why and how to green your textiles...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Why and How to Green Your Textiles Choices
2
What do we mean
by “sustainable”?
• Toxicity – environmental issues
• Toxicity – human health issues
• Carbon Footprint• Social justice issues• Water treatment
3
We’ll look at:
• “Made of organic cotton” ≠ good enough
• Fabrics production and water, chemical and energy use
• Certifications
• What YOU can do
4 4
Steps in textile
processing
5
Comparison of chemical use
63
#1 industrial polluter of water
= 500 gallons
= 425,000,000 gls. each day
73
#1 industrial polluter of water
88
Mad as a hatter
9
PhthalatesFormaldehydeArsenicBenzene and BenzidineLeadPBDE’s, decaBDEOrganochlorinesPolyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Chemicals used in textile processing
10
Textile clippings = toxic waste
11
Carbon footprint
12
Embodied energy comparison of common building products
13
Embodied energy comparison of common building products
14
Embodied energy :comparison of common building products
15
Embodied energy : comparison of common building products
16
Embodied energy in sofa components: wood, foam and fiber
17
Great Pacific Gyre
18
Social Justice
19 17
Natural fibers
A natural fiber is NOT automatically “green”
• Toxicity – chemical use during growing and weaving
• Carbon Footprint
20
The new vernacular
•Green•Natural•Earth friendly•Chemical free •VOC free•Non Toxic•Sustainable•Organic •Water based
21
Textile Certifications
Oeko Tex
22
Textile Certifications
Living Building Challenge
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Pharos
23
What you buy will get produced.
“Members should at all times consider the health, safety and welfare of the public.”
24
How to go green
Ask for and buy only:
GOTS certified fabrics if buying natural fiber fabrics
Or GRS Gold certified fabrics if you must buy synthetic fibers
Never buy PVC, acrylic, or conventional cotton
25
Making Sustainable Textile Choices:
Why and How?
26
Copyright: Leigh Anne Van Dusen and Patty Grossman, O Ecotextiles, Inc.
You are welcome to use any of our words , but please credit us!