Textiles in the Bedroom
Looking around your bedroom, you will likely see all sorts of fabrics; from clothes to bedsheets, to throw pillows or rugs. All these pieces have their own purpose of course, whether it is to show off our style or for practical uses. However, do you know where these textiles come from? Do you know what materials all of your pieces are made of? Do you know the environmental impact of each of these pieces? Let alone in combination? Textiles are the hidden polluter of the world, but there does not seem to be a good road map to sustainable options out there. We are here to fix that.
Environmental Impact of the Textile Industry
Our clothes, bedding, and material decorations all originate from somewhere. It can be easy to forget this when shopping online or in a Homesense. After they are produced, they are shipped across the world, through numerous factories, to a store, and finally into your home. Once they become damaged or go out-of-style, most people throw them into the trash. Such is the linear textile lifespan.
However, each of these materials has a sustainable alternative that can be found in most stores. The marginally higher cost is offset by the reduced environmental impact – not to mention that these materials are generally higher quality and last much longer. Here is a comparison of a few of the replacements (not considering specific brands’ innovative materials):
Small Substitutions with Big Impacts
Throughout the day-to-day, we can make small adjustments to our textile habits to make the material lifespan more circular. Consider only buying from local producers and brands to reduce the carbon emissions from shipping. You could also only purchase the materials above in clothes or furnishings that will never go out of style. Stay away from “trendy” and step closer to “stylish”. Not only will you flourish with an elevated look; you will save significant money by not needing to replenish your closet every year (or season).
Sustainable Textile Brands
Ready to make the switch? Remember what we said in our series introduction post: phase out your things, do not just toss and replace. As clothes, bedding, or other textiles become worn and no longer usable, try to upcycle them (find some projects here). If that cannot be done, check out some of these brands. The initial price-tag might seem a little higher than you would expect but these items will last you significantly longer than the cheaper pieces; all while reducing your environmental footprint.
Women's Clothes
Tribe Alive (pictured above)
A clothing company that focuses on equalizing the quality of living between the makers and buyers of clothes. Their timeless silhouettes and sustainable fabrics will last you for many years to come.
Based out of L.A., this company is currently producing masks for healthcare workers and consumers alike. This company's clothing selection is much wider and for a younger look.
Unisex Clothes
Everything from tees to everyday shoes, this company has all that you need in terms of basics. Their sustainable fabrics check off all the boxes.
This company is well known for planting ten trees for every clothing item purchased. With over 42 million trees planted already, TenTree is well on its way to being a sustainability leader in the fashion industry.
Levi's (pictured above)
Not surprisingly, this timeless brand, known for its staple denim wear, follows ethical and sustainable processes all throughout its production.
Men's Clothes
This brand specializes in modern classics, taking the basic tee to the next level. They've got you covered for every event.
For a sleek, stylish look, shop with Todd Shelton. Their online fitting guarantees a great fit, proven for the past 17 years.
Home Textiles
Armadillo & Co.
With rugs of all shapes, sizes, materials, and colours, this brand has a style for every room. You can even use their online tools to find the right fit for your home.
Coyuchi (pictured above)
This brand specializes in bedroom sets for all sizes, with an additional selection of bathroom textiles. Their organic fabrics and high-quality products are also friendly to your wallet.
As a final thought, consider learning how to sew or mend your textiles. This would extend the lifecycle of your purchases and allow you to upcycle what you no longer want. You could even learn how to make all of your clothes from scratch, using material from local sellers (alpaca wool from the farm down the road, organic cotton from Fabricland, etc.). Knitting, crocheting, sewing, and quilting can give you personal pieces unique to your home while still reducing your footprint.
