Eco-friendly clothing utilizes crops that have not been sprayed with pesticides.
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If you're concerned about how your actions affect the environment, eco-friendly clothing is an attractive option. Environmentally friendly clothing is made from organic materials and natural dyes to reduce pesticide and chemical use. To make the most of your eco-friendly clothing, it is important to take care of it properly. Take steps to treat the natural materials gently and extend your garments' lives.
Read the label for specific directions. Clothing that uses natural fibers often requires special care. Organic cotton, for example, is more likely to shrink than non-organic cotton and must be dried at lower temperatures. By following the manufacturer's instructions, you'll keep your clothes looking newer longer. (See References 3)
Use organic, eco-friendly detergent when you wash your clothes. Many major stores carry green laundry detergent, and you also can find it at food co-ops or health food stores. When in doubt, look for soap that does not contain dyes and fragrances. If you can find one with the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment label, or DfE, all the better --- it means that the EPA has given the product ingredients the environmental okay. (See References 1)
Eliminate the washer, the dryer or both from your laundering process. Not only are washers and dryers tough on clothing, they use energy and release emissions into the air. This is particularly important for eco-friendly clothing, which is often made without chemical treatments that prevent shrinking. (See References 2)
Turn your clothing inside-out when it is in the washer and dryer, if you use them. Because many eco-friendly clothing items use natural dyes, this can help retain color and protect other clothing. Wash naturally dyed clothing in cold water and use low heat when drying. The first few times you are washing your clothing, keep it separate to avoid color bleeding to other items. (See References 3)
Avoid using dryer sheets which sometimes contain chemicals that can damage your clothing and your health. (See References 4) To cut static without hurting your clothing, put a ball of aluminum foil into the dryer. That way, your clothing will not transfer dryer sheet chemicals to your skin. You also can reuse the foil to reduce waste.
Elizabeth Smith has been a scientific and engineering writer since 2004. Her work has appeared in numerous journals, newspapers and corporate publications. A frequent traveler, she also has penned articles as a travel writer. Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in communications and writing from Michigan State University.
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