‘Green’ is the new black for clothing

By Kelsey Joachim
Western Herald

“Green” thinking is permeating pop culture. Everything from vehicles to food, and now even fashion has gone the way of the conservationist.

Many stores are selling organic cotton clothes and some companies even go as far as to make clothes out of recycled materials or bamboo fiber. To some, “green” is the new “black,” and it certainly has its benefits.

According to David Farrelly, author of “The Book of Bamboo,” the plant is the fastest growing on the planet, gaining as much as 48 inches in one day.
Bamboo can also improve air quality better than most plants. A single hectare of bamboo (about 2.7 acres) can sequester 12 tons of carbon dioxide per year according to the Philipine Information Agency.

“When I think of recycled and used, I think stiff and uncomfortable, not soft and nice,” said Tori Distelrath, a junior at Western Michigan University majoring in occupational therapy.

“Bamboo shirts are actually softer than a normal cotton one; they are almost silky it’s so soft. I think the whole idea has a meaningful purpose, but the outcome may not be as significant as people would like,” said Jennifer Dziedzic, a junior at Western Michigan University majoring in psychology.

Bamboo U is one company who focuses all their energy on this fairly new “green” clothing movement.

“We are a small, eco-friendly clothing line that is making women’s T-shirts from bamboo and organic cotton. We are geared toward the college market because students are often more aware of environmental concerns and open to trying new things,” said Jeff Fulmer, a representative from Bamboo U.

All designs are printed with environmentally friendly, water-based inks, instead of using the cheaper chemicals like conventional shirts.

Every time the shirts are washed the inks provide a softer, more natural look and feel. There are no tags; all the labels are screened into the neck for added comfort.

“Bamboo U is committed to building strong relationships with our customers and producing quality products that are good for the environment. Our shirts and apparel are our small way of helping to keep our planet cool,” Fulmer said.

“Bamboo U shows the world you care about what you choose to wear and is for anyone looking for comfort or has concerns about the environment,” he said.

Although bamboo is just catching on in the fabric world, more companies with ideologies like Bamboo U have recently sprouted up. When the public shows concern for something, businesses and industries have new demands to fulfill.

“I would participate if the clothing was comfortable and cute,” said Lauren Cappo, a junior at WMU majoring in Public Relations.

“It seems to be so I think it’s a good idea if it’s going to help the environment then why not be a part of it? Anything can help.”

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Posted by heraldstaff on Feb 18 2010. Filed under A & E. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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