“Green” has become one of those buzzwords like “proactive”-it’s frequently used, but the actual meaning is ambiguous. I decided to do a little research. And I discovered that aspects of the trend are shady.
Bamboo and hemp shirts, cotton jeans, and yes, even soy underwear: they’re all part of the eco-clothing movement. They’re also “organic” and made from “natural materials.”
Most of us know that organic means no pesticides were used on the crops. However, crops meant for human consumption don’t have to be chemically treated and processed before they’re fit to eat.
By Daniella Choynowski
Center Spread Editor
“Green” has become one of those buzzwords like “proactive”-it’s frequently used, but the actual meaning is ambiguous. I decided to do a little research. And I discovered that aspects of the trend are shady.
Bamboo and hemp shirts, cotton jeans, and yes, even soy underwear: they’re all part of the eco-clothing movement. They’re also “organic” and made from “natural materials.”
Most of us know that organic means no pesticides were used on the crops. However, crops meant for human consumption don’t have to be chemically treated and processed before they’re fit to eat.
Bamboo and hemp are naturally tough and itchy materials. Picture wearing a burlap sack: that is what a shirt made of hemp or bamboo would feel like if it weren’t treated with chemical softeners.
“Made from natural materials doesn’t mean something is entirely natural. Sometimes, the only eco-safe material in the garment is the laundry instruction tag. But, since the tag is sewn to the shirt, it is therefore part of it.
Then, manufacturers can label the product as “made from natural materials” and “organic” and still be able to look at themselves in the mirror.
So by “scam,” I don’t mean “lie.” I mean propaganda, manipulating the target audience and telling just enough truths to sell a product. But that’s business. The eco-clothing movement has an excellent marketing campaign. Why wouldn’t people want to buy products that supposedly help the earth? But the reality is they aren’t helping as much as they think they are.
An article from the “Toronto Star” titled “Going green on Queen” states there are different shades of green. Since the whole trend is a shade of grey to me even more now, I prefer to save the earth by using consignment stores and donating clothes to “Plato’s Closet.”
Yes, “going green” is a step in the right direction, but it sure seems to be a distorted and warped one.
When Kermit sang “It’s not easy being green,” he wasn’t kidding.