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Mar 15, 2010
Tabitha,
Thank you! Very well stated. We googled around to see your earthage
clothing and were very impressed. Loved your alpaca skeanie. Wishing
you and earthage all the best.
-Michael
The High Cost of Organic Clothing
We occasionally receive emails and calls from people who are confused, concerned, dismayed, and even irritated about the cost of organic and natural clothing. This is a touchy point that often comes up in the organic industry – clothing and also vegetables, fruit, skin care, and everything tha...
Margaret,
Washing a new swimsuit several times before wearing will probably
reduce the possibility of a reaction but the amount of the reaction
will be unknown until you try it. If your reaction is because of
residuals from the lycra manufacturing process, they might wash out
unless they are chemically bound to the lycra. If your reaction is
caused by the chemical structure of lycra then it is less likely that
washing will help. Because there are several variables and the
specifics of your allergies are unknown, it is difficult to predict to
what degree multiple washing might help. The best that you can do is
to try it. Good luck!
-Michael
Latex or Lycra? Facts behind the fibers
The environmentally sensitive life has lots of tough, practical choices: Canola oil or not? (It depends on if the Canola is organic or GM); Top-load or front-load clothes washing machines? (Front load are more energy efficient … but more expensive); Cans or bottles? (Generally, bottles but it ...
Karen,
Thank you! Very well stated. Your comment about fear-based marketing
struck home. These tactics are very common but, often, subtle and
difficult to address. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
-Michael
NanoTextiles - Facts Behind The Fabrics
Nano-Stealth. Nano-textiles are to organic clothing as GMO crops are to organic foods. Both nano-textiles and GMO crops are the results of scientific tinkering at subtle layers of matter without a complete understanding of the consequences, and according to their ardent proponents both have an...
Hi, Tissy
Pima Cotton is a very high quality type of cotton grown in the southwest U.S. and is characterized by its long fiber. Pima cotton plants produce a superior cotton fabric that is soft but dense and absorbent making it ideal for towels and bedding. Because pima cotton is just a type of cotton plant, it can be grown organically or with conventional chemical fertilizers and toxic insecticides and herbicides. Just because a fabric says that it is pima cotton does not mean that it is organic. You will have to look at the label closely to determine if the pima cotton is also declared to be organic.
Hope that this helps. All the best and enjoy.
-Michael
Cotton: Facts Behind the Fiber
We had written this post as the first in a series on organic cotton. The second in the organic cotton series was "Cotton: African Savior or Curse". Somehow this blog post disappeared so we are reposting it again. Cotton - From Field to Fashion. There has been some confusion about what really...
Hi, Antiqua
Thanks for your comments. Because Tencel / lyocell are made of regenerated cellulose, many of the properties such as breathability and water wicking are similar to cotton. You shouldn't notice any difference in a comforter unless the manufacturer has added fabric finishers ... which unfortunately happens often in fabrics manufactured in China. You might need to launder the comforter before using or if you notice any uncomfortable odors. Tencel has been improved recently to reduce piling so hopefully that will not be a problem, especially in a blend with cotton. Good luck and we hope you enjoy your new comforter.
-Michael
Tencel :: Sustainable but not necessarily healthy
TENCEL® has gained favorable acceptance within the mainstream fashion industry and also in the eco-fashion industry as being a natural fiber that has a flattering drape and is soft, luxurious, breathable, naturally wrinkle-resistant, and environmentally sustainable. TENCEL® is the brand name ow...
Faye, very sorry to hear of your experience. We frequently hear from others with similar comments that have found it near impossible to remove strong chemical odors from clothes. Bottom line is to give garments a strong sniff test before purchasing. If you notice any unpleasant, chemical odors then tell the sales clerk and leave the item. Don't buy it hoping that you can wash the odor out. Almost always, the chemical smell will persist long after regardless of what you try.
-Michael
Jordan: A River of Garment Worker Dispair
Consider this: Brutal work shifts of 15 to 20 hours a day, seven days a week, often with forced overtime without pay; Workers being beaten with belts and broom sticks for demanding better food and back pay; Workers being slapped, punched and kicked for falling asleep from exhaustion during wo...
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