cotton to produce new clothes. This helps prevent much clothing from ending up in landfills, where it can easily break down and release pollutants into the environment.
Better for Your Health
One of the biggest reasons to switch to organic cotton, bamboo, or other eco-friendly fabric is that it benefits your health. Unlike synthetic fabrics, organic fibers are free of harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin and cause rashes. Some natural fabrics have antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria growth and repel insects. Another benefit is that they are easier on the environment, especially when compared to plastic-based clothing. Many eco-friendly fabrics, such as cotton and lyocell, are biodegradable and can be decomposed back into the earth without harming the environment. The best sustainable fabrics are also hypoallergenic and breathable, which helps your body breathe and stay healthy. They are easy to maintain, too. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which become stiff and uncomfortable after washing, most eco-friendly fibers will retain their shape and keep their soft feel.
Finally, the best environmentally friendly fabrics are designed to save energy during production and use fewer resources. For instance, organic fabrics are more eco-friendly because they require fewer chemicals. They can also reduce waste, which is essential for the environment and economy.
Better for the Economy
There are a lot of great eco-friendly fabrics out there that don’t require toxic chemicals and won’t cause adverse health effects. Some are made from natural fibers, while others are derived from recycled synthetic materials.
Organic cotton is a popular option because it eliminates pesticides and insecticides from farming, helping to lower carbon emissions. It also reduces water pollution and releases less waste into the environment.
Recycled polyester is another eco-friendly fabric, as it is made from post-consumer plastic waste that would otherwise go into landfills. This type of fabric is also biodegradable, making it more environmentally friendly than synthetic textiles. Finding a transparent company about their products and where the money goes is crucial when shopping for eco-friendly fabrics. They should be able to provide proof of their commitment to environmental and social sustainability. This will help consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase. It also encourages them to support businesses devoted to producing better clothing for the environment and the people who wear it.
