The production of green clothing encompasses many different process including dyeing, manufacturing, and transportation, however the most fundamental aspect of creating green clothing is the eco-fabric.
Eco-fabric can be defined in a number of ways including if the material was grown using toxics, if the production creates a large carbon footprint, and what production processes are required.
Cotton, one of the most common substances used in the creation of clothing, also creates one of the largest carbon footprints for it production. An eco-fabric version of cotton is now being endorsed, called organic cotton.
Organic cotton is grown in soil that has not been exposed to chemical fertilizers or pesticides for three years. It has the same softness as cotton without the toxicity. However, as with most organic products, this eco-fabric is expensive to grow.
Hemp is a resilient natural fiber that is used for its durability and eco-friendliness. This eco-fabric is renewable, fast growing and pesticide free. It does not yet have a significant market presence as an eco-fabric since it is illegal to grow in the US and must be imported in.
Organic wool is another good choice for an eco-fabric as it is both biodegradable and renewable however it can be very expensive and is difficult to find. Organic wool comes from the wool of sheep that have not been given any synthetic hormones and only fed organic feed.
This eco-fabric is also biodegradable and renewable however the maintenance of the sheep can be very expensive. Soy is also becoming increasing popular for use in eco-fabrics because of how durable and soft the material. Soy, similar to bamboo, requires a chemical process during production.
Bamboo is also becoming a more popular eco-fabric. This plant absorbs green house gases and can grow without the need for toxic pesticides. The plant replenishes itself and can be cut for eco-fabric without hurting the environment.
However, the production process for converting the hard bamboo material into eco-fabric uses chemicals that can cause harm. Bamboo also requires chemical bleaching that releases toxic chemicals into the environment.
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