Environmentally Friendly Fabrics and Fashions

In just one year, there is an estimated 1 million tons of textiles being thrown away. More is being done now to be sure this isn't happening and that people are aware of how throwing out an old towel or old pair of jeans can be hurting the environment. Awareness of the "going green" movement (meaning any individual who takes action to curb harmful effects on the environment through consumer habits, behavior, and lifestyle) is being implemented through groups such as The Sustainable Style Foundation and the National Council of Textiles Organizations.



Organic fabrics are being used for almost everything now including clothing. People who love to shop can now say "I may have a problem but at least I'm helping the environment!." Organic fabrics include: organic cotton, peace silk, muga silk, hemp, tencel, micromodal, and organic wool. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides and only natural alternatives are used to clean, spin, knit, or weave the raw material into fabric. Peace silk or vegetarian silk is salvaged from damaged cocoons. No silk worms are harmed in manufacturing this fabric. It is spun not as a thread but as a fiber and it is known to be warmer and softer than normal silk. Muga silk is know for its natural shimmering gold color and is the most expensive of silks. Hemp is one of the most ecologically friendly fabrics. It is pest resistant so no pesticides are needed to grow it. Hemp is biodegradable, long lasting, strong, and it grows quickly and easily. Tencel comes from cellulose in wood pulp. Micromodal comes from beech wood and is known for its lightness and fineness.



All of the above fabrics are used by environmentally friendly clothing designer, Deborah Linquist. She uses a mix of salvaged fabrics and earth-friendly fabrics. Hollywood superstars such as Sharon Stone, Gwen Stefani, Keyshia Cole, Demi Moore, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, and Charlize Theron have all been seen in her pieces. Her clothing is sold all over the world in places such as France and the Dominican Republic. She has opened her first boutique in California and is now One of LA's most sought after designers.





For more on Deborah Lindquist and her designs go to:



http://www.deborahlindquist.com/

For more on eco friendly fabrics go to:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/118/fabrics