Tips To Use Eco-friendly Fabrics
Do you want to be a part of the green brigade, striving to reduce the carbon footprints on our planet? While we blame our vehicles and electrical appliances as major contributors of greenhouse gases, hardly do we realize that the clothes we wear can also pollute the environment. Before you go on your next shopping trip, remember these few tips, which will help you to choose environment friendly clothes.
Natural fabrics
We prefer polyester clothes for several reasons. They can be washed easily, stains can be easily removed, polyester clothes dry fast and they are affordable than natural fabrics. Polyester is made of polyethylene terephthalate, which is also used for making plastic bottles. This petrochemical compound is obtained from nonrenewable crude oil. Hardly do we realize that the process of making polyester is bad for our health.
Besides using natural fabrics, you should also emphasize on natural dyes used in coloring the fabrics. Unfortunately, synthetic dyes, despite their toxicity, are used for coloring both polyester and natural fabrics.
Cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, jute, natural silk and corn fiber are some popular natural fabrics. Polyester produced from recycled plastic, is preferable to polyester made directly from crude oil.
Organic Fibers
Natural fibers can cause environmental damage if chemical fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified seeds are used for growing the crops. These chemicals contaminate water, soil and the surrounding air. It is believed that nearly seven chemicals used to make cotton fibers are carcinogenic.
According to an estimate, to make a cotton tee shirt, about half pounds of chemicals are needed. Organic farming uses organic fertilizers and pesticides and natural farming process for growing the crop. The sustainable farming technique is good for the health of our planet.
Eco-friendly fabric care
Phosphate based detergents are harmful for the environment. Therefore, use phosphate free washing detergents. Hot water can be used for removing mild stains. Instead of using chemical bleach, dry your clothes in sunlight for about five hours. Lemon juice, borax, eucalyptus oil, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil can be used for removing stubborn stains.
