3 Plant-Based Fibers for a Sustainable Office Wardrobe

From designer Stella McCartney to the popular H and M’s new Conscious Collection, sustainable fashion is a growing and important trend in greening the clothing industry. But what makes eco-fashion sustainable? One key to the clothes is the material. Here are three plant-based fibers to look out for when picking a truly sustainable outfit for the office.

Organic Cotton

Known as the most pesticide-intensive crop in the world, cotton growing continues to have a large negative impact on the environment. However, organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Because these clothes lack pesticides, organic cotton supports sustainable farming cultures by preserving the integrity of the land and water. Farmers also remain safe from the long-term affects of exposure to dangerous toxins in fertilizers. Many apparel companies create their clothes with 100% organic cotton or will blend organic cotton fibers with non-organic cotton or other materials. Besides clothing, diapers, toys, sanitary napkins, bedding, and bathrobes and towels are made from organic cotton.

Hemp

Used for clothing, paper, backpacks, and even shoes, organic hemp is another eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. Unlike non-organic cotton, hemp grows easily without the need of intensive treatment of pesticides or fertilizers. A quick-growing and hearty plant, hemp is also a naturally strong vegetable fiber and does not wear as easily as cotton.

Bamboo

A fast-growing plant, bamboo is 100% biodegradable, making it a very sustainable material for clothes. It has natural moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties, making it a popular fiber for sportswear. And like hemp, bamboo acts as a natural insulator. However, the process of creating bamboo into a fiber is usually chemical-intensive, creating a bamboo-rayon synthetic. Some bamboo fabrics do use a more sustainable closed-loop system that treats and recycles the chemicals, reducing its impact on the environment.

Hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo are all great natural fibers trending in eco-fashion. Of course, a green office wardrobe does not have to consist only of these fabrics: buying vintage clothing or clothes made from older, recycled fabrics are positive steps to helping the environment.