Organic and Environmentally Friendly Clothing

All That is Friendly

“Organic clothing is clothing that is made from materials that are raised or grown without the use of chemicals in the form of pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.” (Wikipedia 2008) Garments that are unquestionably organic share factors that benefit the environment. One factor, stresses not harming humans or animals, another focuses on preventing chemical leakage. After doing some research I’ve realized that different “organic” or “environmentally friendly” retailers specialize in different products. Some focus on lifestyle and beauty products. Others in products made from organic, recycled or alternative natural materials, or made by fair trade producer groups. A few combine fashion and eco-friendly clothing and donate to charitable organizations.
Cotton is harvested in a few ways that are eco-friendly. One way to reduce the need for chemicals and dyes involved in the finishing process is for manufacturers to bye naturally colored cotton. Natural colors include: brown, rust, red, beige and green. The colors enhance over time, and are produced in Arizona and Texas. When organic cotton is produced it must follow certain state mandated regulations. For a tag so say organic, the cotton that was used to produce the shirt has to have been grown in a field where organic farming techniques have been repeated for at least three years. On this land no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers may be used. Transitional cotton meets the same standards as organic cotton, but the required three-year minimum has not yet been fulfilled. Green cotton is another alternative for consumers. This describes cotton that has been washed with a mild natural-based soap but has not been bleached or treated with other chemicals.
I think it would pay off for producers if they focused on hemp. Hemp can be cottonized and processed to feel just like cotton. Hemp can be white or come in other natural colors, and can be machine-washed and dried. Hemp is absorbent, and does not require pesticides during production. More hemp can be produced per acre than cotton, and hemp can be used to rid farmland from mercury and zinc.
I do think that organic clothing is a fantastic idea, and no one can argue the aid it gives to our environment, but these pieces are so expensive. Naturally colored cotton sells for twice the price of white cotton.
Now that it is “cool” to wear organic clothing and bye eco-friendly wardrobes, celebrities have begun doing it. Everyone knows that when something becomes popular in Hollywood, the price is going to rise. The freshest new designers are going cater to the wants and needs of Hollywood’s hottest in hopes of becoming the next big thing. For environmentally and organic clothing to flourish there needs to be an incentive for producers, and a demand from consumers which would come naturally if the product were affordable.