Wardrobe Warrior
We have always used our clothing to make statements about who we are and what we believe. But only recently have we realized that our clothing makes an impact on more than our appearance. The green fashion movement is quickly gaining momentum as both an environmental and health issue. Conventional cotton takes up only 2.4% of the world’s arable land but consumes 24% of world’s insecticide and 11% of pesticides. With stats like these, cotton is the most chemically laden crop on the planet. It’s no wonder that the fashion industry is hitching a ride to Eco-fashionville, with sustainable clothing lines hitting the runways from New York to London.
The producers of organic and sustainable clothing hope to preserve the environment, create less waste and pollution, and protect our health by minimal-to-no use of chemicals and pesticides. They often utilize the best land management practices, are animal friendly, and adhere to fair trade practices. Why is this important? Because the conventional growing and processing of fabrics leaves them doused with chemicals that have significant effects on local wildlife and contaminate runoff from irrigation and rainwater.
Not only do these chemicals affect environmental and wildlife health but human health as well. In California, it is known that five of the top nine pesticides used on conventional cotton are cancer causing chemicals. Farm workers on cotton fields suffer from a multitude of health problems related to toxic exposure, causing acute poisonings and chronic illness. Dr. Dick Irwin, a toxicologist at Texas A&M University, is quoted as saying that chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to human health. He believes that the diseases we are beginning to see as major causes of death are of chemical origin.
Some may roll their eyes at the idea that chemicals used in the production of clothing could have any impact on our health. But it makes sense. The chemicals remain on the fabric even through washings. Heck, many of the chemicals are applied specifically because they don’t come off in washing! Think about that pair of stain resistant pants, flame retardant pajamas, or that wrinkle free shirt. These chemical-laced pieces of clothing are in constant contact with our skin, which is a porous organ. The chemicals are absorbed through our skin, enter our blood stream and are stored in organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, and heart, where they potentially wreaking havoc on our immune system.
Most people experience some symptoms of chemical sensitivity but don’t realize it since the effects of overexposure to these chemicals occurs gradually over many years and not immediately upon slipping into your jeans or dress. Toxic overload can lead to health issues including asthma, MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), skin rashes, dark circles under your eyes, hyperactivity, allergies, respiratory problems, headaches, trouble concentrating, fatigue, dizziness and according to some sources, even cancer. And kids are at greater risk for health related problems than adults. Babies and children have thinner, more porous skin than adults so chemicals are more easily absorbed. Additionally, their skin is more sensitive to the chemicals.
But don’t get overwhelmed. I am not suggesting you go through your closet and systematically removal all conventionally produced clothing. Just take it forward. When you are in need of a new item, check out these online sources: www.thegreenloop.com, www.gramicci.com, www.hempest.com, and www.whiteapricot.com to get you started. And for your kids try www.gardenkids.com, www.sckoon.com, www.gonaturalbaby.com, or www.grandeurgreen.com. You might even go to a local eco-fashion boutique if you are lucky enough to have one in your area. Besides organic cotton, other eco-friendly fabrics to look for include hemp, jute (a vegetable fiber similar to hemp), calico (unbleached cotton, also called muslin), bamboo, tencel (biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp and cellulose), and ramie (a natural fiber).
Become a wardrobe warrior, giving your clothes a voice by shopping for environmental sustainability and your own health and well-being!
**Published in New Canaan News Review, 4/16/09
