Is Green the New Black?

Organic Fibers, Organic Dyes, Sustainable, Recycled, Green, Carbon Footstep, Reusable………

These are new buzz words surrounding the clothing and apparel industry along with most other industries.  Of course it is really positive that we are at last beginning to respect our beautiful earth and what is offered us daily free for us all to enjoy.  The Sun, the Moon, our oceans and water ways, the rain and wind, trees and flowers…….  

But, what do these new buzz words really mean? Are they really being produced using less chemicals and less processes than traditional textiles need? Are they less toxic to us and our environment?

Let’s start with Bamboo.  I hear it from many new companies that..”they are using bamboo and that it is a natural organic fabrics.”  Wrong! It is derived from a natural product. But to take sticks of bamboo and process it into a soft fiber takes many process and uses many different chemicals to achieve that final soft hand that is enjoyed by so many.

Then there is organic cotton which requires much more water to grow than regular cotton. This process depletes many rivers of valuable water needed by natives to grow other crops and for their own survival.

I think it is important that we educate ourselves as to the true meaning of ORGANIC and the other buzz words surrounding the green movement and not let the blind lead the blind. But none the less, I think we will all agree it is a movement in the right direction.  We need to teach our children and others less fortunate that we have a human responsibility to the future survival of the World that we not take for granted what is offered to us as we enter and leave this wonderful, amazing world we live in.  

Frances Harder 11/11/08

Comments

[harmony]

You are absolutely right, when it comes to sustainability there are no black and white answers. "Green" encompasses so many complex issues that the opportunity for "green-washing" is abundant.

As far as cotton goes, I highly suggest visiting this site: http://www.ejfoundation.org/page327.html

All the best!