What are the differences between natural and organic fabrics? Lets take a look at both to answer the question.
Natural fibers are those found, well in nature. The most common natural fibers used to make clothing are cotton, hemp, ramie, linen, wool, and silk. The use of natural fibers extends back beyond recorded history with archaeological evidence indicating that wool and flax were being woven into fabrics by the sixth century BC. Natural fibers can be split into three main groups.
1. Vegetable fibers- these are the fibers that come from plants. Flax, cotton, and hemp fall under this group.
2. Protein fibers come from the wool and hair of animals. Among these are wool, alpaca, and cashmere.
3. Silk is a group all in itself. Silk comes from silkworms.
Organic takes natural everything to a whole new level of health, wellness, and environmental safety. Organic fibers are natural fibers that are raised, or grown without using any pesticides and/or pesticides. Fiber can be completely natural without being organic. Because the information Ive found at GreenBuildingAdvisor.com from Annete Stelmack has such good information on the subject Ive posted it in.
As an eco-nerd at heart, I love researching and reading up on products. Here is what Ive found when sourcing sustainable natural fibers for fabrics and rugs.
Organic Cotton produces strong fibers due to the fact that it hasnt been chemically processed. Organic Cotton avoids that by not using any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. Using sustainable agricultural methods, farmers have been able to reduce, and at times eliminate, annoying pests from the cotton. These are in essence more safe because they reduce the damage to the environment, healthy risks, and damaged soil.
On the flip side, manufacturing organic cotton requires large amounts of water; when possible, look for crops from fields that receive sufficient rainfall to irrigate the crops. Biologist Sally Fox developed colored organic cotton with fibers long enough to be spun into thread. It grows naturally in shades of green, brown, and natural, with the added benefit of being fade resistant. Organic cotton is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.
Organic wool is a very strong and naturally gorgeous fiber that isnt restrained very much. It is also has a very long life span and is very durable. Some do complain about the high levels of carbon dioxide that is emitted by sheep. This is recorded as being very bad for the environment. And much like other organic products, the use of large amounts of water is always a problem. It can produce high amounts of water waste that is polluted.
You do want to look for a couple of specific things too when you are out buying. Make sure that the wool you buy is unbleached or, there are also great options now to have things bleached with great ozone-based products. Also check the dying process and make sure that it is dyed with an environment friendly way. This wool is amazing because of how it is stain resistant, recyclable, biodegradable, and even fire retardant.
Natural fibers are those found, well in nature. The most common natural fibers used to make clothing are cotton, hemp, ramie, linen, wool, and silk. The use of natural fibers extends back beyond recorded history with archaeological evidence indicating that wool and flax were being woven into fabrics by the sixth century BC. Natural fibers can be split into three main groups.
1. Vegetable fibers- these are the fibers that come from plants. Flax, cotton, and hemp fall under this group.
2. Protein fibers come from the wool and hair of animals. Among these are wool, alpaca, and cashmere.
3. Silk is a group all in itself. Silk comes from silkworms.
Organic takes natural everything to a whole new level of health, wellness, and environmental safety. Organic fibers are natural fibers that are raised, or grown without using any pesticides and/or pesticides. Fiber can be completely natural without being organic. Because the information Ive found at GreenBuildingAdvisor.com from Annete Stelmack has such good information on the subject Ive posted it in.
As an eco-nerd at heart, I love researching and reading up on products. Here is what Ive found when sourcing sustainable natural fibers for fabrics and rugs.
Organic Cotton produces strong fibers due to the fact that it hasnt been chemically processed. Organic Cotton avoids that by not using any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. Using sustainable agricultural methods, farmers have been able to reduce, and at times eliminate, annoying pests from the cotton. These are in essence more safe because they reduce the damage to the environment, healthy risks, and damaged soil.
On the flip side, manufacturing organic cotton requires large amounts of water; when possible, look for crops from fields that receive sufficient rainfall to irrigate the crops. Biologist Sally Fox developed colored organic cotton with fibers long enough to be spun into thread. It grows naturally in shades of green, brown, and natural, with the added benefit of being fade resistant. Organic cotton is rapidly renewable, minimally processed, absorbent, reusable, recyclable, and, ultimately, biodegradable.
Organic wool is a very strong and naturally gorgeous fiber that isnt restrained very much. It is also has a very long life span and is very durable. Some do complain about the high levels of carbon dioxide that is emitted by sheep. This is recorded as being very bad for the environment. And much like other organic products, the use of large amounts of water is always a problem. It can produce high amounts of water waste that is polluted.
You do want to look for a couple of specific things too when you are out buying. Make sure that the wool you buy is unbleached or, there are also great options now to have things bleached with great ozone-based products. Also check the dying process and make sure that it is dyed with an environment friendly way. This wool is amazing because of how it is stain resistant, recyclable, biodegradable, and even fire retardant.
About the Author:
Visit our MyFashionCornerBlog.com to read more about eco-friendly clothing. We take pride in offering high quality apparel and accessories for men, women and children. See our selection of earth-friendly clothes and shoes at MyFashionCorner.com.
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