As environmentally conscious consumers, we recognize the impact our clothing has on people and the planet. Unfortunately, the fashion industry generates more carbon emissions each year than the combined total from aviation and shipping. This is why we must change our purchasing habits and choose more eco-friendly, sustainable clothing.
One simple change you can make to your wardrobe is to select sustainable materials instead of those harmful to the environment. Linen is one of the most sustainable materials available, and we are excited about this fabric. So, if you’re wondering why linen is an eco-friendly choice, you’ve come to the right place.
What is Linen?
Linen is a strong natural textile made from the cellulose fibers of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. Linen is a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, making it the perfect material to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Why is Linen an Eco-Friendly Material?
Linen has numerous outstanding eco-friendly characteristics, making it a great choice for anyone looking to opt for more sustainable clothing.
Here are the key reasons why linen stands out as an eco-friendly fabric:
Less Water Consumption
Cotton is one of the most popular natural fibers in the fashion industry. However, cotton requires a significant amount of water during both its growth and spinning phases. On average, cotton production consumes 440 billion liters of water annually for irrigation, making it an unsustainable crop, especially in drought-prone areas. On the other hand, flax plants are water-efficient crops, meaning that it takes 60% less water to grow linen compared to cotton. This translates to significantly less water required for linen production, allowing more water to be available for drinking and helping protect valuable ecosystems like rivers and forests.
No Harmful Pesticides Used
Cotton farming not only requires vast amounts of water but also relies heavily on pesticides—valued at about $2 billion annually. Chemicals used as pesticides include heavy metals, ammonia, and chlorine, which can adversely affect the health of workers and pollute surrounding areas, damaging ecosystems. Flax plants possess a natural pest resistance, eliminating the need for the harmful pesticides used in cotton production. The absence of toxic chemicals ensures that linen fabric is safe even for sensitive skin.
Naturally Biodegradable
Linen fabric is a natural material that is fully biodegradable, returning to the earth at the end of its life cycle. We must shift to biodegradable fabrics as we currently face a significant textile waste issue. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be 148 million tons of fashion waste. The majority of this waste includes fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are non-biodegradable and will remain on the planet for centuries. By choosing linen over synthetics, you can minimize the harmful textile waste that pollutes our planet.
Does Not Depend on Crude Oil
As discussed, linen is a natural fiber that grows from the flax plant. This means it conserves water and chemicals and is biodegradable. Another reason linen is an eco-friendly choice is that it requires less energy and does not depend on crude oil compared to other materials. One of the most popular materials in the fashion industry is polyester, a plastic-based material that relies heavily on crude oil and significant energy for production. By replacing polyester with linen, you can save the Earth’s resources and reduce carbon emissions.
Extremely Durable
Linen fabric is very durable, boasting three times the strength of cotton, making it long-lasting. This durability means that your linen clothing can be worn season after season. As previously mentioned, a significant contributor to the current textile waste problem is that many people toss away low-quality clothing after just a few wears. By switching to linen clothing, you can cherish your linen pieces for years to come, helping reduce textile waste while looking great. Additionally, linen fabric becomes softer over time, which means your clothes will actually get better as the years go by.
Conclusion
In summary, linen offers many environmental advantages over other traditional fabrics like cotton or polyester, making it an eco-friendly clothing choice. By opting for linen, you contribute to sustainable fashion and reduce your environmental footprint.