What is Green Clothing?
Introduction
There are a number of types of green clothing, and it can be confusing to know just what green clothing is and what the differences are between the types. As a consumer, you want to know what you are looking for and what types of green, or “eco-friendly” clothing you wish to buy, depending on your beliefs, what your family needs, and your budget.
Let’s look at some of the major types of green clothing and give some clear definitions to help you choose what is best for you.
- Organic Green Clothing
Organic green clothing is clothing made from materials that are completely organic in origin, whether from plant (cotton, hemp, bamboo, etc.) or animal sources (wool, alpaca, silk, etc.). Organic is where no chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals have been used in the growing or manufacturing processes.
- Natural (Fiber) Green Clothing
Natural fiber clothing that is made from sustainable, renewable and recyclable sources is considered to be green in that the fibers used can be returned or composted to the earth in a natural cycle. Fibers falling under this category include cotton, silk, wool, linen, hemp, and bamboo.
- Recycled Green Clothing
Recycled green clothing can either be clothing that is being reused – those that have been previously used and either repurchased for use or those that have been reprocessed broken down again by manufacturers for reuse in clothing.
Notes about Producing and Processing Green Clothing
To make this a bit more complicated, there are varying growing and processing factors that affect the final products of green clothing, and that may also affect whether you want to purchase them.
- Organic Production and Processing
USDA requirements for organic certification are that no chemicals have been used on soil for growing for 3 years. However, this standard only applies to food plants, and would include cotton, for example, which is an important food source. It does not apply to non-food plants cultivated for fiber production. - Natural Production and Processing
Some green clothing is made by adding other natural fibers (such as wood pulp, soy, and corn) in the textile manufacturing process and labeled eco-friendly, since all of the fibers would re-compost. A lot of energy is expended in the process and a side effect may be the deforestation of natural areas for commercial growing purposes, and there may be many chemicals added during the process. - Recycled Fibers and Clothing
Traditional existing clothing or fabrics that are recycled or reprocessed to create new clothing may include synthetics and chemical additives, such as those that might include the use of recycled plastic to create “eco-fleece” and other non-organic/non- natural fabrics. This might prove to be what you need to fit your budget, however.
But be congratulated—whether you are a green newbie or a seasoned green consumer, you are helping the environment by buying green clothing.
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