As the seasons change from the warm, sticky days of summer to the cool, clear days of autumn we find ourselves in need of more durable winter wear. Shopping trip, anyone? But some of our more durable, warmer clothing choices tend to include materials that are not-so-kind to our earth.
Popular synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and cotton blends, are sometimes treated with chemicals such as formaldehyde, an unpleasant consideration when you realize you’re wearing it. Rayon, anther popular synthetic fabric, is spun from cellulose, or wood pulp treated with sulfuric acid, while nylon is just one of many petroleum-based fabrics whose production adds greatly to greenhouse gases. What’s worse is very few of these fabrics are biodegradable, something to consider when tossing clothes after wear.
The good news is there are also a number of clothes and companies that use either natural or recycled materials that will keep you warm and snug all winter long.
Recycled Polar Fleece Polar fleece can make some of the warmest, softest clothing out there, perfect for those chilly fall days. Unfortunately fleece is still a synthetic fabric manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is also used in plastic beverage containers. This makes fleece a hard fabric to get rid of, but luckily not hard to recycle. New recycled fleece jackets and blankets, made both from older clothing and even soda bottles, are becoming more and more available.
Organic Cotton With all the benefits of our old friend, organic cotton discludes chemicals in the growth and harvest process, helping decrease pollutants from plant production. It as also popular for its malleability, being able to take part in both heavy and lightweight gear, not to mention its breathability on the skin. In all, organic cotton is a great way to help the earth without having to fully change what you love.
Hemp Fabric Hemp is another plant fiber to love. Strong and absorbent, the hemp plant itself has the added benefit of putting nutrients back into the soil. It creates great outdoor wear because of its UV and mold resistant properties. While not as soft as cotton, it can be blended to make durable and comfortable hats, socks and gloves.
So during this season’s wardrobe change, think about the earth, choose some eco-fabrics for your wardrobe.
I am an junior English major/ Philosophy minor at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. Currently I am spending the spring of 2009 studying at the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.
