Eco-Friendly-Clothing

The production of clothing has many environmental impacts, including:

Microplastics

An estimated 35% of microplastics in global waters come from washing synthetic clothes. (imeche.org, 2018)

Personal Health

The chemicals used in the production of synthetic fibers, as well as the dyes and finishes applied to them, can have adverse effects on personal health.

Carbon emissions

Fashion production accounts for 10% of humanity's carbon emissions. Synthetic materials like polyester are energy intensive and lead to high levels of CO2 emissions. (Business Insider, 2019)

Water & pollution

It can take up to 700 gallons of water to manufacture one cotton t-shirt. Cotton production is responsible for 22.5% of insecticide use worldwide. About 20% of industrial water pollution is due to garment manufacturing. The world uses 5 trillion liters of water each year for fabric dyeing. (WWF, 2014)

Economic impact

The massive demand for the latest fashion at the lowest price has resulted in a typical piece of clothing being worn only 7 times (Dana Thomas, WSJ, 2019). We typically only wear half of the clothes we own!

So what can you do about it?

The ecological impacts and their solutions are a complex topic, which is constantly changing. However, there are some strategies that clearly help.

The selection of materials for clothing production is a critical aspect of fashion that directly affects not only the environment but also our personal health and well-being. Let's delve into the significance of material choice, focusing on the environmental and health benefits of natural fibers like organic cotton, bamboo viscose rayon, while also highlighting the importance of reducing synthetic fibers.

Avoiding incorporating plastic in the materials used to manufacture our clothes is clearly going to reduce the number of microplastic fibers released into the environment, but it has been shown that cotton blends also drastically reduce their release. (De Francesca & Pace et al, 2019)

Alterra is committed to providing you with high quality clothes made from materials that have no more than 5% synthetic fibers.

Personal Health: The chemicals used in the production of synthetic fibers, as well as the dyes and finishes applied to them, can have adverse effects on personal health. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, allergies, and even more severe health issues when exposed to the skin for extended periods. (Anderson & Meade, 2014)

Breathability and Comfort: Natural fibers like cotton and Bamboo viscose rayon are known for their breathability and comfort. They are less likely to cause skin-related issues when compared to synthetic materials, which can trap moisture and heat.

Pesticide and Herbicide Reduction: Organic fabrics, particularly organic cotton, play a vital role in reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides and herbicides. This has positive implications for soil health, local ecosystems, and the health of farmworkers.

Longevity and Durability: Well made clothes, crafted from appropriate materials, and given the correct care, last longer. This longevity reduces the frequency of purchases and the disposal of clothing, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Water Conservation: Sourcing natural fibers from organic cotton and bamboo can be more water efficient compared to using conventional cotton. (WWF, 2014) By choosing clothing made from these materials, we can contribute to water conservation efforts, which are crucial in regions prone to water scarcity.

In Summary

The choice of materials used in clothing we purchase is a pivotal factor in mitigating the environmental impact of the fashion industry and safeguarding our personal health. Natural fibers like cotton offer more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic fabrics. By making informed choices about the materials we wear, we can collectively reduce water consumption, pollution, pesticide and herbicide use, chemical exposure, and textile waste, thereby promoting a healthier planet and healthier lifestyles.

Our Journey Forward

We've curated a selection of products that steer clear of polyester and materials containing a significant amount of synthetics. These items are carefully sourced to ensure competitive pricing. Our goal is to expand our product range to include materials such as Better Cotton and Organic Cotton, giving you a broader selection and greater opportunities to make a positive impact.

REFERENCES

imeche.org, Engineering out fashion waste, 13 Sep 2018

Anderson & Meade, National Library of Medicine, 2014 Dec 17

McFall-Johnson, businessinsider.com, 2019 Oct 21

World Wildlife Fund, Spring Magazine 2014, page 1

Dana Thomas, The High Price of Fast Fashion, 2019 Aug 29

De Falco, Di Pace, Cocca, The contribution of washing processes of synthetic clothes to microplastic pollution, 29 April 2019

Shanthi Radhakrishnan, in Sustainable Fibres and Textiles, 2017

bettercotton.org