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Sustainable Clothing Solutions

 

Sustainable clothing is a growing trend in the fashion industry. It is a way to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and consumption. In this article, we will explore some of the best eco-friendly clothing brands and fabrics.

 

Eco Fashion Brand Directories

If you are looking for eco-friendly clothing brands, there are several directories that can help you find them. Here are some of the most popular ones:

 

Eco Fashion News

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More Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainable fabrics are an important part of eco-friendly clothing. Here are some of the most popular sustainable fabrics:

  • Lyocell Fiber: also called Tencel, this 100% biodegradable fiber is produced in an environmentally-friendly manner from cellulose - the main material in plant cells. Additional info
  • Organic Cotton Fiber: cotton grown without the use of artificial chemicals such as herbicides or pesticides
  • Organic Hemp Fiber: a durable natural fibers that can be grown without pesticides and with minimal water use. The hemp plant has long roots which help to prevent erosion and retain topsoil.
  • Organic Linen Fiber: made from the organically-grown flax plant. The fiber is absorbant and cool to wear in varioius climates.
  • Sasawashi: a very durable Japanese fabric made from paper and the plant Kumazasa, which has natural antibacterial and deodorant effects
  • Organic Soy Clothing: "soy silk" or "vegetable cashmere" is made from soy protein which is a by-product of tofu manufacturing
  • Compassionate Clothing Guide: offers great vegan alternatives to commonly used animal-based fabric and accessories
  • Organic Jute: a soft, strong, durable and recycleable fiber, jute is the most affordable natural fabric and is usually blended with organic cotton
  • Cork: carbon-negative fabric used as a leather alternative

 

Reusing and Upcycling FabricUpcycled Fashion

Reusing and upcycling fabric means giving new life and purpose to old or unwanted textiles. This can reduce the amount of fabric that ends up in landfills, and save the energy and resources that would be needed to make new fabric. Here are some of the ways to reuse and upcycle fabric:

  • Passing it On: there are numerous ways to resell or give-away clothes: from craigslist or thrift stores to ebay and consignment stores. Different types of give-away or swap shops or online freecycle sites are also growing in number.
  • Rent Clothing and Accessories: for fashion-oriented consumers, several rental companies offer the latest, high-end, fashion at a fraction of the cost while cutting way back on resource use.
  • Upcycling Excess Textiles: creating clothing from textile waste.
  • Upcycling Fashion: creating new outfits out of unwanted items
  • Worn Wear: Patagonia clothing company sells refurbished Patagonia clothing. This creates a more sustainable cradle to cradle process for cloth.
  • Textile Recycling: reclaiming used fibers to make new garments and accessories or reclaim materials.

 

Sustainable Textile Certifications and Standards

Sustainable textile certifications and standards are labels or guidelines that indicate the environmental and social performance of a textile product. They can help consumers make more informed and ethical choices when buying clothes. Here are some of the most popular sustainable textile certifications and standards:

  • Fair Trade, Sustainanble Clothing Directory: clothing made by businesses that have a commitment to social justice in which employees and farmers are treated and paid fairly, sustainable environmental practices are followed, and long-term trade relationships are fostered.
  • EU Ecolabel: an ecolabel given to textiles (and other product categories) that minimize the use of harmful substances and reduce air and water pollution.
  • Organic Soy HoodieÖeko-tex (or Oekotex or Oko-tex) Standard 100: certification process that evaluates and screens for any harmful substances present within processed textiles intended to come into contact with consumers.
  • Sustainable Apparel Coalition: sustainability leaders in the apparel and footwear industry has created the higg index - a suite of tools that enables brands, retailers, and facilities to accurately measure and score a company or product’s sustainability performance.

 

Green Cleaning

Green cleaning is the practice of using natural or eco-friendly methods to clean and care for clothes. This can reduce the exposure to harsh chemicals, save water and energy, and extend the lifespan of clothes. Here are some of the ways to do green cleaning:

  • Wet Cleaning, CO2 Cleaning and GreenEarth Cleaning: environmentally-friendly alternative to dry cleaning.
  • Washing Clothes Less Often: washing clothes only when they are dirty or smelly, and not after every wear. This can prevent the clothes from fading, shrinking, or wearing out, and save water and energy. Clothes can be refreshed by airing them out, steaming them, or using natural deodorizers, such as baking soda or vinegar.
  • Washing Clothes in Cold Water: washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water. This can prevent the clothes from shrinking, bleeding, or losing shape, and save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cold water can be effective for most types of fabrics and stains, especially with a good detergent and pre-treatment.
  • Drying Clothes Naturally: drying clothes on a clothesline, rack, or hanger instead of using a dryer. This can prevent the clothes from shrinking, wrinkling, or losing elasticity, and save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural drying can also make the clothes smell fresher and last longer.

Choosing sustainable clothing options is an important part of reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. By choosing eco-friendly clothing brands and fabrics, we can all do our part to make the world a better place.