Can you wash or otherwise clean conventional fabrics to remove all the toxic residues so that you’d end up with a fabric that’s as safe as an organic fabric? It seems a reasonable question, and sure would be an easy fix if the answer was yes, wouldn’t it? But let’s explore this question, because it’s …
I just came from showing our fabrics to a well-known interior design firm here in Seattle. We were told that the only criteria they use to pick fabrics is that it must be beautiful – and of the right color. Environmental and safety issues are just NOT part of the equation. The visit was not …
We published a post about lead in fabrics about a year ago, but I thought it was important enough to remind you of the dangers of lead in fabrics, because we’re starting to see claims of “heavy metal free” dyestuffs used in fabrics. What does that mean? Lead is considered one of those “heavy metals’ …
John Wargo wears at least three hats: he is a professor of environmental policy, risk analysis, and political science at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, he chairs the Environmental Studies Major at Yale College, and is an advisor to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He published this opinion on …
Ever wonder why you buy those organic foods that cost more? It’s always a bit of sticker shock when you see the organic and conventional side by side. The organic strawberries may taste better, but this economy means we have to pinch every penny. As my husband says, an apple is an apple, so why …
Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum L., which is a delicate and graceful annual that stands about 3 feet high and produces attractive blue flowers. Its Latin name means “most useful,” and for good reason. Though technically a wildflower, flax has been cultivated for thousands of years …
Synthetic fibers are the most popular fibers in the world with 65% of world production of fibers being synthetic and 35% natural fibers. (1) Fully 70% of that synthetic fiber production is polyester. There are many different types of polyester, but the type most often produced for use in textiles is polyethylene terephthalate, abbreviated PET. …
To donate $10 (or more) to the Red Cross for Haitian relief efforts, text “Haiti” to 90999 OR Donate online at http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitirelief to help provide immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors. Text “HAITI” to 20222 and $10 will be donated to relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill. Two weeks ago I …
For this last post for 2009, and because of the disappointment of the Copenhagen Climate Summit, I wanted to end on an up note, and in looking for that optimistic glimmer I remembered the Breakthrough Institute. According to their website, they are committed to creating a new progressive politics, one that is large, aspirational, and …
OEcotextiles 