What is a disposable diaper? 

Disposable diapers are made of absorbent materials and are disposed of after use. They’re usually worn by infants, young children, elderly people, people with physical or mental disability, and pet animals. 

Disposable diapers are convenient but come with a price that is twofold. They’re expensive and may put a dent on many people’s budget. The other cost associated with disposable diapers is the environmental cost. 

Disposable diapers are compatible with all current methods of solid waste management including:

• Recycling
• Incineration for energy recovery 
• Composting and biogasification
• Landfills

Why is it hard for disposable diapers to decompose?

You might be shocked to know that a disposable diaper takes up to 500 years to decompose if thrown out on a landfill. Disposable diapers are hard to decompose because they’re not made of eco-friendly materials.

A few chemicals that are known to exist in diapers include Tributyltin, Petroleum, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Dioxin. Other problematic substances that are often found in diapers are fragrances, dyes, and phthalates. Such chemical components truly explain why it takes so long for a disposable diaper to decompose.

Every year, around 20 billion disposable diapers are dumped into our landfills. Well, that’s a lot! Around 2% of the world’s landfills are made of used disposable diapers. 

Millions of tons of plastic waste in the form of disposable diapers are added to our landfills each year. These used diapers don’t decompose well in landfills. For decomposition, disposable diapers need to be exposed to oxygen and sunlight. 

Their harmful effects as waste in the environment

Disposable diapers have the potential of becoming a public health hazard. When you throw these dirty diapers into the trash, they can endanger the health of sanitation workers who might come in contact with the trash. Also, if landfills aren’t correctly constructed, bacteria from dirty diapers may go into the groundwater and can contaminate it.

Over 100 viruses can be detected in human feces and many of them can live for months outside the body.

Some of the bacteria and viruses present in human feces are gastrointestinal viruses, hepatitis, E. coli, norovirus, salmonella, and polio.

How to dispose of diapers: The proper way

Looking for ways to be sustainable? We have compiled some useful information about disposing diapers safely and how to live sustainably:

• Dump diaper content in the toilet 

Fecal matter isn’t supposed to end up in landfills. Although every mommy skips this step, the first step is to dump any fecal matter from the diaper into the toilet. It helps to reduce odor and bacteria growth while making it easier to dispose of the diaper without making a mess. To do this, you gently shake fecal matter into the toilet and flush.

• Wrap up the diaper

The next step is to wrap up the diaper as tightly as possible into a tight ball. It’ll help secure the remaining fecal waste in the diaper and reduce risk of spillage. Try to secure the diaper by wrapping the tabs on the back of the dirty diaper around the front.

• Place the diaper in a sealed container 

To keep your home smelling fresh, place the dirty diaper in a sealed container. It’ll trap the foul smell of the diapers, keeping your home smelling fresh. Places you can dispose of diapers are your home, a friend’s outdoor garbage can, park trash can, a public bathroom, and airplane trash can.

• Dispose of the diaper when you’re out

Once the diaper is safely sealed, it’s the time to decide whether to keep it or toss it. If you are at home, just throw the diaper away. However, if you are out and about, prevent others from the hazards and the residual smells of the dirty diaper. It’s best to tuck it in your bag and toss it at home.

Places to avoid disposing of diapers include doctor’s office, friend’s bathroom or kitchen, outside where there is no trash receptacle, and small, enclosed spaces.

• Wash your hands

Even if you have no visible fecal residue on your hands, you can still harbor bacteria and viruses. So, wash your hands with soap and water to keep them safe and clean. You can use a hand sanitizer if you don’t have easy access to soap and water.

Conclusion

Whether you are at your home or on the go, good hygiene is very important when disposing of a dirty diaper properly. If you’re making a switch to more sustainable living, you must learn how to dispose of diapers properly. Using these tips will keep the smell and bacteria at bay and prevent endangering others to the hazards of fecal matter.

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Shopping for sustainable winter coats

Do you know that the clothing industry contributes up to 10 percent of the pollution that’s driving the climate crisis.

Well, there are tons of sustainable brands options to help you stay eco-friendly and warm this season. Here are our top picks for ethical and sustainable winter coat brands:

• Finisterre

Finisterre has achieved a leading place for itself in the rapidly evolving field of sustainable fashion. The brand produces eco-friendly coats, waterproof raincoats, sustainable parka, and ethical jackets.

Finisterre takes pride in Leave No Trace garment bags that are ocean-friendly, 100% water soluble, and biodegradable. They also offer durable and sustainable backpacks for outdoorsy people.

• Patagonia

Using clean design and responsible innovation, Patagonia is an eco-friendly clothing brand that explores the connections between sustainability and style. Their sustainable long coats might make the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. 

Patagonia ensures that 94% of their line uses recycled materials. They grow their cotton organically and have pledged 1 percent of their sales to the restoration and preservation of the natural environment.

• Askov Finlayson

Askov Finlayson is an American clothing brand founded in 2011. They strive to make a contribution to a sustainable future by creating garments with a focus on sustainability, quality, and timeless design. 

Askov Finlayson’s selection of eco-friendly clothing includes sustainable parka and other durable winter outerwear designed with high-performance features and recycled materials.

• Quince

Quince is a brand of comfy and practical winter clothing that is eco-friendly. It uses minimalistic packaging and eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. You will find both men’s and women’s high-quality, sustainable winter coats and parkas. 

• Wuxly

Inspired by a love of wildlife, Wuxly prides itself in providing high-quality, warmest, sustainable, and cruelty-free outerwear. With options for both women and men, Wuxly is a great choice for ethical and sustainable winter coats. The sizes ranges from XS to XXL in both men’s and women’s collection.

Wuxly ensures that it sources the latest eco-friendly materials that are long-lasting and cause minimal harm to the planet. This sustainable clothing brand offers the Trade-Up program for $100 off to help both humans and animals stay warm.

• Apricoat

Apricoat is a sustainable clothing brand offering classic winter coats that are sustainably produced and thoughtfully crafted. The brand uses green shipping and produces clothing that’s perfect for harsh climate and made of 100% recycled materials. 

All the sustainable winter clothing are made of recycled plastic bottles, that means less ocean plastic. Apricoat also frequently participates in numerous donation programs and donates to several causes.

• Ministry of Supply

Ministry of Supply is a sustainable clothing brand founded by two MIT graduates in 2012. The sustainable fashion brand offers great designs for both men and women

They offer winter coats that are made from some of the best eco-friendly materials. according to the highest eco-friendly and ethical standards at every step of their supply chain.

• Another Tomorrow

Another Tomorrow has reinvented the fashion industry for a more sustainable future. Their sustainable winter coats are manufactured using the most eco-friendly materials. They use sustainable materials like organic linen and cotton, TENCEL, ethical wool and recycled cashmere.

• ThokkThokk

ThokkThokk is a sustainable clothing brand that makes sustainable, vegan clothing accessible for everyone. They use eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing processes while keeping the costs of their clothing low. They use sustainable materials like TENCEL™ lyocell, organic cotton, kapok, and various other recycled materials to manufacture their products.

