Five ways to Go Green with Ethnic Wear

Do you believe in sustainable fashion and love eco-friendly clothing? Do friends and family consider you weird for supporting planet-friendly apparel brands?

You’re not alone! While people have worn eco-friendly clothing for thousands of years, man-made fabrics become popular over the last century. With growing fears over pollution and global warming, a section of society, including popular brands, is looking at this age-old industry with renewed interest.

If you are keen on going green, Indian ethnic wear is a good place to start. You don’t have to go all out and dump your synthetic clothes. A little change goes a long way and this guide shows you how to -- Go Green with Ethnic Wear.

1. Natural fabrics are your skin’s best friend-

Natural fibers such as flax and cotton have been in use for over 5000 years. Why should you wear outfits made with naturally sourced materials? These breathable fabrics are less harmful to environment, degradable and recyclable, and friendlier on the skin. From sarees, shirts and kurtasmade with cotton, linen, jute, hemp, Khadi, banana, agave sisal, soybean, and bamboo, you’ll find an outfit that matches your personal style and budget.

2. Stay away from harmful chemicals-

You shop for clothes without being aware of harmful chemical processes and toxic dyes used in their manufacture. In addition to polluting rivers and landfills, some chemicals and react with sensitive skin, and even increase risk of cancer and skin diseases. Opt for fabrics and clothing which use non-toxic dyes, especially natural colors and dyes made with vegetables, seeds, spices, flowers, minerals, and leaves.

3. Enjoy revival of traditional weaving and decoration techniques-

Wearing traditional weaves is an easier and sustainable way of dressing up. Made with age-old techniques of hand weaving, creating, and dyeing, these fabrics are eco-friendly. Choose sarees, salwar suits, and kurtis with block prints, thread work, hand embroidery and mirror work. When you purchase clothes directly sourced from village artisans or cottage industries, you enable them to continue producing green apparel.

4. Ahimsa silk-

Ahimsa silk is barely a decade old concept, but is a boon for women who avoid wearing silk for ethical considerations. While standard silk is produced by boiling live cocoons and killing countless silkworms in the process, Ahimsa silk goes the opposite way. This process uses empty cocoons for making yarn. While sarees and lehengas made with Ahimsa silk are more expensive, this is definitely a green way of living. Eri silk from Assam and North East India is traditionally produced without killing silkworms and is often blended with other silks to create sarees. Pure Eri silk stoles and blouses are cheaper, green options.

5. Invest in organic cultivation-

If you love organic food, then you’ll appreciate the concept of organic cultivation of fiber crops. As pesticides are banned and natural harvesting methods are used to produce natural fibers, organic apparel is slowly becoming popular among consumers. Buy organic apparel, whenever possible, to do your bit for the environment.

Do you prefer natural fabrics to synthetic ones? Have you ever bought eco-friendly apparel?