People have been using natural fibers to make clothing for thousands of years. It’s only recently that we’ve added dangerous chemicals to our manufacturing processes and created synthetic materials.
Natural fibers are materials like cotton, bamboo, silk, wool, hemp, cashmere, jute, and linen. Keep in mind, however, that even these materials can be processed in a way that strips their natural benefits.
Labels like “natural” or “eco-friendly” aren’t regulated by the government, so any brand can use them. Look out for the “Oeko-Tex 100” certification so you can be sure the item you want to buy isn’t manufactured with harmful chemicals.
Here are three simple reasons you should switch to natural clothing.
1. Natural fibers contain fewer toxic ingredients than synthetic fibers
Whenever we allow something to touch our bodies, the materials within those items and the materials that were used to make them inevitably end up inside our bloodstream. When we eat something, we use saliva and stomach acids to break down substances, but our skin doesn’t have those protections. That means we have to be absolutely careful with what we allow to touch our skin.
2. Natural clothing is more sustainable
In a world where our energy resources are depleting, it’s important that we all find ways to curb our usage so our reserves last. That means buying products that use less energy in their manufacturing than traditional products.
Natural clothing is considered more sustainable because it requires less energy to make. Manufacturing natural clothing is a traditional industry that depends on sewers and workers, unlike other high-tech, energy-intensive processes. Organic materials also do not use pesticides.
3. Natural clothing breaks down in landfills faster
Natural clothing is made with organic ingredients from plant-based fibers. There’s nothing synthetic about them. They also lack the chemical sprays and coatings that are used on mass-produced clothing.
Without these barriers, organic compounds in the soil have a much easier time breaking them down. When you or your child are finished with your clothing, you can feel comfortable about throwing them in the trash because they won’t sit in the heap as long as other items. It only takes a few years for them to return to the Earth as things should.
Did you make the switch to natural clothing? What was your experience?
Written by Carrie Shan, Founder of Silkberry Baby
Silkberry Baby is an organic baby clothing brand located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Developed by Carrie Shan, a mother of two young children, the range was conceived to create a baby bedding and clothing product range as her daughter had an allergic reaction to synthetic fibres. After much research, she sourced natural, eco-friendly and sustainable fibers (mulberry silk floss and bamboo) that she found to be the best natural choices available for baby and toddlers' bedding and clothing.
Interested in writing a guest blog for Silkberry Baby? Send your topic idea to pr@silkberrybaby.com.
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