Eco-Friendly Fabrics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Nowadays people are aware of their environment. Even when they wear clothes, they think of the eco-friendliness of their clothes. A conscious person doesn’t choose fabrics by color, design, and style only. He/she also examines sustainability and eco-friendliness. Many fabrics may look stylish but they are not good for the environment. 

Eco-friendly fabrics help to protect the earth. If we continuously use fabrics that are detrimental to the environment will result in harming Mother Earth. So, the use of eco-friendly fabrics is increasing day by day. Researchers are suggesting to avoid fabrics that may cause harm to the environment. 

Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Eco-friendly fabrics have a reduced impact on the environment. However, the eco-friendliness of fabrics depends on several factors. These factors include what material is used in producing the fabrics, how much energy or water is used what chemicals are used, or the level of biodegradability. 

Eco-friendly fabrics are produced by following eco-friendly methods. The materials used in producing eco-friendly fabrics have less impact on the earth. Besides, it has a reduced waste of resources in production. Moreover, the use of reusable resources does not affect the ecosystem. 

Major Traits of Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Eco-friendly fabrics have some common traits. For example, an eco-friendly fabric is organic. Besides, it features biodegradability, low-impact dyes, less energy consumption, etc. The major traits of eco-friendly fabrics are as follows:

👉 Organic Fibers

One of the key features of eco-friendly fabrics is the use of organic and natural fibers. These fabrics are produced by using natural materials only. The manufacturers do not use any harmful chemicals to produce eco-friendly fabrics. 

👉 Low-Impact Dyes

Another chief feature of eco-friendly fabrics is their low-impact dyes. The dying process of this type of fabric does not contaminate water because manufacturers use a natural and environment-friendly dying. 

👉 Recycled or Reusable Materials

Eco-friendly fabrics are made of recycled or reusable materials such as bamboo or recycled plastic bottles. So, it helps to protect the environment. It reduces environmental pollution. Moreover, it prevents the overuse of earthly resources. 

👉 Biodegradability

Eco-friendly fabrics are usually biodegradable. These fabrics are decomposed and mixed with soil at the end of their life cycle. If a fabric lacks this feature, it will harm the environment. Because, if it is not decomposed, it will reduce the fertility of soil. 

👉 Lower Energy Consumption

Textile industries are responsible for wasting a huge volume of water as well as these industries are more or less accountable for the increasing carbon footprint. However, eco-friendly fabrics are produced by using environmentally friendly methods that do not waste water. Besides, it ensures a low-carbon footprint.

What are Eco-Friendly Fabrics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly?

There are many eco-friendly fabrics available across the world. Some eco-friendly fabrics are organic cotton, hemp, lyocell, recycled polyester, bamboo fabrics, linen, soy fabrics, recycled nylon, etc. But what are the good? What are the Bad or what are the ugliest among these? Get tuned with us to know the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The Good: The Most Reliable Eco-Friendly Fabrics

1. Organic Cotton: is one of the best and most reliable eco-friendly fabrics. This fabric is very sustainable, airy, soft, and breathable. It has all the features that natural cotton has. Organic cotton does not bear any chemicals, pesticides, or insecticides. It is completely virgin and it does not have any harmful effects on the environment. Besides, it is completely decomposed after finishing the lifecycle.
2. Organic Hemp: It is another environment-friendly fabric. This fabric is produced from the hemp plant. Even we do not need to use insecticides or any toxic chemicals to grow this plant because it is one of the fastest-growing plants. This plant itself is inimical to pests. Moreover, the help plant does not need much water. The fabrics made from hemp seem warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Isn’t it good enough to choose? Additionally, organic hemp textiles are UV-resistant. 
3. Recycled Wool: It is a good eco-friendly fabric. As it is properly recycled, it ensures animal welfare. Additionally, it is sustainable and completely biodegradable. After a certain time, this fabric becomes completely decomposed and mixed with soil.
4. Organic-Linen: It is another environment-friendly fabric. It is made from a flax plant. This plant does not need pesticides like the help plants. Besides, the dying process of this fabric does not have a bad impact on the environment. Organic linen is completely chemical-free which makes it a perfect choice.
5. Algae Fabric: It is an epoch-making invention in the textile sector. This fabric is made from living algae. This is why this fabric absorbs carbon dioxide from the environment. Can you imagine how interesting this is? Even the ink used in 3D painting is made from microalgae. However, researchers are still working on this fabric. We are eagerly waiting for a positive outcome.

The Bad: A Bit Murkier Eco-Friendly Fabrics

1. Bamboo: Bamboo fabrics are made from the bamboo plants. It is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Bamboo does not need any pesticides or insecticides because this plant is pest-resistant. Additionally, we do not need to plant it again and again. From this perspective, the bamboo fabric should be the most eco-friendly fabrics. But the problem is the use of chemicals. Bamboo fiber is very hard. So, some chemicals are used to make it soft like silk. 
2. Recycled Polyester: It is an eco-friendly fabric. But it has some issues. Plastics are recycled to produce this fabric. This is good for the environment. But the problem is with the process of production. While producing this fabric, it sheds millions of micro-plastics which is detrimental to the environment. These micro-fibers are mixed with water and pollute it.

The Ugly: Inimical to the Environment

Some fabrics are severely detrimental to the earth. If you think of the betterment of the ecosystem, you should avoid choosing these fabrics. However, the ugliest fabrics that are harmful to the environment are-

1. Nylon
2. Spandex
3. Fleece
4. Leather
5. Virgin Polyester
6. Fur
7. PVC
8. Angora
9. Faux-fur, etc.

Conclusion

It is our duty to protect the plant. All the living beings on earth are interconnected. Textile industries are heavily responsible for damaging the eco-system. But there are a large number of eco-friendly fabrics that ensure the betterment of the eco-system and environment. Among them, some are better, some are a bit murkier and some are worse. This article will help you choose the eco-friendly fabrics that will help to keep the planet safe.