Originally Published November 15, 2012Â The biggest hurdle for 
retailers of organic and sustainable fiber clothing is consumer understanding of the value added costs of buying such products. Proper management of renewable natural resources, organic growing methods, green production practices and easy care properties, benefit the environment by promoting ecological balance, eliminating contaminants to the soil and ground waters, and reducing human exposure to toxic pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning solutions. Additional costs to establish an organic growing environment and to assure environmentally responsible manufacturing, results in slightly higher retail prices as opposed to non-organic or non-sustainable counterparts.
Bamboo
Considered the fastest-growing and most renewable plant on Earth, bamboo is an incredibly sustainable resource needing no pesticide or fertilizer to grow. Its root system continually sends up new shoots naturally replenishing the crop preventing erosion and damage to the environment. Bamboo is also biodegradable. Bamboo Clothing is extremely soft, highly breathable and its moisture wicking properties make it perfect for warm weather wear as well as an ideal base for layering in cold weather. Hypoallergenic, its anti-fungal antibacterial properties keep Bamboo Clothing staying ‘fresh’ longer. It is extremely comfortable, drapes well, and is easy to clean.
Hemp
Quick growing and robust, hemp is another sustainable plant that is able to grow in diverse soil conditions. Referred to as a carbon-negative raw material it is good both for the atmosphere and the soil, adding more essential nutrients into the soil than it uses. Requiring no pesticides or fertilizers, hemp actually cleans the area it is in of weeds and has a high yield ratio- about ten tons a year per acre. Although crop production is not allowed in the US, raw materials are imported. New ecofriendly processing of hemp has resulted in softer fibers making new Hemp Clothing comfortable against the skin. Because it is cellulose rich, the fibers are extremely strong making Hemp Clothing very durable. The hollow fibers capture heat for thermal winter wear and keep heat away from the body for cool wear in warm weather. Antimicrobial properties actually kill bacteria allowing a hemp garment to be worn several times before requiring laundering.
Lyocell (TENCEL®)
Produced from wood pulp cellulose of various hardwoods, Lyocell is a natural product and is easily biodegradable. Cellulose is collected from trees that are certified pesticide free and sustainably farmed on lands not suitable for grazing or for food crops. Lyocell fabric is soft and can have a range of finishes from smooth to more of a woven surface. The tenacious characteristic of the fabric fibers give it durability. In addition to softness and durability, Lyocell Clothing drapes well, is breathable, moisture wicking, antibacterial, wrinkle free, lightweight, machine washable, and quick drying.
Modal
Modal fiber is made from wood chip cellulose collected from renewable Beech Trees cultivated without chemicals or pesticides. They require minimal water and adapt too many types of soil conditions allowing them to be grown on lands not Mens Modal Track-Pantgood for other types of agriculture. With proper management Beech Trees are renewable with a limitless yield. Modal is fully biodegradable. The easy care properties of Modal Clothing reduce environmental impact as there is no need for fabric softeners, long washing cycles, whitening agents, or dry cleaning. The strong fibers make them durable and because the fibers hold color, fade resistant which keeps clothing looking new for a long time. Modal clothing is warmer and more absorbent than cotton, keeps its shape, is shrink and pill resistant. Light weight, very soft, drapes well and comfortable to wear in any climate it is sometimes referred to as ‘artificial silk’.
Organic Cotton
By far the most popular of the organic fibers is organic cotton. Organic growing methods actually replenish the soil and maintain a natural ecological balance. Regulations for organic products prohibit the use of genetically enhanced seeds and toxic fertilizers or pesticides. Cotton growers who use organic methods to grow and harvest cotton offer consumers a purer product and also benefit the environment by eliminating contaminants to the soil and ground waters. Because there are virtually no chemicals involved with the growing of the plant orbaby love organic cotton tee the production of the garment, residual chemicals on the fibers is eliminated making Organic Cotton Clothing a good choice for people with skin allergies or irritations. Extremely soft and breathable in warm weather, it is very comfortable and easy to wear. Considered a no fuss fabric, it is machine washable and dryable or can hang to dry.
Benefits of Organic Fiber Clothing Worth a Few Pennies More
The benefits of using organic and sustainable fiber clothing far outweigh the slightly higher price. Consumers are provided with a purer product with organic methods that eliminate residuals of chemicals on clothing fibers that may cause skin irritations or possibly more serious health problems. Organic growing methods and use of sustainable resources benefit the environment by naturally replenishing, eliminating release of toxic chemicals into soil and ground water, and promoting ecological balance. Current trends show organic fiber clothing making a fashion statement with versatility of design, comfort and fit. Eco-friendly dyes add an array of color choice and the easy care properties make organic fiber clothing a plus to any wardrobe.
As a kindness to your wellbeing and to Mother Earth, search out sustainable, cost-effective, versatile, organic fiber clothing. It’s well worth it.
