Clothing labels typically reveal what fibers were used to make a garment and how to clean it. However, those labels don't outline all the chemical finishes applied to the garment or the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, even clothing made from natural fibers can contain toxic chemicals. Here's how to look for eco-friendly clothing.
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Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Understand that clothing made from acrylic, nylon and other synthetic fibers contains plastics. They're made from petrochemicals, and some consumer advocates question whether there are toxic effects associated with wearing plastic fibers. Therefore, rayon clothing is a better option because it is composed of cellulose, which is found in plants. Still, petrochemicals are used to break down the cellulose so that it can be turned into thread.
2
Know that fabrics often are treated with formaldehyde finishes. Such finishes are intended to create no-iron cotton fabrics, and they make nylon flameproof. It's best to wash new clothing before wearing it to remove excess finishes. Note that wool is naturally fire-resistant. People allergic to wool may not have a reaction to unbleached wool clothing, because the allergy may actually be linked to bleach and dyes.
3
Choose clothing made from natural fibers, but consider even the creation of natural-fiber clothing can have an adverse environmental impact. For example, cotton is said to be the most contaminated natural material, since fungicides and pesticides are consistently used to grow cotton. More cotton is being grown organically to produce eco-friendly clothing. Organic-cotton growers don't use pesticides, and manufacturers of organic-cotton clothing often use dyes that are less toxic.
4
Note that some retailers offer clothing made from fabric blends that combine organic cotton with recycled fibers, such as polyester. Others sell sandals made from a combination of recycled foam and rubber.
5
Look for clothing made from bamboo. Retailers who sell clothing made with bamboo fibers say it's naturally anti-microbial, meaning it requires no chemicals to prevent the growth of bacteria. Additionally, bamboo is grown without pesticides and naturally replenishes itself.
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