Why opt for organic? It’s a question that comes up a lot but it’s become a word used frequently but without much thought as to what organic actually means.
You’re probably reading this as a conscious consumer wanting to make a difference to minimise your footprint on the planet. So, it’s important to consider the impact our choices have on the environment. One area that often gets overlooked within the fashion industry (aside from the fabric dyes and manufacturing practices) is the fabric itself. We know that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, and a large part of that is due to the use of synthetic fabrics.
Remember ‘microplastics’ and how outraged we were that it was in our face scrubs? Well, synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are made from petroleum-based materials and they also release microplastics into the environment during their production and disposal. These microplastics end up in our oceans, polluting the water and harming marine life. Not a great picture we’re painting is it?
But there is some light, on the other hand, organic fabrics such as cotton, linen, and hemp are grown without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are also better for the farmers who grow them and the workers who produce them.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, organic fabrics are also more durable and breathable than synthetic fabrics. They are comfortable to wear and can last longer if they are properly taken care of.
So, next time you’re shopping for clothes, consider choosing organic fabrics. And protecting the environment isn’t enough, then maybe just think of your body, the skin is our largest organ. If you’re careful about what you put into it, then maybe it’s time to consider what you put over it.
Of course as conscious consumers the answer is always to buy less, but if you’re buying then maybe we do need to make conscious choices about the clothes we wear. By choosing organic fabrics, we can reduce our impact on the environment and support sustainable farming practices. Also, buying good quality items means you’re automatically buying less, or at the very least you’re able to pass on a quality item to someone else when you’re done with it.
It’s just small steps like these, that if everyone takes will make a huge impact. Let’s all make a commitment to making more sustainable choices in our everyday lives.
You can find a great selection of plastic fashion alternatives such as Braintree with their natural hemp, bamboo and organic collections, Fatface also have a great range of organic fabrics for men and women, Komodo have a vast collection of organic and natural fabrics
