Survey: Which Makes the Greenest Clothing?
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 02.21.08
We looked earlier at the choice between wool and cotton, and could not definitively reach a conclusion. But commenters noted that there were other options as well that should be considered instead of deciding between the lesser of two evils. So here is an opportunity to chose among many evils.
polyester leisure suits - population control.
Can't argue the benefits of used clothing but as far as new materials go hemp is the clear winner. The main remaining problem with hemp is the inability of the US government to OK its cultivation and the resultant necessity of shipping it from China or Europe.
The carbon footprint of this shipping could easily be subtracted from the equation with a viable North American crop and processing industry.
Canada has the crop right now (approx. 40-60,000 acres) and the industry is being developed (see http://www.naturallyadvanced.com/s/CRAILAR.asp). If this is successful you can bet that it won't be long before there are industrial hemp mills opening in the US.
Wool all the way. Where I originate from (Vermont), everyone has ditched fleece for Ibex wool. Although I hate to think of the clothing-miles for wool that is grown on sheep in New Zealand, milled in the US or Switzerland, sewn into clothing in China, and worn in the US.
Another thing to think about is that sheep are often grazed traditionally, on land that isn't much use for other stuff, and their crap probably improves soil fertility.
I agree, hemp is probably one of the lesser polluters and it does make a really nice, silky fabric. I think silk would be a good candidate too. It's been an oriental favorite for centuries and and has a minimal impact on the environment.
Is that Peace Silk or Murder Silk?
Once people start buying mainly HEMP clothing, used clothing will be the most sustainable. Until then...we are encouraging more pestacide laden ground from cotton and all the pollutants etc. from synthetics. Unless there is a way to make clothing like Milliken makes carpet.
I am surprised that you left bamboo off the list. It is fast replacing cotton and other materials as the most sustainable and environmentally friendly. I am aware that the manufacturing process at present requires more research so as to become more environmentally, because of the chemicals and solvents used, but once resolved surely bamboo should be the choice material?
LA: I left bamboo off the list because there have been so many articles recently about the manufacturing process that I was certain to be overwhelmed with comments complaining that it was on the list.