From changing temperatures to rising oceans, the planet’s well-being is in a consistent state of peril. Scientists have made their claims, activists have taken a stand, and companies are doing what they can to cut back on harmful practices. At the end of the day, consumers need to be wary when making a purchase. If you’re tired of flash fashion turning beautiful landscapes into festering landfills (yes, we’re looking at you sketchy-online-retail-store with bad grammar and prices so low they’re bottoming out), you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of harm your own closet is causing. Making your own clothing is a great start, but if you’re looking to go the extra mile, here’s a quick and clean guide to shopping sustainable fashions at Mood!
Certifications
Of all the eco-friendly fabrics there are, cotton usually tops the list. Few realize that the chemicals used during harvesting and processing cotton can be quite harmful. Mood features two world-class certifications that guarantee the cotton you are purchasing is totally green – regardless of its color!
OEKO-TEX
A common certification you’ll see in the description or name of a cotton is OEKO-TEX, which stands for International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology. Short and sweet, I know.
They provide a worldwide testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile product that’s both consistent and independent. What does that mean? An OEKO-TEX certified retailer will be trained on three problem areas when it comes to cotton; harmful substances; chemicals known to be harmful to health but not forbidden; and parameters, included as a precautionary measure to safeguard health. This certification contributes to high and effective product safety from a consumer’s point of view.
BCI – Better Cotton Initiative
Another common certification is the Better Cotton Initiative, or BCI, the largest environmental program in the world. Overseeing 19% of global cotton production, BCI promotes training on sustainable farming practices. This training covers 3 pillars of sustainability; environmental, social, and good practices. This ensures the exchange of products that promote sustainability.
Consumer Practices
Aside from certifications, there are a number of consumer practices that you can use to make sure your purchase is practical. All the different terms can get muddled together and make you want to give up and head to the mall. The following list is a comprehensive guide to shopping environmentally at Mood, so there’s no need to indulge in flash fashion while staying flashy! From recycled fabrics to deadstock, buying eco-friendly has never been so easy, so get out your sketchbook and pencil, it’s time to design with green eyes and sustainability in mind.
Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable
First things first. There are so many terms. Sustainable. Green. Eco-Friendly. Environmental. Do they all mean the same thing? Are they synonyms, or antonyms, or m&ms? No.. wait. Okay, let’s get a grip on green. Going green is simple, and essentially covers everything environmental. If it’s good for the goose, it’s probably good for the gander, therefore it’s green. Eco-friendly is another broad term that means it doesn’t harm the planet and encompasses a wide range of practices, everything from BCI to deadstock and closeout. Sustainable sets its sights on the future. A sustainable practice uses a small amount of resources, doesn’t require a lot of energy to create, and is biodegradable without causing pollution during the process, from creation to shipping and disposal
Recycled Fabrics
Recycled fabrics are, well, fabrics made of recycled material. From old clothing to unused fabric, recycled textiles are an excellent choice for the eco-conscious designer. Recycled fabric reuses old products that would otherwise end up in a landfill or being incinerated while also taking the place of creating a whole new fabric with the use of harsh chemicals.
Deadstock (Close Out)
The absolute best way to shop green is also the easiest way to shop at Mood! Closeout fabrics, often referred to as Deadstock, are fabrics that are no longer being produced. That is, when you purchase a yard or 15, that’s the end of the line. It’s the same idea as thrifting or buying vintage. At Mood, a lot of the closeout fabrics come from designers who do not want to send their excess fabric to landfills, so you know it’s high in quality with the added benefit of being sustainable. In addition to being both sustainable and high quality, a closeout is limited, so the fabric you purchase is one-of-a-kind and exclusive to you! One of Mood’s favorite designers, Rag & Bone, is consistently aiming to go green in their designs. In addition to buying fabric that is sourced sustainably, they send their excess fabric to Mood so it never goes to waste! Create jean jackets and denim skirts that look cute and make you feel oh-so-good using sustainable materials.
Skip the sales and pass on flash-fashion, that is! Cheap skirts and blouses may call to you from the mall or online, but those garments have a higher price than listed – and we’re not talking tax! Shop sustainable at Mood and design a life with the environment in mind. From eco-friendly fabrics and green certifications to positive consumer practices, you’re armed with an arsenal to protect the Earth and fight climate change! Don’t forget, tag your chico-friendly designs with #MadeWithMood on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our website, and let us know how you’re shopping sustainable in the comments!
Dears,
Thank you for these necessary considerations.
The most eco-friendly fashion item becomes unsustainable if we consume too much of it. I started sewing not long ago, and already I have the closet full of nice stuff. What I make is of better quality and design than what I would otherwise buy, therefore wearable for longer, and do I really need that much? I decided to stop buying fabric for a while. See how long i stick to it.
That said, i like your designs and your models.
Claudia
Thank you. I need this information. I have recently sewn myself through 50+ years of wonderful fabric memories, purchases and creations. Recently I took all the leftover pieces and purchases that never got made up into my original plan and started creating bags. From the election to the Inauguration I made forty tote bags.. Many of the materials came from my first trip to India in the 1970s with my husband whose family were weavers ( a memorable and eye opening look at Ikat, block print, hand loom weaving, and embroidery in silks and cottons), Everywhere I have been I have visited fabric stores and made purchases and plans. I have created clothes for children and adults for play and special occasions. I’ve created table clothes and napkins and covered furniture. I’m searching for new ideas. As the previous writer asks “how much clothing do you really need?”
Newer fabrics are different than what I am used to. I need to know more.
what a awesome read! Your article on eco-friendly, sustainable, and natural fabric was once enormously informative and enlightening. It’s inspiring to see a dedication to moral trend and materials. Thank you for shedding mild on this quintessential component of the industry!