Make the Switch to Non-Toxic Clothes
Switching to non-toxic clothing can positively impact your health and the environment. Many conventional clothing items are treated with chemicals, like pesticides, synthetic dyes, and formaldehyde, during manufacturing. These chemicals can harm the skin, cause allergic reactions, disrupt hormones, and cause cancer, obesity, and other health issues. By choosing non-toxic clothing made from organic or natural fibers, you can reduce your exposure to these potentially harmful substances.
Here are examples of chemicals that may be found in clothes:
Formaldehyde: Used in clothing to prevent wrinkling and mildew, formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Azo dyes: These synthetic dyes are commonly used to color textiles but can release aromatic amines, some of which are known to be carcinogenic.
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are used to make clothing water and stain-resistant, but they are persistent in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects.
Phthalates: Found in some synthetic fibers and used as plasticizers, phthalates can be harmful to human health and are associated with endocrine disruption.
PFAS: These are also known as forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment or our bodies. They are found in raincoats, shoes, cosmetics, mattress pads, printed natural and synthetic fabrics, and textiles labeled as water—or stain-repellents.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Used as flame retardants in some clothing, PBDEs are persistent organic pollutants that can accumulate in the environment and the human body.
Unfortunately, fast fashion is a lucrative business because of shortcuts like using synthetic fabrics, which are inexpensive to produce. Sixty percent of the materials that make up clothing today are made from synthetic fibers like nylon, acrylic, and polyester—all forms of plastic. This means that with every wash, microplastics are shed.
Approximately 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used in the apparel industry’s manufacturing process. The use of these chemicals can also have negative environmental impacts. Chemical runoff from textile manufacturing processes can pollute water sources and harm local ecosystems. Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in conventional cotton cultivation can contribute to soil degradation and water pollution.
Overall, toxic clothing poses risks to the people who wear it and the environment in which it is produced.
Thankfully, awareness of the health and environmental impacts of these chemicals is growing, leading to increased interest in non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives in the textile industry. Many individuals and organizations now advocate for using sustainable materials and production methods in fashion.
The good news is that producing non-toxic clothing often involves more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. For example, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which in turn helps protect soil and water sources from contamination. Choosing non-toxic clothing supports environmentally responsible manufacturing processes and encourages the growth of a more sustainable fashion industry.
Making the switch to non-toxic clothing is not only a healthier choice for yourself, but it can also contribute to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. The first step to avoiding chemicals in clothes is to choose to avoid synthetic fabrics and buy from trusted brands.
Here are some examples of non-toxic clothing brands:
1. kotn: They’re a certified B Corporation that uses eco-friendly dyes and sustainably grown cotton.
2. Eileen Fisher: Eileen Fisher is known for their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion. They use organic fibers and prioritize non-toxic dyes in their clothing production.
3. Prana: Prana offers stylish and sustainable clothing made from organic cotton, recycled materials, and other eco-friendly fabrics. They prioritize non-toxic production methods and fair labor practices.
4. Patagonia: Patagonia is a well-known outdoor clothing brand that emphasizes environmental and social responsibility. They offer a range of non-toxic clothing options made from sustainable materials.
5. Pact: Pact’s clothing is made from organic cotton, which uses up to 95% less water than conventional cotton and doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals, bleaches, or dyes that traditional cotton uses.
6. alternative apparel: They use eco-friendly fabrics like recycled poly, organic cotton, eco-friendly packaging, and low-impact dyes.
These brands are just a few examples of companies prioritizing non-toxic materials and sustainable practices in their clothing production.
Here is another post about how to reduce chemicals from your daily life
Learn how easy it is to reduce your waste with lots of doable steps and tips for sustainable living in my book A practical guide to zero waste for families
