Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age 171: Crisis in the Closet: Avoiding Toxic Fashion with Alden Wicker
Alden Wicker is a journalist, founder of ecocult.com and the author of To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick—and How We Can Fight Back.
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Avoiding toxic chemicals in clothing is important for both personal health and environmental sustainability. Here are some tips from Alden Wicker and the ecocult.com team:
1. Choose Organic and Natural Fibers: Look for clothing made from organic cotton, linen, and hemp. These materials are generally grown and processed without harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic certification labels, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), can be a reliable indicator of this.
2. Avoid Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are petroleum-based and often treated with various chemicals during production. These can include harmful dyes, flame retardants, and other toxic substances. Most “vegan leather” contains very toxic PVC or PUC, one plastic-free plant based leather that Alden recommends researching is called Mirum.
3. Check for Certifications: Certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Bluesign ensure that clothing is made without harmful chemicals. These certifications cover various aspects of textile production, from raw material extraction to the finished product. ToxicFreeFuture.org is another group Alden mentioned as a resource that tests products and urges legislators to mandate transparency in materials and chemicals.
4. Be Wary of Certain Treatments and Applications: Avoid clothing with features like wrinkle resistance, static resistance, and stain resistance, as these often involve the use of chemicals. Also, be cautious of overly bright or unnatural-looking colors, which can be a sign of heavy dye use.
5. Research Brands: Support brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and committed to reducing chemical use. Many eco-friendly brands prioritize non-toxic production methods and are open about their supply chains.
6. Wash New Clothes Before Wearing: New clothing can have surface chemicals or residues from the manufacturing process. Washing them before wearing can help reduce your exposure to these chemicals.
7. Use Gentle, Eco-Friendly Laundry Products: The detergents and fabric softeners you use can also contribute to chemical exposure. Choose products that are eco-friendly and free from harsh chemicals.
8. Practice Minimalism in Your Wardrobe: By buying fewer but higher quality items that are made sustainably, you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
9. Speak Up: Ask retailers and manufacturers about their standards and materials. Over time, the market reflects what we ask for as well as what we refuse to buy. Ask your legislators what they are doing to make clothing safer and to require transparency of the chemicals workers and wearers are exposed to.
Remember, while it's challenging to completely eliminate exposure to all toxic chemicals in clothing, these steps can significantly reduce your risk and contribute to a healthier environment.
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