Apparelcn
Bamboo fabric is currently one of the most popular alternatives to synthetic. Moreover, clothing made of bamboo fabric is nice to the touch and very comfy to wear. However, the question is – is bamboo clothing good for the environment? To answer this question, we have to dive deep into the origin of bamboo fabric, its production process, pros, and potential cons.
What are the advantages of bamboo fabric?
Ever since its usage in the sustainable clothing industry, bamboo has been considered a quality alternative to regular fabrics. Bamboo garments are used for yoga, sports clothing, and other activewear pieces. Child’s clothing made of bamboo is popular among young parents who want to teach their kids about sustainable lifestyles while they’re little.
The sustainable trait comes from the fact that bamboo grows quickly and is easily traceable. It’s easy to obtain and maintain at the same time. Furthermore, it’s easy to cut, like grass. The soil where bamboo grows remains fertile and toxin-free.
Great for cold days
Men’s and ladies’ winter clothing made from bamboo fabric is worth the coin, according to many. It keeps you warm during harsh winters and makes you feel comfortable all day. In case you plan to move to a different climate, you have to think about the clothes you’ll pack with you. For instance, if you’re coming from a year-round warm Florida, you have to alter your wardrobe. Bamboo sweaters, hoodies, and pants are arguably one of the best. Not only does it keep you warm and cozy, but it also looks amazing. The fabric
How is bamboo fabric produced?
Technological advancement opens new possibilities for less aggressive production of bamboo fabric, thus making it more sustainable. The problem, until recent few years, was the very production process. Due to exposure to over 50% of non-recyclable chemicals, the quality of the bamboo fabric was significantly reduced. Fortunately, the innovations like an award-winning lyocell make bamboo clothing production less complicated. The results are:
- Less energy and water expenditure.
- Preserved biodegradable property of bamboo fabric since lyocell doesn’t involve harsh chemicals.
This magnificent innovation proves that bamboo itself is a valuable, eco-friendly resource. With the right production method, it can retain its title as a go-to sustainable material.
Environmental impact of bamboo clothing production
There are many pros to using bamboo in the clothing and fashion industries. It’s both a quality and eco-friendly solution at the same time. Grown bamboo successfully stores CO2 in the ground and retains it in its roots. Furthermore, it doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers. Also, the amount of water used for bamboo fabric production is much less compared to, for example, cotton. What’s best about bamboo clothing is that it’s completely biodegradable. This means a lot when decluttering before the move, for example. According to a survey done by mastermovingguide.com, those who relocate long-distance tend to leave plenty of clothes behind. Some go to charity, some pieces get sold, and the rest ends up in garbage bins. Moving to sustainable fashion choices, like bamboo clothing, can be a solution that helps reduce the waste left behind.
However, there’s the other side of bamboo production that hasn’t been spoken about. While it does represent a step ahead toward sustainable fashion, it’s not a complete solution to it. Here’s why:
- Supply-demand for bamboo has skyrocketed. Lots of farmers resorted to solutions that boost bamboos’ growth, which leads to overproduction. Furthermore, there’s a huge difference between organically grown vs. modified
- Biodiversity is affected due to deforestation and using the area for growing more bamboo trees.
- The chemical production of bamboo fabric affects the quality of clothes and reduces its biodegradable property.
So, is bamboo clothing good for the environment?
It’s safe to say that the pros beat the cons under the following conditions:
- Organic bamboo growth and harvest are a must.
- There must be more ethical, sustainable manufacturers and brands.
- The production process must move from complex machinery to cutting-edge technologies that simplify the steps and give eco-friendly products as a result.
The goal is to achieve a completely sustainable process – from bamboo growth to the moment it becomes a part of your wardrobe.
Shop from ethical bamboo clothing manufacturer
When it comes to sustainable fashion, it immensely matters who you are buying from. While there are ethical and sustainable manufacturers, at the same time, lots of fraudulent companies lurk on potential buyers. You deserve to know where your money goes and whether the product follows your sustainable lifestyle. So, before you hop on a sustainability train, do your research. Consult people who tend to buy bamboo clothing pieces regularly. If you don’t know anyone personally who is into sustainable fashion, visit online forums and ask for guidance.
Pay attention to manufacturers once you visit a website of any brand selling bamboo clothes. It’s in your best interest to know if the company can be trusted. Only ethical manufacturers come into consideration. Therefore, do your best to research as much as possible and avoid suspicious brands that are far from sustainable.
Conclusion
Whether bamboo clothing is good for the environment or not depends on numerous factors. The first one is the way producers treat bamboo as a resource. The second would be the number of ethical producers that obtain organic bamboo from verified farmers. Generally, bamboo growth is good for the planet and our fashion needs. It regulates the air, gives more minerals to the soil, and is easy to cut and use for further manufacturing. However, the production method must follow sustainability standards to generate high-quality and completely eco-friendly products. The bottom line is – bamboo has the potential to solidify itself as one of the leading sustainable resources in the clothing industry. Thanks to ongoing innovative production methods and approaches to bamboo growth and harvest, the popularity of bamboo will re-emerge in the near future.