Sustainable Fibers 101: Tencel®

We know Tencel® isn't as well-known as organic cotton or hemp (yet), so let's learn a little bit more about these sustainable threads.

Tencel® is actually the brand name of a fabric generically called lyocell (like using the term "Band-Aid" for anything that you'd use to cover a papercut), but because the term "Tencel®" has gained more popularity, we'll use that for now.

Tencel® is made from wood pulp cellulose, which is broken down in a chemical process and spun into fibers. Although it is a chemical process, and a complex one, the solvent used to digest the wood pulp is rated non-toxic. Also, 99% of the solvent is collected and reused during the manufacturing process, and waste products from the process are very minimal, making the creation of the fabric very eco-friendly (yay!). However, Tencel® fabric doesn't accept dyes easily and has a tendency to "pill". Therefore, because of the abundance of chemicals that may be used to turn this fabric into garments, Tencel® clothing may not be good for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.

Speaking of garments, the ones made of Tencel® are quite sensuous. Tencel® feels silky, has a beautiful drape, and is very comfortable and breathable. It doesn't wrinkle as easily as other fabrics, so it's great for traveling. No need for dry cleaning; however, follow the garment care instructions closely. When washed in cold water, Tencel® will shrink ever-so-slightly on the first wash but not after that.

To learn more about Tencel® and lyocell, visit these resources:

• OrganicClothing.blogs.com
• wiseGEEK
• Silk Road Fabrics
  

Sustainable Fibers 101: Bamboo

No longer just a feast for panda bears, bamboo has made its way into the eco-fashion world. And why not? As a resource, bamboo is about as sustainable as you can get. Here's why:

• Technically a grass and not a tree, it grows FAST -- up to a yard or more a day! It reaches maturity quickly and is ready for harvesting in 4 years.
• Bamboo grows this rapidly without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
• Bamboo clothing is biodegradable -- it will decompose in the soil by microorganisms and sunlight without producing any methane gas (a common pollutant).
• Bamboo plantations actually reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing about 5 times the amount of carbon dioxide and producing 35% more oxygen than a comparable area of trees.

There's so much to like about the products that are made from bamboo:

• Bamboo fabric is so soft and fluid, like silk, but it's more durable and less expensive.
• It's easy to launder at home -- no trips to the dry cleaner!
• In hot and humid weather, bamboo fabric won't stick to your skin; it absorbs water and wicks it away from your skin 3-4 times faster than cotton.

Although there's been some controversy over the process of turning bamboo into fabric, there IS an eco-friendly way to produce bamboo fabric (sometimes called bamboo linen). It's a mechanical process similar to the one in which linen fabric is made from flax or hemp, but it's more costly and labor-intensive. There is also a newer chemical process -- modified from the process used to make Tencel (more on that fiber later) -- that uses healthier chemicals which are captured and used again, keeping them out of the ecosystem. Here's hoping that more and more manufacturers use these healthy, green ways to produce this luxurious fabric.

If you want to read more about bamboo's benefits and the process of turning it into fabric, there's a wealth of knowledge at OrganicClothing.blogs.com.

Slow Fashion Forum

Sustainable Fashion: Version 1

Sheena Matheiken has created The Uniform Project as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Starting on May 1, Sheena has worn the same black dress every day and will continue to wear it for the entire year.

Well, actually she has 7 identical versions of the dress, one for each day of the week. And she reinvents the dress each day by changing accessories and adding layers, most of which she pledges will be vintage, hand-made or hand-me-down.

Here is how Sheena describes the genesis of the dress:
How do you design a dress that can be worn all year around? The mastermind behind the uniform dress is my friend and designer, Eliza Starbuck. We took inspiration from one of my staple dresses, improving upon the shape and fit to add on some seasonal versatility. The dress is designed so it can be worn both ways, front and back, and also as an open tunic. It’s made from a durable, breathable cotton, good for New York summers and good for layering in cooler seasons. With deep hidden pockets to appease my deep aversion for carrying purses.

And you can participate in this project by donating accessories or collaborating on an ensemble for Sheena to wear. http://www.theuniformproject.com/

The Uniform Project is also a fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation which Sheena calls “a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India.” Contributions to the project will fund uniforms and educational expenses for slum children in India to attend school. http://www.theuniformproject.com/home/about_akanksha.html

The photo is of Sheena in July 16, 2009 version of the uniform.

Welcome to our Slow Fashion Forum

When we opened the Birch Clothing retail store four years ago, the mission was two-fold: to promote sustainable fashion and fair trade manufacturing.

Right from the beginning we rejected the fast fashion ethos that has been and still is prevalent in this country. That is: to buy cheap clothing and wear it for a short time, then discard it for the next new thing. We stocked our store with and promoted to our customers clothes and accessories that were modern but not trendy and that were made to last many seasons. Our merchandise is made of fabrics that are kinder to the environment AND to the people working in the garment industry.

In effect, we adopted the slow fashion ethos. So, what is slow fashion?

Slow fashion means purchasing a wardrobe of clothing that is made to last from a source you know and trust. It involves purchasing thoughtfully and intentionally and simplifying your wardrobe. We opened Birch because we subscribe to the slow fashion philosophy.

Now I’d like to explore more deeply how the slow fashion ethos is being played out by myself and others.

We’ll use this space to share ideas about slow fashion and sustainable style.
Stay tuned: more to come soon.

It's In the Bag!

Are you looking for a stylish, luxurious, show-stopping shoulder bag that also satisfies your inner green goddess? Look no further than Birch! New to our store, Shiraleah's fashion collection combines the hottest colors of 2009 with the latest styles, all created from responsible, earth-friendly materials like vegan leather. The improvements in the production of polyurethane ensure minimal toxic output, creating pieces that are safer and healthier to carry. The material is biodegradable in 10 years and is easy to keep clean. Stop in to see just how beautiful they are!