• MATT & NAT

Matt & Nat is a eco-friendly clothing brand with collections focusing on originality, quality, usefulness, and environmental consciousness. They create stylish, comfy, and sustainable winter coats using recyclable fabrics, such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, plastic water bottles, and rubber. The company has strong emphasis on sustainability, modern look, and cruelty-free designs. 

• prAna

PrAna is a sustainable clothing brand that used a sustainable and Earth-conscious design approach. The brand offers high-quality winter coats for both men and women. There outfits are well-suited for travel, yoga, and outdoorsy people. The sizes range from XS-XL.

Conclusion 

Choosing sustainability wherever you can is just what we all need. When shopping for your next winter coat this season, just remember to go for sustainable winter coat brands. You can trust any of the eco-friendly brands featured in this article. Not all brands are unkind to the planet and animals. 

The post 11 Sustainable Long Coats and Winter Coats To Keep You Warm appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability means the ability to meet your needs and develop without depleting the natural resources for future generations. In addition to natural resources, economic and social resources are also equally important. So, sustainability is about preserving the ecosystem when utilizing the available physical, natural, and social resources.

The main concept of sustainability is built on 3 pillars:

• Environmental Sustainability: It focuses on the well-being of the environment and includes air quality, water quality, and reduction of pollution and other environmental stressors. It involves efforts, rules and regulations to deal with environmental issues.
• Social Sustainability: It includes environmental justice, education, resource security, and human health, among other vital social elements of society. It involves planning, special initiatives, public policies, and laws supporting social issues.
• Economic Sustainability: It includes job creation, profitability, and proper accounting of ecosystem services for optimal cost-benefit analyses.

These three intertwined categories provide a framework for managing complicated sustainability issues. They’re often referred to as the planet, people, and profit.

Sustainability: fun facts

Here are some facts about sustainability that can be very useful and interesting to know.

1. Energy accounts for at least 60 percent of the total global greenhouse gases emission.
2. China emits almost 10,357 metric CO2 tons, making it the TOP polluter in the world, followed by the USA.
3. Carbon dioxide emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 to limit problems related to climate change.
4. Housing activities and transportation are the main contributors to carbon dioxide.
5. Paper made from scratch produces almost 25 percent more emissions than recycled paper does.
6. Germany has the highest recycling rate in the whole world.
7. Recycling newspapers can save around 250 million trees per year!
8. Replacing all the light bulbs in the planet with energy-efficient ones can save around $127 billion each year!
9. Use of water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and fittings can reduce your home’s water usage by nearly 45 percent.

Some examples of sustainability include:

• Renewable energy: Renewable energy sources provide an inexhaustible energy supply that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and less damaging for public health.
• Water treatment: It reduces the volume of water waste that is released into our ecosystem. Water treatment eliminates harmful contaminants from water and converts into clean water. 
• Crop rotation: This practice involves planting different crop types on the same land over successive seasons. Crop rotation improves soil structure, reduces soil erosion, greenhouse gas emissions, the risk of nitrate, and water pollution.

Sustainability: Zero Waste Movement: The Zero Waste movement is a great example of sustainability. It encourages people to use all the resources circularly. The ultimate goal of zero-waste is to avoid resources ending up as trash in landfills and the oceans.

Why is sustainability important?

The motivation behind sustainability is often very diverse. It’s tough to create a complete list of reasons why people are making efforts towards sustainability. 

Well, for most of us, sustainable living maintains the well-being of the environment and our future generations. Sustainability protects our ecosystem, improves the quality of our lives, and preserves the resources for future generations. 

Here are some of the benefits of sustainability:

• Sustainability means reduction in energy usage
• It reduces your carbon footprint and the number of toxins released into the atmosphere, which means less pollution
• Sustainability leads to overall reduction of operating costs
• Sustainability refers to responsible consumption and production
• Ensures a healthy living and a safe future for all

How to live a sustainable lifestyle?

Sustainability encourages businesses, people, and politicians, to make long-term decisions while taking future generations into account. Sustainable living considers more than the loss or profit involved in the short run. Here are some ideas of how to live sustainably and make a difference.

• Introduce renewable energy sources

Try to introduce renewable energy sources in your home. Any reduction in reliance on traditional energy sources will help decrease global carbon emissions.

• Cut down on plastic #GoPlasticFree 

You may not completely omit plastic from your life, but you can start cutting down on plastic waste. Avoid single-use plastic water bottles and products that are packaged in plastic. Always use reusable bags when you shop at the grocery store. #GoPlasticFree

• Purchase sustainable items

Every product that we purchase has an impact on the environment. Buy items that are considered sustainable and eco-friendly. This will encourage businesses to adapt their products and practices to serve our desires.

• Conserve water

With an ever-growing population, there’s an increased demand for water sources and risk of unprecedented droughts. You can conserve water by fixing leaky toilets, taking shorter showers, and choosing low-water appliance options.

• Swap out your single-use items

Single-use disposable items end up as trash and populate our landfills and oceans. Swapping out these single-use disposable products for more durable and reusable items can make a big difference. 

Conclusion

Our planet’s resources are finite! We can’t sustain and achieve economic growth if we deplete our natural resources.

Does sustainable living matter to you? Are you looking for ways to be sustainable and trying to live a sustainable lifestyle? We would love to know your thoughts on sustainability!

The post What is Sustainability? appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Tentree

Very few sustainable clothing brands come close to Tentree when it comes to combining extravagance with eco-friendliness. This Canadian clothing giant is blazing the fashion trail by planting ten trees when one product is sold. These tree-planting exploits have produced over 30 million trees around the globe since the company’s inception. Other eco-friendly initiatives that Tentree undertakes include using renewable energy and recycling its packaging. 

ABLE

It is impossible to discuss sustainable turtleneck brands without mentioning ABLE. This fashion juggernaut focuses on employing and empowering women through ethical apparel production. At ABLE, stakeholders believe that such an approach is vital in ending poverty and improving community living standards. Regarding apparel production, ABLE contributes to sustainability by using fully organic cotton from a zero-waste factory. Other sustainability efforts that ABLE supports include water purification and package recycling.

Cuyana

One of the most ingenious ways to produce sustainable turtlenecks is Cuyana’s “fewer, better” policy. This policy allows the company to produce clothing responsibly by offering repair warranties, supporting donations, and reselling second-hand items. Cuyana also promotes sustainability by only working with factories that are near raw-material sources. Such a move eliminates the large amounts of greenhouse gases accompanying long-distance transportation.  

Reformation

Reformation is a climate-neutral cloth manufacturing company that prides itself on producing stylish and sustainable garments from ethically sourced materials like linen, Tencel, and recycled cotton. This fashion leader also supports sustainability by showing its customers how the manufacturing process of each product reduces carbon emissions. Other eco-friendly initiatives that Reformation undertakes include saving energy, minimizing waste, and recycling    

Made Trade  

Made trade is a fashion establishment that focuses on increasing the accessibility of ethical and sustainable home products. This retail company uses eco-friendly materials like linen, organic cotton, and hemp to produce sustainable sweaters and cardigans with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Other environmentally friendly steps that Made Trade commits to include recycling, upcycling, and zero synthetic materials.

Sézane

The one thing making Sezane one of the world’s most renowned sustainable brands is the philosophy behind its existence. This Paris-based clothing company believes in creating high-quality and stylish outfits that clients can wear forever. Sezane’s diverse pool of exceptional artisans ensures these standards are maintained by using ethically-sourced raw materials in eco-friendly ways. Such ways create unique products like sustainable cardigans and sweaters. Other sustainability efforts that Sezane undertakes include using renewable energy and shipping boxes made from recycled cardboard.

VETTA

VETTA is a clothing company that prioritizes simplicity and ethical manufacturing in creating sustainable turtlenecks, sweaters, and cardigans. This woman-owned fashion label believes in creating thoughtful wardrobes that convey respect for people and the environment. VETTA achieves such respect by ethically sourcing sustainable fabrics of the highest quality for product manufacturing. The packaging at VETTA is also recycled to support sustainability.

Pact

Pact is a clothing company that supports ethical and sustainable fashion by using organic materials and fair trade plants to create stunning outfits. This textile giant believes in establishing transparent supply chains that benefit fabric producers directly. Other efforts that make Pact stand out in sustainable clothing include excellent waste management, biodegradable packaging, and recycling.

Toad&Co

The list of sustainable clothing brands is incomplete without giving a shout-out to Toad&Co. This eco-friendly fashion label uses sustainable practices to produce stylish, seasonal outfits throughout the year. The main factor contributing to Toad&Co’s good environmental rating is incorporating organic cotton and renewable energy into its supply chain. Other sustainability efforts that Toad&Co supports include minimizing waste and providing suitable working conditions.  

Fair Indigo

Fair Indigo has been producing inspiring, eco-friendly attires under fair trade regulations for the better part of the last decade. This innovative fashion retailer offers transparency to clients by separating its products into different sustainability ratings, including organic, vegan, recycled, and USA-made. Fair Indigo also uses non-toxic dyes, water treatment, and waste management efforts to support sustainability.

Whimsy & Row

Whimsy & Row is part of the new wave of eco-friendly brands that support modern women in achieving style and sustainability. This lifestyle label contributes to sustainability by using organic fabrics and recycled materials in garment production. Whimsy & Row also engages in local manufacturing, reducing the greenhouse gas emitted during transportation.

BackBeat Co.

California-based Back Beat Co. is a fashion company that combines vintage and modern styles in producing chic and comfortable outfits. BackBeat Co. supports sustainability by using low-impact materials like recycled cotton, organic cotton, deadstock fabric, Tencel, and hemp in production. BackBeat Co. is also responsible for waste management and packaging to boost eco-friendliness.   

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A list of the best sustainable turtleneck brands under the sun. Now you can rock up in style without worrying about hurting Mother Nature with toxic substances.

The post 12 Eco-Friendly Turtlenecks to Keep You Cozy This Winter appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Fairtrade has numerous benefits beyond paying food producers more money and establishing a fair compensation plan for workers. This article is the ultimate guide to understanding the meaning, examples, facts, reasons, roles, and challenges behind the concept of fair trade. Keep on reading to learn deep insights into the application of fair trade as a solution to contemporary problems.

What is fair trade?

So, what is fair trade? The meaning of fair trade can vary depending on how each stakeholder perceives its role in benefiting them. In a general sense, fair trade is a quality control system that aims to establish equitable and sustainable trade relationships between agricultural producers in developing countries and the rest of the global economy.

Workers and farmers in such countries understand fair trade as a vehicle through which they can achieve better working conditions and higher compensation. For consumers, fair trade is a way of accessing high-quality and ethical products while supporting farmers to achieve equality in the global business environment. With such equality, we can foster climate-friendly agricultural methods and the development of women in commercial leadership. 

Although fair trade is commonly applied in food production, it can also cover other products in developing nations’ domestic markets, like handicrafts, gold, and flowers. Organizations that label such products define fair trade as an integrity and dialogue-based commercial partnership seeking greater fair play in universal trade.  

Examples and facts

The existence of fair trade for the last two and a half decades has not stopped many people from developing myths and misconceptions about it. Let us examine a few facts and examples that can debunk such myths.

Fact One – What is Fair Trade vs. Fairtrade International?

There is a vast difference between Fair Trade and Fairtrade International. Fair Trade is the equitable concept of promoting sustainable living through better international trading conditions. Such conditions include higher wages, elimination of child labor, upholding human rights, and gender equality. On the other hand, Fairtrade International is a non-governmental organization that provides certification to farmers from developing countries to help market their products.  

Fact Two- Fairtrade Producers

There are various Fairtrade production stakeholders, including producer organizations, workers, and farmers. Globally, there are 1707 producer organizations, with a country distribution of 38%. Such organizations receive a Fairtrade monetary premium that enables them to fulfill various functions, including servicing farmers, training, purchasing agricultural equipment, and housing improvements.     

Workers and farmers in the Fairtrade system are about 1.7 million, with 25% being women. On average, each Fairtrade farmer has 5 hectares of land to grow their produce. Fairtrade farmers follow specific ways to be sustainable in production. Such ways include soil improvement, pest management, using harmless chemicals, protecting biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

One of the best examples of optimal Fairtrade production is Divine Chocolate. This agricultural company which started as a cooperative is moving mountains in the global chocolate market by facilitating Fairtrade through women empowerment and advocating against child labor.

Fact Three- Fairtrade and UK consumers

Since its inception, The UK has been a significant supporter of Fair Trade, contributing an estimated 1 billion euros in sales premiums. Currently, over 80% of UK shoppers believe in the intention, certification, and production mechanisms resident in the Fair Trade system. Shopping statistics reflect this belief, with 25% of UK shoppers purchasing Fair Trade products regularly.

Why is fair trade important?

Learning how to live sustainably is impossible without understanding the importance of fair trade. Fair trade is vital in combatting the harsh effects of unfair and unethical commercial practices on the international scene. Through fair trade, farmers can receive fair monetary compensation for their produce, enabling them to feed their families and pay fair wages to their workers.

What is its role in the current state of the environment

Economic Role

One of the economic roles of Fairtrade is supporting farmers by establishing a minimum price through which they can sell their produce profitably. Fairtrade organizations also empower farmers to establish cooperative societies that give them better bargaining power within their products’ supply chain. Other economic roles of fair trade in the current state of the environment include improving access to farming services and supporting better agricultural methods.

Environmental Role

Fairtrade contributes to environmental and climatic care by establishing standards that address critical areas like green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating GMO products, waste management, and protecting biodiversity. Such standards grant training to farmers on switching to agricultural practices that increase nutrient quality in soils and reduce pets.

Social Role

Fair trade contributes socially to farmers by encouraging them to learn and voice their rights through collective bargaining when negotiating for better working conditions. Fairtrade standards also advocate for the investment of premiums into gender equality, education, and the provision of social amenities to workers. Such investment is essential in improving life quality in rural areas.

How can we solve problems related to this

There are numerous problems related to fair trade, including costly certification, expensive products, poor distribution of administrative fees, and limited success. The best way to solve such problems is to eliminate the unethical practices that prevent fair trade gains from directly impacting the producers.  

Conclusion

Improving the global quality of life is the responsibility of all universal citizens. We can all work together to achieve sustainable living by investing in fair trade products that improve our world’s economic, social, and environmental well-being.

The post What is Fair Trade? appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

Despite its benefits to our overall well-being, not many people know that several aspects of traveling leave harmful effects to our environment. In fact, the very nature of traveling itself—being on the move—is one of the leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions in our planet.

In 2013, the tourism industry was responsible for roughly 8% of our global carbon footprint. This is a steep growth compared to about 3% in 2005. Not surprisingly, the combustion of fuels by the transportation sector is the predominant contributor to tourism’s carbon footprint.¹

Thankfully, there are several travel practices that could lower your environmental impact while helping you create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

1. Schedule your travel during off-season

Tourists flock their favorite destinations during peak season. The sudden influx of visitors during this period can cause pollution, climate change, depletion of natural resources, and degradation of landscape sites. What’s more, the excess number of tourists during your visit can also taint your personal experience of the whole trip.

To avoid overcrowding, make sure to research local events, holidays, and weather ahead of your visit. Then schedule your trip at a time of the year when there are fewer visitors coming to their town.

2. Travel with small-group tour operators

This practice comes with many benefits. For one, traveling this way puts lesser burden on environmental resources compared to traveling with larger number of people. Plus, traveling in smaller groups will allow you and your fellow group members to interact better and get an unrefined insight of your destination.

3. Pack light and bring reusable items with you

Since fuel consumption of planes is directly related to their take-off weight, keeping your luggage compact and light will reduce the payload of the aircraft. Additionally, bringing eco-friendly items like reusable water bottle, stainless steel cutlery, fast-drying towel, and mesh drawstring bags will ensure that your production of waste during your trip is kept to a minimum.

4. Always prioritize public transport over private vehicles

When traveling in solo or in smaller groups, it is always ideal to utilize public transportation as it decreases the greenhouse gas emissions per passenger. The U.S. Department of Transportation has reported that private vehicles produce about 0.96 lbs CO2 per passenger-mile—more than twice the average for all forms of land transportation.²

When traveling in larger groups, however, it is recommended that you use a private vehicle since a 4-person carpool produces significantly less amount of carbon footprint compared to most forms of public transportation.

5. Go for land transportation instead of air travel

Riding a train, bus, or carpooling produces less GHG emissions per passenger-mile compared to air travel. If you’re traveling alone, it is best to explore your land transportation options first before choosing to travel by air. In most cases, land travel will also be cheaper, more comfortable, and more convenient.

6. Opt to stay at locally owned accommodations

One of the best things about traveling to a foreign destination is supporting the livelihood of locals who depend on the commerce of tourism. According to Airbnb, home sharing have lesser energy consumption, carbon footprint, water consumption, waste, and chemical use compared to traditional hotels.³ In addition to this, independently-owned accommodations tend to be more effective in providing services and experiences that are customized to the location and its visitors.

7. Check if the hotel is certified by any reputable eco-label program

Checking for eco-label is one of the best ways to quickly validate the sustainability of a hotel you’re going to stay at. Some hotels would list any eco-certifications on their website. If the hotel doesn’t mention any, the best way to confirm is to review the hotel list of the relevant certification body in that country/region.

8. Assess the hotel’s sustainability initiatives

Part of what makes travel planning fun is learning about the food choices, hotel amenities, and unique experiences that a destination has to offer. While you’re at it, why not delve into your hotel’s eco-friendly programs as well? This information is usually laid out in the hotel’s website, social media profiles, or recent press mentions.

Some of the most common eco-friendly initiatives include water conservation, use of renewable energy, recycling, and support of locals.

9. Choose hotels that employ local staff and use local resources

Staying at hotels that utilize local resources ensure that the livelihood of locals who depend on tourism will continue to thrive. A hotel’s use of locally-made furniture, decor, and equipment will support the growth of regional economy.

10. Refuse to have your room cleaned during your hotel stay

Informing your hotel’s front desk that you’re foregoing daily housekeeping will help minimize the use of cleaning products and devices. A lot of cleaning products contain ingredients that are not only harmful to the environment, but also to our health. Daily use of vacuum cleaners and floor cleaning machines will raise the overall energy consumption and carbon footprint of the hotel. When staying at hotels for short periods, it is best to just do a little tidying up before leaving your hotel for the day.

11. Turn the lights and appliances off when leaving your room

Most people spend time outside their hotel room for long hours. When leaving your room, ensure that all of your room lights are turned off and appliances are unplugged. To further save energy during your trip, it is also a good practice to just hand-wash your clothes and line dry them, especially if you’re traveling to a tropical destination.

12. Eat at locally owned restaurants that utilize local ingredients

This practice goes along sustainable travel’s theme of supporting local resources. Eating at a place that use mostly local ingredients will promote a process that supports the local economy and minimizes carbon footprint through transportation. If your schedule and hotel amenities deems it fitting, you can also choose to shop for fresh produce at a local market and cook your own meals at the place you’re staying at.

13. Opt for locally-made souvenirs

Local artisans who make a living out of making souvenirs have usually been in the business for so many years. Supporting their industry ensures that they can continue to produce their products for future generations of travelers. What’s more, mass-produced souvenirs are usually made by companies that engage in unethical business practices, so it’s always best to be wary of them.

14. Donate guide books or maps to fellow travelers

Most travelers won’t revisit the same destination over a five-year period. Even if you do travel to that place again, it is very likely that your old guide book has been outdated by then. Sharing tools and information with your fellow travelers will create camaraderie, help you reduce resource consumption, and will make room in your luggage for all the souvenirs you bought.

15. Take all of your leftover products with you upon leaving the hotel

For health and hygiene purposes, unfinished toiletries and used supplies are usually discarded after visitors depart the room. To avoid wasting products, bring all of your leftover supplies with you when you leave. This will not only lessen your production of waste but will also save you some money.

16. Avoid touching or feeding any wildlife you encounter

A responsible travel is one that is centered on observing and connecting, not disturbing and destroying. A close interaction with wildlife animals can elicit fear and cause harmful effects to their wellbeing.

17. Do research to be respectful to local customs

An essential part of any travel preparation should always involve research on local customs and culture. Being respectful and having the right etiquette while traveling will improve the experience for everyone involved—you and the locals. You might not always agree with the local people’s beliefs and way of life but remember to show your respect at all times.

Summary

1. Schedule your travel during off-season
2. Travel with small-group tour operators
3. Pack light and bring reusable items with you
4. Always prioritize public transport over private vehicles
5. Go for land transportation instead of air travel
6. Opt to stay at locally owned accommodations
7. Check if the hotel is certified by any reputable eco-label program
8. Assess the hotel’s sustainability initiatives
9. Choose hotels that employ local staff and use local resources
10. Refuse to have your room cleaned during your hotel stay
11. Turn the lights and appliances off when leaving your room
12. Eat at locally owned restaurants that utilize local ingredients
13. Opt for locally-made souvenirs
14. Donate guide books or maps to fellow travelers
15. Take all of your leftover products with you upon leaving the hotel
16. Avoid touching or feeding any wildlife you encounter
17. Do research to be respectful to local customs

The post Responsible Travel appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

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Huge strides have been made in recent years, with the 2015 Paris Agreement being signed by 195 UNFCCC members and scientific breakthroughs in finding sustainable alternatives to our most depleted natural resources.¹

Although we have little control over issues like urban sprawling and overall public health, a 2018 study revealed that human activity played a major role in warming our planet over the past 50 years.²

That said, the ball is in our court in ensuring that global warming and resource depletion would stop advancing, if not reversed.

Research suggests that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. For someone to have a lasting lifestyle change, one requires to stick to a habit and do them right.

Changing one’s lifestyle is often seen by many as a tedious process that require huge investments in time, effort, and support.

The truth is, going green shouldn’t be this monumental event that demands an enormous amount of sacrifice. With just a few changes in your lifestyle and the desire to commit and follow through, you could start leading a more sustainable life today.

To help you kick-off this journey, here are some simple lifestyle tweaks you can introduce to your everyday life:

Home

1. Save your water consumption in the bathroom.

You can do this by shortening your shower, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, and repairing any leaking pipes or faucet. Remember that every minute saved in the shower saves approximately 1.4 gallons of water per day.³

You can also save a ton by installing a dual flush toilet in your bathroom. This type of flush toilet uses a washdown flushing system that enables it to use less water than traditional systems, all while effectively cleaning your toilet bowl.

Another thing you can consider is a urine neutralizer, which is a great alternative to flushing your toilet and washing pet urine.

2. Turn off devices, appliances, and lights when not in use.

Develop a habit of saving energy or install smart home systems in your home. Some devices like smart thermostats help reduce your cooling and heating power consumption without sacrificing comfort.

They work by helping control a home’s heating and cooling system remotely, automatically adjusting the thermostat based on pre-set temperatures, and turning off your system when no one’s in the room.

Studies have shown that home automation devices such as connected thermostats save as much as 9-13% energy while occupancy-based lighting systems can save 27-40% of energy per year.⁴

3.Do your laundry only when you have full loads.

Aside from saving energy and water, this can also reduce the time you have to spend doing laundry per week.

Skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes is also a great option especially when the weather’s nice and sunny.

You can also opt for a green laundry detergents such as eco-me. Most products like this contain natural ingredients and are free of phosphates.

Phosphorus, the raw element contained in phosphates, is one of the most drained resources on earth.⁵

4. Purchase clothing items made of sustainable materials.

Fabrics made of natural and recycled fibers are considered some of the most eco-friendly options in the industry.

A good starting point for implementing this is by doing a little research about a brand before finalizing your purchase. Ensure that the brand uses sustainable materials and implements energy-saving processes in their operations.

Supporting brands that care about the environment is important since textiles account to 7.6% of all landfilled solid waste in the US. On top of this, evidence suggests that 65% of the total textiles produced in 2015 were sent to landfills and only 15% were recycled.⁶

5. Switch to cleaning, beauty, and hygiene products that are made with eco-friendly ingredients.

A lot of the goods we use at home uses chemicals that are not only harmful to the environment but also to humans.

There are organic cleaning products such as Green Works all-purpose spray, Dr. Bronner’s pure castille soap, and Better Life all-purpose cleaner that does a great job at keeping your home spotless without causing damage to your family and the environment.

It would also be beneficial to our planet if we use beauty products that are vegan and are not tested on animals. This is beneficial since animal farming has a significant effect on climate change.

Cruelty free products, on the other hand, utilizes cell-based tests and computer models in assessing the safety and effectivity of cosmetics and consumer products. Aside from preventing animal cruelty, these alternatives have shown to be more accurate than tests done with animals.⁷

6. Switch to renewable energy.

Traditional sources that rely on fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas are already in significant danger of being depleted in the future.

Use of renewables ensure that we utilize sources that are constantly replenished by natural means. Some of the most popular forms of alternative energy sources are solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and ocean thermal energy.

At present, solar energy remains as the most favored form of renewable energy with 9 in 10 adults supporting its expansion.⁸

7. Pick out products that are packaged in eco-friendly materials.

A good packaging works well by ensuring that your purchased goods remain intact and sealed. Some brands, however, makes use of polluting materials and unnecessary packaging that are harmful to the environment.

Each year, 161 million tons of plastic is generated for packaging purposes. This is equivalent to 40% of the global plastic production.⁹ What’s worse is that out of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced, 91% is not recycled.¹⁰

When purchasing goods, be watchful about the materials used to package them. A good rule of thumb is to check if the material used is biodegradable, recycled, recyclable, and minimal.

8. Use energy efficient home appliances.

Savings in energy amounts to savings in money. By switching to environmentally friendly appliances, you and your family could save hundreds of thousands per year.

One way to easily determine if a product is energy efficient is to check if they are certified by Energy Star. They are partnered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify products that meet the requirements set out by their energy efficiency product specifications.

Another way to reduce your carbon emissions at home is by replacing your home lighting with LED light bulbs. According to the EPA, residential LEDs have usually save 25%-80% less energy than the traditional CFL bulbs.¹¹

9. When making a purchase, lookout for products that are recycled, used, or durable.

This is important because reusing is one of the core elements of a sustainable lifestyle. Known as one of the three R’s in the waste hierarchy, this practice makes certain that the maximum lifetime of an item is achieved.

Investing in products made with durable materials can help the planet by extending the average lifespan of each piece. This way, we’re not wasting natural resources and producing carbon emissions that short-lived products cause once they turn to solid waste.

10. Purchase frequently used products in bulk.

Items packaged in small containers and packets use a significant amount of packaging compared to ones that are wrapped in larger quantities.

When buying in bulk, however, be wary of purchasing more than what you need. Food waste has been attributed to poor purchase planning and over-purchasing so make sure to evaluate your needs first before shopping.

11. Clean your fridge and air-conditioning regularly.

Waiting too long to throw away refrigerated food that has gone bad will not only pose the risk for contamination but will also increase your energy consumption.

Furthermore, having your air-conditioning system checked and serviced at least once every year will ensure that it will function at its utmost efficiency. Cleaning your air filters every two weeks will also avoid any efficiency drop in your AC unit.

12. Decorate your home with indoor plants.

This doesn’t only make your interior aesthetically pleasing but also reduces the amount of air pollutants that are circulating in your home.

Large volume of carbon emissions causes grave damage to our atmosphere. In spite of the fact that human CO2 represents a small fraction of the planet’s CO2 emissions, it adds up over time since our lands and oceans cannot absorb all the carbon released everyday.¹²

13. Step up your ecological waste management efforts by reducing, reusing, recycling, reselling, or donating.

Reducing consumption means reducing the amount of product that could potentially turn into waste. Substituting commonly-used disposable items with reusable ones will help you lower your household’s production of solid waste.

Reusing products that retain their quality even after multiple uses can impact your ability to keep your trash at a minimum. Plastic shopping bags, egg cartons, and shoe boxes are some of the most common reusable items that many people dispose after a single use.

Selling or donating old clothes and home goods will also help you downsize while decreasing household waste. To make this process less cumbersome, there are platforms such as Poshmark and Tradesy that help find interested buyers for your used and unwanted items.

There’s also the popular eBay route where you could advertise your item to their 179 million eager buyers.

Food

1. Reduce your consumption of animal products and if possible, adopt a vegetarian diet.

Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of air pollution, water loss, biodiversity loss, and deforestation. Additionally, this practice produces massive amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions—chemicals that causes the earth to retain more heat.¹³

Adopting a vegetarian diet is a major lifestyle change that require thorough research and preparation. However, a few tweaks in your eating habits could already help the environment without necessarily committing to a full vegetarian diet.

Things like switching out milk for non-dairy substitutes and incorporating whole grains, beans, and nuts in your diet would significantly reduce the impact of your food in the environment.

2. Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Growing your own food is beneficial in two ways. First, it reduces the carbon footprint produced when transporting food from the supplier to the consumer.

On average, it takes 1,500 miles for food to travel from the farm to households. If growing your own produce doesn’t seem feasible, purchasing goods from the farmers market instead of the grocery is also a great alternative. This cuts the distance it takes for your food to reach your home.¹⁴

The second benefit is control. Planting your own crops means that you have the choice to refrain from using harmful fertilizers and pesticides. Ensuring that what you put on your plate is organic will help enrich our soil and promote water conservation.

3. Reduce food waste by planning your meals.

Buying produce with bulk discount is appealing to consumers who want to stretch their grocery dollars. Unreasonable amounts of food supply in your home, however, has the potential to be left unused beyond its ‘use by’ date.

With 1.3 billion tons of food lost or wasted per year, it is important to be careful not to overstock on food supplies that can lead to waste.

A good answer to this is to use a meal planner to map out your meals. This could help you identify whether a bulk food discount can ultimately save you money.

Office

1. Opt for sophisticated equipments in your office.

Appliances with cheaper price tags are usually associated with substandard components, therefore reducing its long term efficiency.

Printers are probably some of the most used equipment in your office and purchasing those with advanced features can save you money and inconvenience in the long run.

When choosing printers, opt for ones with longer ink cartridge lifespan and efficient reporting of actual ink levels. Repeated ink replacements will not only cost you more money but also contribute to a large volume of waste in the landfill.

2. Utilize digital methods of reading and note-taking.

This practice will cut down your use of paper not only in the office but also in your home.

Out of the 262.4 million tons of solid waste generated in the US, 25.9% percent are paper products. This makes paper one of the leading forms of landfilled waste.¹⁵

To prevent this, one of the best ways you can do is to only print documents when it’s absolutely necessary to do so. You can also program the default setting on your printer to print on both sides.

Additionally, purchasing recycled and chlorine-free paper, using scrap paper for printing, and sending out digital event invites can also reduce your generation of paper waste.

Commute

1. Walk or ride a bike when going to your office.

If possible, choose to work for a company closer to your home. Walking or biking to work doesn’t only cut your emissions but can also help you become more fit. That’s killing two birds with one stone!

Also consider talking to your employer about the possibility of working remotely. This doesn’t sound realistic to some roles and industries. But if you can, working remotely will significantly lessen the carbon emissions produced while driving to work.

2. Utilize public transportation in your daily commute.

Public transportation modes like buses and trains have the capacity to transport a great deal of people at the same time.

The concept is simple—a bus carrying 20 people will produce far less emissions than 20 people riding their individual cars. As such, the public transportation system is considered the most sustainable form of commuting long-distances to work.

Compared to the average car, buses use 8.7% less energy per mile while commuter trains use 23.7% less energy per mile. Buses and trains are also 6 and 15 times more fuel efficient than a typical single-occupant automobile, respectively.¹⁶

3. Switch to using an electric vehicle.

If driving to work is really the only option for you, driving an electric car is the next best thing you can do to reduce your commute’s GHG emissions.

Electric vehicles are considered sustainable in that it uses renewable energy, is made up of eco-friendly parts, and produces zero direct emissions.

In Norway, electric vehicle users are incentivized by giving them exemption from registration tax, low annual road tax, special registration plates, free of charge use of ferries and toll roads, free municipal parking, exemption from 25% VAT on purchase and on leasing, reduced company car tax, and access to bus lanes.¹⁷

This level of government support is further proof of electric vehicle’s remarkable benefits on our environment.

4. Skip the elevator and take the stairs instead.

The average elevator trip per person consumes 100 Watt hours—the same amount of electricity spent in a 30-minute use of a desktop computer. This means that taking two flights of stairs everyday will lead to 72 kilowatts of power savings per year.¹⁸

Moreover, ditching the elevator can also do wonders for your health. Studies have shown that climbing more than 14 flights of stairs per day will increase leg strength, improve artery health, improve cholesterol profiles, promote fat loss, and lower blood pressure.¹⁹

What’s more, physical exertion are known to boost an individual’s mood and energy. So the next time you’re feeling down about going to work, take the stairs and you’ll reap benefits for your body and for the planet.

Summary

To recap, we’ve highlighted the different measures you could easily take to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. They are split into the following areas:

I. Home

1. Save your water consumption in the bathroom.
2. Turn off devices, appliances, and lights when not in use.
3. Do your laundry only when you have full loads.
4. Purchase clothing items made of sustainable materials.
5. Switch to cleaning, beauty, and hygiene products that are made with eco-friendly ingredients.
6. Switch to renewable energy.
7. Pick out products that are packaged in eco-friendly materials.
8. Use energy efficient home appliances.
9. When making a purchase, lookout for products that are recycled, used, or durable.
10. Purchase frequently used products in bulk.
11. Clean your fridge and air-conditioning regularly.
12. Decorate your home with indoor plants.
13. Step up your ecological waste management efforts by reducing, reusing, recycling, reselling, or donating.

II. Food

1. Reduce your consumption of animal products and if possible, adopt a vegetarian diet.
2. Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
3. Reduce food waste by planning your meals.

III. Office

1. Opt for sophisticated equipments in your office.
2. Utilize digital methods of reading and note-taking.

IV. Commute

1. Walk or ride a bike when going to your office.
2. Utilize public transportation in your daily commute.
3. Switch to using an electric vehicle.
4. Skip the elevator and take the stairs instead.

All of these lifestyle changes come down to adjusting our daily activities that depend on our natural resources like water, food, and electricity (oil, coal, and natural gas). Several habits like improper waste management and driving to work can also increase polluting emissions thereby accelerating the ongoing climate change.

When it comes to reducing your environmental impact, the concept of “sharing is caring” is also key. Sharing a load of laundry with your roommate, carpooling to work with a friend, and donating old or excess items, food, and inventory to those in need will lessen your carbon footprint and use of natural resources.

The post Eco-Conscious Lifestyle appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

The post Clothing Brands appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.

As highlighted in our guide to sustainable lifestyle, being particular about the clothes we wear is important in caring for our environment.

The textile industry accounts to 6.1% of municipal solid waste in the US ¹. As of 2015, 66% of textile waste that is generated goes to landfills ². Furthermore, the chemical manufacturing and agricultural industries—fields involved in the production of fashion industry’s raw materials—are some of the most polluting industries in terms of hazardous waste generation.

Clothes made of unsustainable materials are detrimental to our planet in that they are depleting the reserves of our natural resources and are causing release of harmful chemicals in the environment.

Thanks to recent innovations in the fashion industry, brands are becoming more thoughtful about the ecological impact of their raw materials, processes, and practices. Because of this, consumers now have the option to go green and still wear clothes that are on trend and reflect their personal style. One only needs to be more aware of the materials used in making their clothes and they’re well on their way to shopping more sustainably.

Overview

A fabric’s sustainability rests on three factors:

1. The extent of its use of natural resources.

While materials with organic components are generally considered more eco-friendly than those made with plastic, it’s important to note that plant-based fabrics are not equal in terms of sustainability. Some fibers are made from plants that require more land and water to grow. The varied resource requirement of plants meant that some plant-based fibers are more sustainable than others.

2. The amount of energy required to produce it.

Some fabrics are also made of fibers that need more treatments and processes than others. As such, more energy is required in its production phase. A massive consumption in energy means wider use of natural resources and higher carbon footprint.

3. The amount of greenhouse gas it emits after it turns to waste.

Although some synthetic fibers require less water than plant-based fibers, they are still considered more unsustainable than their organic counterparts. These materials could take hundreds of years to decompose which then increases their greenhouse gas emissions.

Now that we’ve covered the factors that make your clothes sustainable, here’s an exhaustive list of the most popular fabrics we have today—ranked based on their environmental impact.

The Most Sustainable Fabrics on the Planet

In ranking the most common fabrics based on sustainability, we’ve focused on five factors: water requirements (20%), land requirements (20%), energy consumption (20%), degradation rate (20%), and greenhouse gas emissions (20%). To calculate the latter, we’ve taken into account each gas’ global warming potential before aggregating them.

Without further ado, here are the most common fabrics used in the fashion industry, ranked based on sustainability:

1. Abaca

Sustainability score: 9.86

This fabric is also called Manila hemp and is made from the fibers of a banana plant. The abaca plant is regarded as an organic fabric since pesticides or fertilizers aren’t used to support its growth. Because majority of its production is completed without the help of machineries, this fabric has very little energy consumption and carbon footprint.

2. Recycled Cotton

Sustainability score: 9.81

This fabric is generally sourced from used clothing and textile waste. Typically, recycled cotton needs to be blended with virgin cotton or recycled plastic in order to improve its strength.

3. Organic Hemp

Sustainability score: 9.77

Unlike with conventional hemp, the production of this fabric doesn’t involve the use of pesticides and fertilizers. This causes less carbon emissions, soil contamination, and water pollution.

4. Recycled Wool

Sustainability score: 9.72

As the name suggests, this fabric is made from used wool products. Although the process of recycling wool has less impact on the environment, its drawback is the decrease in durability due to the splitting and re-spinning process it goes through during production, which causes breaks in the fibers.

5. Secondhand

Sustainability score: 9.54

You already knew secondhand clothes could save you a lot of money, but did you know that they are good for the environment as well? The clothing industry is one of the greatest polluters in the world and apparel consumption has increased by 13% percent ³ from 2013. Buying used clothing is an economical and eco-friendly alternative to buying new clothes every time you need something.

6. Organic Linen

Sustainability score: 9.48

Unlike conventional linen, the flax plants used in making linen fibers weren’t grown using fertilizers and pesticides. Some organic farmers also rely on rain water for irrigation which lessens its water consumption when compared to conventional linen.

7. Jute

Sustainability score: 9.40

As the name implies, this fabric is made from fibers that have been extracted from white jute plant. It is very durable and is rapidly renewable which makes it a very sustainable type of fabric. Due to its coarse fibers, it is not suitable for apparel production. It is, however, widely used in the production of ropes, sacks, curtains, and carpets.

8. Ramie

Sustainability score: 9.38

This one is made from fibers that were gathered from the stem of ramie plant, a plant that is part of the nettle family. Although this fabric is durable, resist stains, and is extremely absorbent, it has a brittle feel and is not resistant to wrinkling.

9. Soybean

Sustainability score: 9.26

This fabric is made from the by-products of soybean processing. It is sometimes called ‘vegetable cashmere’ due to its similarities with the animal fiber. Like wool, it has an incredibly soft feel, is moisture absorbent, and has UV-resistant properties.

10. Linen

Sustainability score: 9.25

This natural fabric is made from the fibers that were collected from flax plant. Due to the rigidity of the flax thread, weaving the fabric is a complicated process that often involves some fibers breaking. In the ancient times, linen was used as a form of currency in Egypt.

11. Organic Cotton

Sustainability score: 9.24

The cotton used in making this fabric was cultivated without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. This reduces its greenhouse gas emissions, soil contamination, toxic runoff to freshwater, and water pollution.

Despite its advantages, it’s still less sustainable than other fabrics due to the amount of water required to grow cotton.

12. Pineapple

Sustainability score: 9.19

The hand woven Piña cloth is a lightweight fabric that is traditionally produced in the Philippines. In 2013, Ananas Anam began to introduce Piñatex, a plant-derived alternative to leather. This fabric is made from fibers collected from the leaves of the pineapple plant—a part of the plant that is usually burned or discarded after harvest.

13. Silk

Sustainability score: 9.14

This fabric is made from fibers harvested from silkworm’s cocoon. Because of the intricate nature of creating silk fabric, it is typically produced in small quantities which makes it one of the most luxurious fabrics on the planet. Despite its sustainability status, there are ethical issues surrounding its production because it involves killing the silkworm.

14. Nettle

Sustainability score: 9.10

This fabric is the product of spinning and weaving fibers from the nettle plant. Because of its similarities with cotton in terms of softness and durability, it is often seen as a sustainable alternative to sought-after natural fiber.

15. Hemp

Sustainability score: 9.09

This fabric is made from fibers that were harvested from the hemp plant. It is favored by a lot of brands and consumers due to its soft feel, durability, and microbe-resistant properties.

Hemp has a lower impact on land when compared to most fabrics but higher land requirements compared to other plant-derived fabrics. This increases the amount of fertilizer needed to produce a ton of product and in turn increases its nitrous oxide emissions.

16. Kapok

Sustainability score: 8.74

To create this fabric, fibers are collected from the fruit of a kapok tree. The growth of this tree is sustained purely from rainfall and without the need of irrigation. Like abaca, it is also considered an organic fiber since no pesticides or fertilizers are used in growing its tree.

17. Recycled Polyester

Sustainability score: 8.67

In contrast with conventional polyesters that are made from fossil fuels, recycled polyester is made from plastic water bottles, jars, and containers—products that are made from PET plastic. Although made from recycled materials, recycled polyester is still considered bad for the environment due to the amount of hazardous chemicals involved in its production.

18. Viscose (Rayon)

Sustainability score: 8.59

Its complicated production process causes this fabric to require more energy. On top of this, it also uses large amount of chemicals which then increases the amount of harmful gases released in the environment. It has a soft and comfortable feel but can become weaker when exposed to extreme moisture.

19. Lyocell

Sustainability score: 8.58

Like modal and viscose, lyocell is made from regenerated cellulose that have been gathered from cellulose plants. This fabric is durable, absorbent, breathable, and has natural anti-bacterial properties. Unlike other fabrics, 95-99% of the chemical used to treat this fabric can be washed, purified, and reused. This characteristic lessens its overall environmental footprint.

20. Modal

Sustainability score: 8.58

Similar to rayon, this fabric is also made from spinning of cellulose fibers that have been collected from beech trees. It has a very soft and smooth texture and is resistant to shrinkage and fading.

21. Bamboo

Sustainability score: 8.54

Made from the pulp of bamboo grass, this fabric is considered eco-friendly by many due to the rapid renewability of bamboo plants. Bamboo also requires less pesticides because of its natural ability to repel insects.

22. Recycled Nylon (Recycled Polyamide)

Sustainability score: 8.48

Recycled synthetic fibers are more sustainable than conventional ones because it prevents waste from piling on to landfills. Like conventional nylon, this fabric also emits vast amounts of nitrous oxide during production. This fabric also needs to be treated under lower temperatures, otherwise, it would melt. This means that some harmful microorganisms are not killed during its production.

23. Cashmere

Sustainability score: 8.24

Cashmere wool is considered as a luxurious material due to its soft texture, lightweight feel, and durability. It comes from the undercoat of a cashmere goat, a breed of goat that is mainly reared for the fiber they produce. Because livestock release a high amount of methane during farming, an animal-derived fiber like cashmere will cause high amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

24. Recycled Acrylic

Sustainability score: 8.22

This fabric is made from acrylic polymers that have been obtained from processing recycled acrylic waste. Because it prevents the landfilling of waste, it has fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional acrylic fabric.

25. Deadstock fabric

Sustainability score: 8.15

Deadstock is an old but unused fabric that comes from the excess inventory of textile mills and leftovers of large fashion houses. It’s considered a sustainable material by many as it re-directs waste that would otherwise go to landfills.

Although its use of wasted materials lower its impact on resources, it has a relatively high effect on waste during its end-of-use phase. This is due to the fact that a significant share of reused fabrics are polyester, a fabric that takes a long time to degrade.

26. Leather

Sustainability score: 8.12

As an animal-derived material, leather causes a relatively high amount of greenhouse gas emissions. However, since cows are raised not only for their leather but also for their milk and meat, its methane emissions are not as high as other animal-derived fabrics. Leather takes a long time to fully degrade which increases its impact on waste.

27. Wool

Sustainability score: 7.83

This material is made from fibers obtained from the coat of a sheep. The use of wool and other animal-derived products raises ethical concerns since it involves shearing the elements that animals need to be protected from the environment.

28. Polypropylene (PP)

Sustainability score: 7.27

This fabric is heat retentive, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric which is typically used for outdoor clothing, athletic wear, and food packaging. Its production involves a very low amount of water consumption and a pretty low energy consumption.

29. Organic Wool

Sustainability score: 7.09

This material is made from yarns of sheep that were not treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Because organic agriculture has a lower product yield compared to conventional methods of farming, organic wool has a higher impact on land when compared to traditional wool.

30. Polylactic acid (PLA)

Sustainability score: 6.85

This is a bioplastic derived from fermented plant starch such as corn, sugarcane, or cassava. Contrary to other polymer fabrics, this one is derived from renewable sources which makes it relatively sustainable. PLA, however, has a tendency to melt under extreme heat which makes it unsuitable for high-temperature applications such as industrial gloves, safety boots, and flame-resistant coveralls.

31. Spandex (Lycra or Elastane)

Sustainability score: 6.82

Due to its strength, elasticity, and durability, spandex is one of the most popular fabrics used for swimwear and athletic apparel. Its lightweight and hardwearing feature meant that it can both sustain frequent exposure to water while still being comfortable to the wearer. Compared to other synthetic fibers, spandex uses less energy which leads to lesser carbon footprint.

32. Cotton

Sustainability score: 6.71

One of the most popular fabrics on the planet, cotton is favored for its durable, soft, absorbent, and weatherproof qualities. It is renewable and biodegradable but requires large amounts of water in order to grow. The intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in growing cotton also leads to increased soil contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

33. Alpaca

Sustainability score: 6.46

Its longer fibers make this material warmer, lighter, and softer compared to cashmere. However, due to the extreme amounts of alpaca’s methane emissions, alpaca fleece production produces the highest amounts of greenhouse gas emissions compared to other animal-derived fabrics.

34. Polyester

Sustainability score: 6.44

This fabric is made from purified terephthalic acid (PTA), the same material used in creating PET plastic. Like most synthetic fibers, polyester is less breathable and absorbent than natural fibers. It is typically used in athletic wear due to its strength and durability.

35. Nylon (Polyamide)

Sustainability score: 6.22

This fabric is made from polymer, a type of plastic film used in the aerospace, biomedical, and sports industries. Its production releases massive amounts of nitrous oxide—a type of gas that has hazardous effects in the environment. As a fabric, nylon has good flexibility and durability but poor water absorption quality.

36. Acrylic

Sustainability score: 5.91

The production of this fabric involves a complicated system that requires huge energy consumption. It also contains at least 85% of acrylonitrile (also called vinyl cyanide), a chemical that has hazardous effects to health and environment. This fabric is stronger, warmer, and lighter compared to other synthetic fibers; used for applications that require insulation like gloves, sweaters, and winter hats.

Summary

To recap, we’ve analyzed the sustainability of some of the most popular fabrics used in the fashion industry and got the following results (from most sustainable to least sustainable):

1. 1. Abaca: 9.86
   2. Recycled Cotton: 9.81
   3. Organic Hemp: 9.77
   4. Recycled Wool: 9.71
   5. Secondhand: 9.53
   6. Organic Linen: 9.48
   7. Jute: 9.39
   8. Ramie: 9.37
   9. Soybean: 9.25
   10. Linen: 9.24
   11. Organic Cotton: 9.23
   12. Piña: 9.19
   13. Silk: 9.14
   14. Nettle: 9.09
   15. Hemp: 9.09
   16. Kapok: 8.74
   17. Recycled Polyester: 8.67
   18. Viscose: 8.58
   19. Lyocell: 8.57
   20. Modal: 8.58
   21. Bamboo: 8.53
   22. Recycled Nylon: 8.47
   23. Cashmere: 8.24
   24. Recycled Acrylic: 8.22
   25. Deadstock Fabric: 8.15
   26. Leather: 8.12
   27. Wool: 7.83
   28. Polypropylene: 7.27
   29. Organic Wool: 7.08
   30. Polylactic Acid: 6.84
   31. Spandex: 6.81
   32. Cotton: 6.71
   33. Alpaca: 6.46
   34. Polyester: 6.43
   35. Nylon: 6.22
   36. Acrylic: 5.91

So the next time you shop for new clothes, pay attention to the material used in making them. Remember that fabrics are not created equal. Some materials are more sustainable than others and we must be diligent in checking not only for quality but also for their eco-friendly status.

The post Fabric Guide appeared first on Sustainable Stitch.