How much positive impact can you make buying fair trade, eco-friendly, organic or recyclable clothing?By modifying our consumer habits responsibly, you can protect the environment for future generations. You’ll also actively contribute to the improvement of working conditions in the textile industry.Here’s how your consumer power can make a difference.
What makes a clothing store a fair trade merchant?
- Read fabric labels that offer hints of ingredients like organic cotton, Tencel, Lyocell, soy, bamboo, hemp or fair trade wool like merino and alpaca.
- Words like natural, sustainable, locally produced, handmade, recycled and environmental will be part of the language sales assistants use.
- The products themselves will be unique, often simple, but never boring. You’ll be thrilled by the many original and handcrafted garments you can find — especially because these products are made to last.
- If you ask questions, you’ll discover that every worker is paid well and works under respectful conditions.
- Bonus: You’ll experience a sense of pride and accomplishment as you leave the shop with your first purchase.
Advantages of fair trade clothing
The fabrics are natural, sustainable and very durable. Although you will pay a little more for the items, they tend to have a longer lifespan. Furthermore, profits are often donated to various humanitarian foundations, or to fund programs that hire people who require social integration.
Fabrics
Another advantage of products made with fair trade fibres is the relatively low maintenance they require.
- They're often grown on land where agriculture would be impossible.
- They require little water and zero pesticides.
- Their growth rate is very fast and crops are harvested easily.
- Production releases a relatively low amount of harmful emissions into the environment.
Eco-friendly plant fibres to invest in:
Cotton, even if it’s organic, is one of the most polluting fibres made from plants. For the moment, it’s still the most widely used and sold material in the world.
Hempis becoming more and more popular. Even if the texture is a little rough, the more you wear it, the softer and more comfortable it becomes.
Eucalyptus, the same plant you use to relieve a cold, is a composite material for eco-friendly clothing. The fibre is naturally antibacterial, soft and is recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Bamboois a truly outstanding fibre. It boasts numerous advantages including UV protection and protection from odour, bacteria and allergies. It also helps regulate body temperature and prevents perspiration. It can be woven into an ultra-soft, silk-like fabric.
Soybeansare the cashmere of vegetables. Its fibre is soft and warm, has antibacterial properties and protects against UV rays.
