Now more than ever, we need to go back to using biodegradable fabric. Most societies are driven by fashion trends, much of which do very little to help the environment. In many countries around the world, excess clothing is dumped in landfills or end up in water systems such as rivers and oceans. This presents an environmental disaster in the making, one that could become more complicated to resolve as the years pass.
Why Biodegradable Fabrics are Better
One of the most worrying concerns about fashion is fast fashion – the type of very inexpensive clothing and accessories that are produced by retailers and sold at mass-market prices to meet current trends. While this represents a great idea, considering that fast fashion caters to the ever-evolving tastes of consumers, it does present a number of problems.
For one, the low cost does come with a price. To produce clothing at a very low cost, manufacturers often have to take short cuts in the production process. This may include using cheap but toxic chemicals such as dyes and bleaches.
Many of the types of fabrics used in fast fashion are also made from plastics, a petroleum-based product. These fabrics include polyester, lycra, organza, and nylon. Even vegan or animal-free fur and leather are made from certain types of plastics. With biodegradable fabrics, clothing can be recycled effectively and, even if they do end up in a landfill, can be broken down naturally and are sustainable. They also do not release toxic chemicals into the soil or water.
Types of Biodegradable Fabrics
When buying clothing or accessories, choose fabrics made from:
Natural/Organic Cotton – Organic cotton is made from the cotton plant – the unmodified variety that was not subjected to pesticides or other chemical treatments. Organic cotton can biodegrade in as little as a month to about 5 months.
Silk – Silk is a material made from the cocoons of silkworms. It might surprise some people to know that silk actually becomes tougher over the years and will biodegrade in 4 years.
Pure Bamboo – Fabric made from organic bamboo is made when the material is broken down naturally by enzymes. Bamboo fabric will biodegrade in 4 to 6 months.
Wool – Wool is one of the easiest to process natural fabric materials. As long as it is not treated with chemicals, wool is safe for the environment and will biodegrade in just 12 months.
Ramie – Ramie is made by processing the Bochmeria Nivea plant. It is brittle and stiff but it will biodegrade successfully without releasing toxic chemicals.
