Choosing Organic Textiles and Caring for Fabrics in Eco-Friendly Ways

Changing how we care for others, the Earth, and ourselves, starts with the things we do every day, and with the products we shop and consume. Making these changes means taking a closer look at the clothes on our backs, the sheets on our beds, the grocery bags we use at the supermarket, and even the hygiene products in our bathroom closet. [Source: solandspirit.com]

The dangers associated with common chemicals used in conventional textile manufacturing pose a threat to many cultures and ecosystems. Supporting the use of organic fabrics and eco-friendly product manufacturing is one big step toward investing in a better future for all.

And since consumers who choose natural fibres discover many benefits to wearing them, and quickly learn how easy it is to care for them sustainably, in this post we’ll discuss the advantages of using eco-friendly fabrics in our daily lives. We’ll also show you how to care for them, and explain which are the dangers of fast manufacturing, and why we need to bring these practices to an end.

Dangers of Toxic Textile Manufacturing

Unlike organic practices which are natural and safe, conventional textile manufacturing often uses chemical compounds to turn raw materials into clothing or bedding. In fact, 20% of industrial water pollution comes from this process. The chemicals and dyes enter waterways around factories, putting ecosystems and local towns at risk of associated illnesses.

Practices like fast fashion come with many modern-day societal issues as well. Some people experience health problems or allergic reactions to specific synthetic materials, dyes, and preservative finishes used in fabric processing. Although these chemicals can improve fabric durability and appearance, they often prove a threat to you and the environment.

The most common compounds include:

• Formaldehyde – This volatile organic compound, when used in large quantities, can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
• Azo dyes – Responsible for vivid coloration, these dyes come off fabrics easily and release chemicals when they break down.
• Heavy metals – If absorbed by the body, heavy metals can accumulate in the liver and kidneys and may lead to serious health complications. Lead and mercury are restricted metals in textile manufacturing.
• Organotin compounds – Mostly tin, these compounds are antimicrobial but can also accumulate in the body. The EU has banned certain levels in textiles.
• Chlorobenzenes – Used in dyeing polyester, these chemicals are toxic when inhaled or touched by bare skin and can prove detrimental to different organs and the nervous system. The EU has also restricted certain levels of these chemicals.

Many factory workers don’t have the required protection while working with these chemicals. Other than that, when toxins drain into the creeks, rivers, and lakes of surrounding cities, the water becomes heavily polluted. Most of this wastewater goes untreated.

Substances such as formaldehyde and heavy metals enter the water we use for daily activities, causing us to consume them unknowingly. Marine life on or near the coast cannot survive the chemical toxicity either. The pollutants released into the air are not healthy for us to breathe, nor are they good for our atmosphere.

The dangers associated with common compounds used in textile manufacturing are far-reaching and affect public health and the environment. But when you opt for organic textiles, you’re choosing fabrics that don’t require these chemical processes.

How to Care for Fabrics Sustainably

Clothes, upholstery, and other fabrics can sometimes come with complicated care instructions. Caring for them often requires water overuse, which puts cleaning them at odds with trying to save water in your daily life.

Since natural and organic fibers like cotton and hemp help us simplify our lives and reduce our carbon footprint, why not keep the cleaning process easy, too?

Green cleaning methods and products have many advantages. Not only do they include natural, non-toxic ingredients, but they are also less harsh on the skin, have a better scent, and prolong the use of items like upholstered or leather furniture.

Sustainable fabrics don’t require special care. Laundering organically produced clothes or sheets is simple and takes very few steps. Use cold water and a natural detergent. Lay your laundry flat to dry or hang items on a clothesline. You can even iron them if you want. Meanwhile, there are other steps you can take to be more eco-friendly with the clothing items you own. Below are some helpful tips.

[Source: solandspirit.com]