ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown. (Organic Trade Association)
RECYCLED COTTON
Is another more earth-friendly choice in cotton clothing. Recycled cotton is cotton fabric which has been made from recovered cotton that would otherwise be cast off during the spinning, weaving or cutting process. A trade name for recycled cotton is Eco Fiber; there are no harsh chemicals used in the processing of this fabric.
ORGANIC WOOL
In order for wool to be certified as "organic," it must be produced in accordance with federal standards for organic livestock production. Federal requirements for organic livestock production include:
--Livestock feed and forage used from the last third of gestation must be certified organic;
--Use of synthetic hormones and genetic engineering is prohibited;
--Use of synthetic pesticides (internal, external, and on pastures) is prohibited;
--Producers must encourage livestock health through good cultural and management practices.
Organic livestock management is different from non-organic management in at least two major ways: 1) sheep cannot be dipped in parasiticides (insecticides) and 2) organic livestock producers are required to ensure that they do not exceed the natural carrying capacity of the land on which their animals graze.
RECYCLED WOOL
Is made by cutting or tearing apart existing wool fabric and respinning the resulting fibers. The recycled wool may be mixed with raw wool, wool noil, or another fiber such as cotton to increase the average fiber length.
HEMP
Hemp fiber has superior strength and durability and is resistance to rot- attributes which made hemp integral to the shipping industry. Hemp fiber contains a low amount of lignin, the organic glue that binds plant cells, which allows for environmentally friendly bleaching without the use of chlorine. In composite form, hemp is twice as strong as wood. All products made with hemp fiber are biodegradable. Also available in hemp silk and hemp tencel blends.
PEACE SILK
Peace Silk has received the stamp of approval from the Dalai Lama for their methods of production. The silk worms hatch and live through their whole life cycle and then the silk is dyed with low impact or vegetable dyes. Made in India.
SEACELL
Seacell is made from fibers of compressed seaweed, lyocell and organic cotton. It's anti-bacterial and alkalizing. It is full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, proteins, and numerous vitamins.
LYOCELL
Lyocell (TENCEL®) is produced from cellulose, the main material in plant cells, and constitutes a new fibre for clothing, hygiene, medical and technical applications. It is soft as silk, strong as polyester, cool as linen, warm as wool and as absorbent as cotton. The production process for Lyocell is extremely environmentally friendly – the fibre has all the advantages of a natural material and is 100% bio-degradable.
MODAL
Modal is a bio-based fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. It is about 50% more water-absorbent, per unit volume than cotton. It is designed to dye just like cotton, and is color-fast when washed in warm water. Modal is essentially a variety of rayon. Textiles made from Modal are resistant to shrinkage and fading.
RECYCLON
Oeko-Tex 100 certified as a recycled textile. It is made from off spec yarn, from the production of other fabrics re-spun into a shining new durable twill.
SOY SILK
Soy silk is made from the by-products of the tofu-making process. The liquefied proteins are extruded into fibers which are then spun, and used like any other fiber (woven, knitted, etc.). The high protein content makes it receptive to natural dyes, so you can create your own colors.
INGEO™ CORN FIBER
Created by Dow Chemicals (Cargill Dow), Ingeo is created by extracting the starch and then sugars from corn, and processing them to make a fiber, which can be spun into a yarn or woven into fabric.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is a highly renewable grass, and it is this property that has resulted in its being classified as "eco-friendly". It also has natural antibacterial properties and the fabric "breathes". The resultant cloth is biodegradable.
FORTREL EcoSpun™
A polyester fiber made out of recycled plastic bottles which can be made into fleece. Manufacturing this fiber is preferable to creating new petroleum-based fibers. The fleece that is created is prized by backpackers for its warmth and durability.
MILK SILK
To create the fiber, liquid milk is dried and its proteins extracted. The separated proteins are then dissolved in a chemical solution and placed in a machine that essentially whirls the fibers together. The fibers can then be spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
CUPRO
"It comes from cotton, it shines like silk" Rene Grau. Cupro® is a natural fibre (the raw material it is made of is cotton) and is anti-allergic, antistatic and resistant to the higher temperatures of stretching. Traditionally used as a lining.
