What fabrics are environmentally friendly?

Organic cotton, wool, hemp, flax, silk and fabrics made from recycled materials are all environmentally friendly because they are environmentally friendly to produce and/or renewable resources.

Little or no pesticides are used in farming organic cotton, hemp and flax, making them a naturally healthier choice. Wool, hemp, cotton and linen are also naturally flame-retardant eliminating the use of chemicals to ensure fire safety.

Man-made fibers are not from natural sources however they have the advantage of being easy to clean and therefore do not require harsh chemicals to clean stains. Many man-made fabrics, such as microfibers, can be thoroughly cleaned with only mild soap and water. Consumers will need to consider their lifestyle when choosing the option best for their home.

Why is regular cotton not considered to be environmentally friendly?

The production of cotton uses approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides. Cotton is the fourth most heavily fertilized crop and the Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as "possible," "likely," "probable," or "known" human carcinogens. By using organic sources, both humans and the environment are spared these effects.