A Greener Set of Threads
Greentips: December 2010
While the clothing we buy represents a relatively small portion of our personal environmental impact, there is a $3 billion (and growing) market worldwide for green apparel. This month, we offer some guidance to help sort through the options to ensure your clothes are as green as possible—even if you wear only black.
- Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, hemp, and silk are typically grown using a lot of water, fertilizer, and pesticide. Choose clothes made from fibers that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture organic standards for crop and livestock production, which can reduce the water and air pollution associated with these fabrics (see the Related Resources for information on this and other fabric certification programs).
- Cellulosic fibers including bamboo, lyocell/Tencel, and rayon are made from reconstituted plant and wood pulp. While the production process can be chemical- and energy-intensive, lyocell production minimizes toxic emissions by reusing solvent. Choosing clothes made from organic crops or sustainably managed forests can also help reduce these fabrics’ impact.
- Reclaimed/recycled fibers can be a good option as they are made from materials that would typically end up in landfills: plastic bottles and tofu manufacturing waste (from soybeans), for example, can be made into fleece and “vegetable cashmere.” In addition, it takes about 70 percent less energy to make recycled polyester fiber than virgin fiber.
- Synthetic fibers like acrylic, nylon, and polyester are derived from nonrenewable petroleum, and the manufacturing process can consume a lot of water and energy while generating global warming pollution. Avoid these fabrics when possible; if you need a material like fleece, choose one made from reclaimed/recycled fibers.
- Dyes and coatings can generate pollution in their production and application. Choosing botanically dyed or “color-grown” fabrics are a cleaner alternative to chemical dyes.
Regardless of the fabric, choose well-made items that fit well and will survive years of wear (and changing fashion trends). And if your tastes or size change, don’t throw your clothes away—textile waste comprises about 5 percent of U.S. solid waste each year. Give them to someone who can use them, sell them through a consignment shop, or use them for sewing projects or as rags. You can also keep clothes out of the waste stream by buying like-new garments from secondhand stores.
