What is eco-friendly?
Environmentally conscious means that the process to produce the fabrics, used to make the clothing, is done in a way that does not harm the environment of farms, workers, consumers, and their surroundings. The process may be more costly than the conventional ways of growing crops, but the problem with the conventional way is that many toxic chemicals go into the fields, and rivers; affecting farm workers, animals, and consumers. Some environmentally friendly materials are organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo among others.
How is organic cotton different from conventional cotton?
What makes organic cotton different from conventional cotton is the process of production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. There are also federal regulations that prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. Globally, conventional cotton uses 25% of all insecticides, and 10% of all pesticides.
What are the advantages of organic cotton?
Organic cotton is grown on soil that goes through crop rotation, cover cropping, and has higher concentration of organic matter. Weed and insects are controlled through beneficial insects and "trap crops", border management of vegetation, and other techniques that are good for the soil, the farmers, and the consumers. Even in the process of harvesting, natural defoliation from freezing temperatures or the use of water management are the measures used; rather than defoliation induced with toxic chemicals.
What is bamboo and what are the advantages of using it?
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on the planet, with some species growing up to four feet per day. A bamboo grove releases around 35 percent more oxygen into the air than a similar-sized stand of trees and also prevents erosion. It is able to grow without pesticides or chemicals. It is totally degradable and regenerates on its own. These characteristics make bamboo clothing very eco-friendly!
Fabric made from bamboo is softer than cotton and with a texture similar to silk or cashmere. Bamboo clothing naturally draws moisture away from the skin, so it’s great for hot weather and working out. It also dries in about half the time as cotton clothing.
What is hemp and what are the advantages of using it?
Hemp is classified by taxonomists as Cannabis sativa, a species with hundreds of varieties. Hemp plants grow extremely fast and dense which makes it nearly impossible for weeds to take hold. This eliminates the need for herbicides and artificial fertilizers. Hemp requires no irrigation as it thrives on the amount of water in the average rainfall, and hemp is highly pest-resistant. These qualities of hemp are what make it eco-friendly.
Other interestings qualities of hemp are:
- Hemp fibers are longer, stronger, more absorbent and more mildew-resistant than cotton.
- Fabrics made of at least one-half hemp block the sun's UV rays more effectively than other fabrics
What is the importance of being eco-friendly?
Being eco-friendly should be part of our every day life because it is the only way to maintain a healthy planet with healthy beings. If we want to keep enjoying the many wonders of life such as doing sports, discovering, and creating, we must always take care of the only place in which we are able to do so.
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