Although most chemicals used in clothing production have a much greater impact on workers than on wearers, harmful substances may still remain in the clothing we come into contact with on a daily basis. From dyes, bleaching agents to wrinkle resistant coatings, these ‘invisible toxins’ not only affect health but also pollute the environment. Here are 7 simple and practical methods that can help you reduce contact with toxic clothing, making your wardrobe safer and your life more environmentally friendly πγ
1οΈβ£ Choose clothing with lower toxicity π±
The more you buy and the newer it is, the more chemicals remain in your clothes. Try to choose clothes made of natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, linen, bamboo fiber, etc., and avoid fabrics that have been chemically treated or wrinkle resistant. Your skin will thank you πβ¨
2οΈβ£ Purchase second-hand clothing ποΈ
Old clothes are usually washed multiple times, and most of the chemical coatings have already been washed away. Second hand clothing is not only environmentally friendly, but also reduces resource waste and carbon emissions! Strolling through second-hand shops or markets, you may discover unique treasure items πγ
3οΈβ£ Make clothes more durable ππ§΅
Keeping your clothes with you for a while is one of the greenest choices.
Learn some simple repair techniques, such as sewing seams and re sewing buttons.
When washing clothes, use cold water, reduce the number of washes, and try to air dry naturally instead of using a dryer. The less you wash, the longer your clothes can live π€οΈγ
4οΈβ£ Be careful of the smell of new clothes ππ«
The smell of new clothes is actually a signal from chemical finishing agents such as formaldehyde.
If the odor is pungent π You can soak the clothes in water mixed with baking soda overnight and wash them as usual.
Repeat several times until the odor disappears. If it always smells, it’s best not to wear it. Health is more important than fashion β€οΈγ
5οΈβ£ Choose sustainable brands and high-quality clothing π
Environmentally friendly clothing brands usually use non-toxic dyes, natural fabrics, and have more solid workmanship and longer lifespan.
These clothes are often thicker and have tighter stitching, making them less prone to deformation or detachment.
Instead of buying ten fast fashion items, it’s better to invest in a truly durable piece of clothing πβ¨γ
6οΈβ£ Abandon detergents and softeners containing chemicals π§΄πΏ
Many laundry detergents and fabric softeners, even if labeled as “odorless,” may contain synthetic chemicals.
You can choose plant-based, biodegradable and environmentally friendly washing products, or make your own laundry detergent.
Soft and gentle little tricks:
π§Ί Add half a cup of white vinegar during rinsing;
πΈ If you want fragrance, you can drop a few drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil on the fabric and put it in the dryer.
7οΈβ£ Avoid traditional dry cleaning π§₯β
Tetrachloroethylene (Perc) used in traditional dry cleaning is a known carcinogen that poses a threat to both the nervous and respiratory systems.
Try gently hand washing delicate clothing such as silk and wool at home, or choose environmentally friendly dry cleaning methods using “wet washing” or “carbon dioxide cleaning” technology.
π« Starting from the wardrobe, live a greener life π
Our clothes are close to the skin and also affect the workers and environment that produce them.
Choose natural, safe, and sustainable clothing, treat existing clothing well, and refuse excessive cleaning and chemical residueββ
These small changes are a step towards a healthier and better Earth π±πγ
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