Eco-friendly fabrics are becoming more and more popular as people everywhere realize the need to conserve and preserve our environment.
However, just because fabrics are labelled “eco-friendly” does not mean they are completely safe or free of chemicals. The amount of toxic chemicals being used today in fabric creation is increasing rapidly in response to the demands of customers for fabrics that are softer, smoother, wrinkle-free, shrink proof and so many other requirements.
This article gives a good coverage of “green” fabrics and talks about the impact of non-organic fabrics on our environment but it does not go far enough to explain the dangers of chemically based fabrics like polyester.
What You Should Know About Eco-Friendly Fabrics for Your …
“-Silk: Because it comes from silkworms, silk is one of the most natural fabrics available, although it generally is not vegan. Keep your silk “eco” by choosing naturally-dyed products. -Bamboo: Bamboo, a renewable resource, grows very quickly …MyNewPlace Blog”
http://www.mynewplace.com/blog/2012/09/19/what-you-should-know-about-eco-friendly-fabrics/
You should also be aware that silk or any other fabric that claims to use “naturally derived” dye colours may not be exactly what you think.
For complete freedom of chemicals give your preference to those fabrics, including silk, that use ONLY natural materials for their colour dyes AND only natural materials for the mordants that make these dyes permanent.
So many suppliers that use natural dyes then destroy their advantage by adding various chemicals in the final stages to either ensure there dyes are colour-fast or to achieve a softer, and smoother look and feel.
Why not go for something completely new, different and totally safe that is not found in your local department store?
Consider handmade Thai silk fabric and not only enhance our enviroment by using sustainable products but also share your care and support to the village that created it using traditional methods passed down from our grandmothers!
Comments: Please tell us your thoughts and experiences with eco-friendly fabrics. Are you aware of the chemicals used in the fabrics you have purchased?
Really helpful, I think I’m too trusting of the labels on things and should do some more research into exactly what chemicals and dyes go into the materials I buy. Thank you for sharing this, I’ll know to be more aware of this from now on x
I agree Stacey many times labels can be misleading and this is especially important if the person has any skin sensitivities. But even with eco-friendly fabrics you must be careful that there are not chemicals used in the finishing processes – to make the fabric more soft or wrinkle proof or to make the colors permanent. Consumers demand this but more often than not silk suppliers will use chemicals to achieve these results. We are proud of the fact that we never use chemicals in ANY of our processes. Great comment Stacey and appreciate your visit once again.
Some companies are very tricky with the way they word things. It might sound like you are getting one thing, but you really get another. Or as you mentioned they might use natural dyes but then they add chemicals as well which means the product is not 100% natural – only the dyes are. It’s too bad all companies don’t make a habit of using natural and safe materials and processes like you do. Way to be a fashion leader though!
Hi Stephanie. I hope you are right as it would be great to be a “little” fashion leader.
The problem why so many companies add chemicals to their fabrics is because the customer demands so many things like shrink-proof, colorfast, wrinkle-free, anti-static, anti-fungal etc.
With our creations what you so is what you get – chemical free and still able to provide nearly these features demanded by consumers.
great article. I’m always looking for natural and safe products. Regarding natural colors, how quickly do they fade compared to the ones found in all the department stores?
Actually all fabrics will fade over time but the naturally dyed and naturally color-fast silks will last you a lifetime.
Stephanie these creations are also ideal as a potential family heirloom!! Thanks for the visit and comment – greatly appreciated.
I am so excited! I just ordered a white silk scarf, (with my husband’s blessings), can’t wait to see it! I feel like I am buying myself a Christmas gift, the luxury of real silk is something I’ve never treated myself to before! And knowing that it is made of eco-friendly fabric is just a huge plus
I am sure I will cherish the scarf – being it is white, I will be able to wear it with all my outfits 
We are also excited to have you as a customer Ruth. Thank you for your kind patronage and we will prepare your scarf for shipment within 24 hours.
Actually I will leave some crushed tapioca seeds in the scarf fabric just to make sure it ships safely so when you get bit it maybe a little starchy to feel. Just wash in in cool water – nothing else unless you want to put some light hair shampoo in with it but it’s not necessary. Then lay out to dry but not in direct sunlight – maybe at this time of the year you don’t get much of that! Finally iron at cotton temperature whilst the silk is still a little moist.
That’s it. They are easy to take care of and will last you a lifetime so enjoy!
Oh one thing I doubt it will arrive in time for Christmas as usually our shipments to New York take between 10 -14 days but at this time of the year it may even be a little longer. Sorry about that Ruth but we are a little isolated and we do not have any courier services available for you.