Although environmentally and health conscious
consumers have traditionally favored natural fibers – primarily
cotton – over synthetic clothing, cotton is one of the most
environmentally unfriendly crops grown. But a new organic fiber
industry that is rapidly developing across North America will
help solve the problem of what to wear. Consumers now have their
choice of a growing selection of clothing, bedding and other
products made from organic cotton, wool, linen, hemp and flax.
“Apparel and home textile products
made with organic fiber demonstrate a growing commitment by
manufacturers to the environment and acknowledge the growing
sector of environmentally conscious consumers,” says Katherine
DiMatteo, executive director of the Organic Trade Association
(OTA), which represents the organic industry in North America.
Wool
The organic wool industry is still tiny, but growing steadily, like
its other organic fiber counterparts. It is attracting attention
from companies that produce bedding material like futons,
mattresses, comforters and even chairs. Most mass produced bedding
contains synthetic fibers that are treated with petrochemicals,
formaldehyde, bleach and chemical fire retardants. These chemicals
are not healthy for anyone and can create adverse reactions in those
who are particularly sensitive. The natural properties of wool make
additives unnecessary, hence no harmful off-gassing.
Companies in the furniture and bedding market are
taking advantage of the growing supply of organic wool. Some of
them, like Maine Merino, make an effort to support not only
sustainable agriculture, but also small, local, independent
growers.
The OTA surveyed the organic wool industry in
2002, in collaboration with the National Center for Appropriate
Technology’s Appropriate Technology Transfer in Rural Areas
(ATTRA) program and the Vermont Organic Fiber Co. They found
that 30,000 pounds of organic wool was harvested from
approximately 2,300 sheep raised organically in the United
States and Canada during the 2001 season.
Hemp
Hemp is another burgeoning natural fiber industry. Hemp, which can
be grown without herbicides or pesticides, has been used for
centuries in household linens and work clothes because its
fibers are four to six times stronger than ...To read
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Wendy Priesnitz is the Editor of Natural Life Magazine and a
journalist with over 30 years of experience. She has also authored nine
books.
Visit her
website.
