In Part 2 of Greener Clothing, we look at alternative fabrics; some of which requires balancing price with environmental friendliness. The greenest solution though is buying used clothing as it avoids filling up the landfill and requires no new raw materials.

Part 2:

• Organic Cotton - growers don't use pesticides and fertilizers and many stores carry organic clothing. Even name brands like Levi's offers organic options like it's 'eco' jeans.
• Organic Wool - producers don't expose their sheep to hormones or pesticides and only use sustainable grazing practices
• Bamboo - grows really quickly and requires little to no pesticides. Some are certified chemical-free.
• Soy - manufactured from a mixture of left-overs from tofu production and organic compunds so new crops are grown
• Recycled Plastic - plastic bottles are turned into polyester which is then used in clothing
• Hemp - eco-friendly crop that requires little to no pesticides and hemp clothing very durable

Going organic can cost the producers a lot more money and they pass on the costs to the consumers by having more expensive price tags.

Also, a few Bamboo producers in China, with the growing demand for bamboo, have started using more chemicals.

• Other Alternatives - buy less of the new stuff and try out the used and vintage clothing shops. Swapping clothes with friends and relatives is another option and can be lots of fun.

Source: Article by Edward M. Eveld titled "Commit to 'greener' clothing"