By Kristie Hayes
Organic clothing is made from natural resources that were grown in accordance with agricultural practices that must be met for a product to be considered organic. Other than that, most material that is used to make clothing can be considered organic if cultivated in a certain way.
· Organic Cotton- Similar to conventional cotton but grown in accordance with organic farm practices. Any product made of conventional cotton (clothing, bedding, etc.) can be made with organic cotton.
· Organic Bamboo – From bamboo grass, it has become known for being very soft, lightweight yet durable. It also has antibacterial properties and wicks moisture making it an ideal material for sportswear. It is also hypoallergenic and a good alternative for people allergic to hemp and wool. It also helps people stay comfortable in hot or cold weather.
· Organic Soy- It is said to be stronger than wool, silk or cotton. Like bamboo, it wicks away moisture. Superior to cotton in ventilation, it is very good at retaining warmth and does not shrink or wrinkle.
· Organic Hemp – Comes from the Cannabis genus and is known for being soft and durable. It is used to manufacture biodegradable plastics, textiles, jewelry, paper and healthy food. It is a tough plant and does not need pesticides to fight off insects. The texture of hemp clothing can be compared to linen. Hemp use in the United States in currently illegal.
· Organic Wool-Similar to conventional wool except the sheep are raised according to organic farming standards. Any wool item currently manufactured can be made with organic wool.
· Organic Silk- Originates from protein secretions of silkworms that are raised in an environment free of pesticides and herbicides. They are allowed to live out their natural lives. Raw silk is a biodegradable product.
· Jute- A vegetable fiber that is long, soft and shiny from plants of the genus Corchorus. It is the cheapest natural fiber available.
The standard begins on the land where the animals are raised and the seeds are planted. Seeds cannot be genetically modified and pesticides and herbicides and hormones are banned from being used on land where organic products are grown. Animals such as sheep cannot have antibiotics, hormones and other additives put into their diet and are raised humanely and have enough land to graze on so they stay healthy. Animals on an organic farm cannot be treated with chemicals such as pesticides and antibiotics. These practices prevent the land and other organisms on the land from being exposed to harmful chemicals, either through direct application or animal waste, which are often very toxic to an ecosystem.
Chemicals are not usually necessary to make the clothing and the process does not produce harmful chemicals that are released into the environment. One exception is bamboo in which the pulp is soaked in sodium hydroxide or a natural enzyme, but these chemicals will not harm the environment or people exposed to it. Not only is the consumer not exposed to harmful chemicals, but the employees who work in the organic clothing factories are not exposed to them. Synthetic dyes are not to be used in organic clothing but natural ones from flower blossoms, berries, bark and roots can be used to give the fabric color and still be considered organic. When the life of the product is ended and it is thrown away, chemicals do not leak into the earth.
Part of the reason many people buy organic clothing is that they do not want to be exposed to harsh chemicals, so it makes sense that the same standards applying when cleaning it. For organic clothing that is naturally dyed, it should be washed before even wearing it and by itself the first 1-3 times since it is likely that the dye will come off the first few times. Turn the item inside out, use the delicate cycle, remove it as soon as it is done and dry it on low or let it air dry. Do not take organic clothing to be dry-cleaned and do not bleach it and be careful using other stain removing products. There are organic detergents available that are free of harmful chemical, dyes and scents. Detergents with plant- and vegetable-based ingredients instead of petroleum-based are more environmentally friendly. Organic clothes are more expensive than non-organic clothing because the farms’ crop yields are typically lower due to not using pesticides and herbicides and they have fewer animals, so it is important to take care of them so they have a long, chemical-free life.
Organic clothing is made from natural resources that were grown in accordance with agricultural practices that must be met for a product to be considered organic. Other than that, most material that is used to make clothing can be considered organic if cultivated in a certain way.
· Organic Cotton- Similar to conventional cotton but grown in accordance with organic farm practices. Any product made of conventional cotton (clothing, bedding, etc.) can be made with organic cotton.
· Organic Bamboo – From bamboo grass, it has become known for being very soft, lightweight yet durable. It also has antibacterial properties and wicks moisture making it an ideal material for sportswear. It is also hypoallergenic and a good alternative for people allergic to hemp and wool. It also helps people stay comfortable in hot or cold weather.
· Organic Soy- It is said to be stronger than wool, silk or cotton. Like bamboo, it wicks away moisture. Superior to cotton in ventilation, it is very good at retaining warmth and does not shrink or wrinkle.
· Organic Hemp – Comes from the Cannabis genus and is known for being soft and durable. It is used to manufacture biodegradable plastics, textiles, jewelry, paper and healthy food. It is a tough plant and does not need pesticides to fight off insects. The texture of hemp clothing can be compared to linen. Hemp use in the United States in currently illegal.
· Organic Wool-Similar to conventional wool except the sheep are raised according to organic farming standards. Any wool item currently manufactured can be made with organic wool.
· Organic Silk- Originates from protein secretions of silkworms that are raised in an environment free of pesticides and herbicides. They are allowed to live out their natural lives. Raw silk is a biodegradable product.
· Jute- A vegetable fiber that is long, soft and shiny from plants of the genus Corchorus. It is the cheapest natural fiber available.
The standard begins on the land where the animals are raised and the seeds are planted. Seeds cannot be genetically modified and pesticides and herbicides and hormones are banned from being used on land where organic products are grown. Animals such as sheep cannot have antibiotics, hormones and other additives put into their diet and are raised humanely and have enough land to graze on so they stay healthy. Animals on an organic farm cannot be treated with chemicals such as pesticides and antibiotics. These practices prevent the land and other organisms on the land from being exposed to harmful chemicals, either through direct application or animal waste, which are often very toxic to an ecosystem.
Chemicals are not usually necessary to make the clothing and the process does not produce harmful chemicals that are released into the environment. One exception is bamboo in which the pulp is soaked in sodium hydroxide or a natural enzyme, but these chemicals will not harm the environment or people exposed to it. Not only is the consumer not exposed to harmful chemicals, but the employees who work in the organic clothing factories are not exposed to them. Synthetic dyes are not to be used in organic clothing but natural ones from flower blossoms, berries, bark and roots can be used to give the fabric color and still be considered organic. When the life of the product is ended and it is thrown away, chemicals do not leak into the earth.
Part of the reason many people buy organic clothing is that they do not want to be exposed to harsh chemicals, so it makes sense that the same standards applying when cleaning it. For organic clothing that is naturally dyed, it should be washed before even wearing it and by itself the first 1-3 times since it is likely that the dye will come off the first few times. Turn the item inside out, use the delicate cycle, remove it as soon as it is done and dry it on low or let it air dry. Do not take organic clothing to be dry-cleaned and do not bleach it and be careful using other stain removing products. There are organic detergents available that are free of harmful chemical, dyes and scents. Detergents with plant- and vegetable-based ingredients instead of petroleum-based are more environmentally friendly. Organic clothes are more expensive than non-organic clothing because the farms’ crop yields are typically lower due to not using pesticides and herbicides and they have fewer animals, so it is important to take care of them so they have a long, chemical-free life.
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