Clothing & Chemicals
We (or at least I) think so much about what we put on our bodies from a beauty product perspective; body lotion, makeup, skincare regime, perfume. Why aren’t we more curious about what we’re wearing and what’s touching our body all day? This dawned on me a year or two ago and I haven’t talked about it much. I am here today to change that.
As we know anything we put directly on our skin can absorb into our blood within 25 SECONDS. I remember how shocked I was when I first heard that.
So what’s the most common fabric we wear? I’d say cotton. Cotton is also considered the “dirtiest crop” in existence. 25% of the world’s insecticides are used on conventional cotton and paired with additional chemicals, these have been linked to the following conditions: asthma, autism, learning disabilities, birth defects, reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and several types of cancer. Although cotton is the main offender, all synthetic, non-organic fabrics hold a risk.
Finishes and dyes can also be an issue. For instance, waterproof/weatherproof, flame-resistant and wrinkle-free are just a few examples. These finishes contain high synthetic qualities, PFCs, flame retardants, formaldehyde etc. They can be endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, are linked to cancer, respiratory issues, infertility and decreased IQ to name a few. There is also very little regulation over chemicals in the US, not to mention there is added risk if manufactured overseas. I’ve discussed checking out the documentary “Stink” on Netflix, which does a great job of explaining the presence and seriousness of these chemicals and regulatory issues.
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OK so I probably scared you, but don’t worry. I’m still at times a sucker for fast fashion, but I am making an effort to continue to transition my wardrobe and home items to the right quality.
Where to begin?
GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool are free of pesticides, herbicides, NPEs and GMOs, and dyed without harmful chemicals. This is a great certification to look for when searching through sources you’re not familiar with.
What I’ve started with: swapping bed sheets, bath towels, dish towels, underwear and feminine products. I’ve been testing the Knickey brand and love their thongs! They also have a subscription program which I’m into. Check out product options below for what I’ve used and liked…
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But first, things to remember:
· Check where items are manufactured & if they have finishes
· When in doubt, wash clothing before first wear!
· GOTS certified organic cotton or wool is the safest way to go
· Colorfast dyes, that don’t bleed when you wash them are best
· Hemp is also an eco-friendly option & doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides
· Organic linen and silk are also great natural materials
· Some of the worst chemicals to note are: PFCs, VOCs, Formaldehyde, Chlorine Bleach, Glyphosate, flame retardants, Ammonia, Phthalates, Plastisol, Heavy Metals
Items I recommend:
