5 Sustainable Fabrics to Choose for Earth Day

New styles, new fabrics. The fast-fashion industry, equipped with different innovative fabrics, has completely changed the way people consume clothing, but not always for the better.

The idea of delivering an abundance of new styles for insanely affordable prices on the market has changed the way people consume clothing. While the fast-fashion industry, equipped with different innovative fabrics, has completely revolutionized the textile industry, its repercussions are not always for the better.

The fast-fashion industry, which produces 100 billion garments annually, remains responsible for over 8 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Delivering new styles and new clothes on the market as fast as possible has paved the way for the creation of synthetic fabrics and toxic dyes. 

However, this destructive industry strips the Earth of its limited resources, taking a huge toll on the environment. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the amount of garments produced annually has doubled since the early 2000s - reaching up to 100 billion pieces per year. 

Moreover, billions of microplastics also end up in the ocean, led by the production and consumption of polyester, acrylic, nylon and other synthetic fibers. "Consumers love them in workout clothes, swimsuits and even basics such as tee shirts. These fabrics are made from petroleum and are believed to make up 60 percent of the clothing we wear," said the UNDP. 

Apart from the popular “Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle" policy, people should make an eco-conscious choice to wear clothes made with sustainable fabrics that help to protect our planet's resources and our health. This March, exercise your individual responsibility towards Mother Earth by greening your wardrobe and choosing sustainable fashion. 

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION?

According to EarthDay.Org, sustainable fashion refers to a clothing supply chain that is ecologically and socially responsible. 

The idea of consuming and supporting sustainable fashion aims to "reorient the industry and consumers away from the fast fashion model and toward sustainable practices in sourcing, production, distribution, marketing, and consumption."

As Cottonique joins the whole world in observing Earth Day this year, here are 5 sustainable fabrics that you may want to consider, creating a more mindful decision best for you and the environment.

1. ORGANIC COTTON 

Recognized as the world's wonder fiber, organic cotton is pesticide-free, chemical-free, and bleach-free. And since there are no chemicals and synthetics involved in the manufacturing and production processes, all-natural cotton is less likely to cause a reaction in people with textile dermatitis sensitivities, making every fabric completely hypoallergenic.

• Soft
• Absorbent
• Breathable
• Biodegradable
• hHypoallergenic
• Wicks away sweat 
• High-tensile strength
• Made from natural fibers
• No pesticides or chemicals used

2. ORGANIC HEMP

Known as one of the most versatile and durable natural fibers, hemp fabric is a sustainable textile made of fibers from a very high-yielding crop. 

• Absorbent 
• Biodegradable
• Machine washable
• Natural fiber
• Has the tendency to be rough
• No chemical processing required
• Durable and long lasting
• Requires less water than cotton (medium amount)
• Requires little to no pesticides

3. ORGANIC LINEN 

One of the oldest existing textiles, linen is a lightweight and robust fabric. It does not require the use of toxic substances like pesticides. The manufacturing process also omits harmful and synthetic substances and dyeing processes.

• Biodegradable 
• Machine washable
• Natural fiber
• No chemical processing required
• Requires less water than cotton
• Requires little to no pesticides

4. TENCEL

Standing out mainly for its softness, ​linen is a woven fabric made from the fibers of flax plants.  As one of the oldest textiles in the world, linen can grow very successfully with limited use of herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals. It is lightweight, cool even in hot weather, and eco-friendly. 

• Soft 
• Sustainable 
• Biodegradable
• Anti-bacterial
• Machine washable
• Natural fibers
• Made from sustainably harvested wood raw materials

5. BAMBOO 

According to Fibre2Fashion, bamboo fabric is similar to the softness of silk. "Since the fibers are without chemical treatment, they are naturally smoother and rounder with no sharp spurs to irritate the skin, making bamboo fabric hypoallergenic and perfect for those who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers such as wool or hemp," it added. 

• Soft
• Antibacterial
• Highly sweat absorbent 
• Biodegradable 
• Sustainable 
• Eco-friendly
• Resilient 

If you're looking for an ethical clothing brand that has earth-friendly benefits, look no further than Cottonique! Our processes remain environmentally friendly to develop allergy-free clothes safe for people with skin allergies and sensitive skin. 

In all our collections, we only use 100% chemical-free and GOTS-certified organic cotton. We also lessen our ecological footprint in our production processes through reductions in water, energy, chemical use, and other nature-friendly methods. 

When you buy clothes made with organic fabrics, you're not just thinking about your comfort. You also play a small part in keeping our planet, the environment, and water resources clean, healthy, and protected. 

To know more about Earth Day and other activities related to the observance this year, visit the site here. May we all remember to care for the planet and the future generations beyond the annual celebration.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.