why and how to green your textiles...

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Why and How to Green Your Textiles Choices

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What do we mean

by “sustainable”?

• Toxicity – environmental issues

• Toxicity – human health issues

• Carbon Footprint• Social justice issues• Water treatment

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We’ll look at:

• “Made of organic cotton” ≠ good enough

• Fabrics production and water, chemical and energy use

• Certifications

• What YOU can do

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Steps in textile

processing

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Comparison of chemical use

63

#1 industrial polluter of water

= 500 gallons

= 425,000,000 gls. each day

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#1 industrial polluter of water

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Mad as a hatter

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PhthalatesFormaldehydeArsenicBenzene and BenzidineLeadPBDE’s, decaBDEOrganochlorinesPolyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Chemicals used in textile processing

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Textile clippings = toxic waste

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Carbon footprint

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Embodied energy comparison of common building products

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Embodied energy comparison of common building products

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Embodied energy :comparison of common building products

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Embodied energy : comparison of common building products

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Embodied energy in sofa components: wood, foam and fiber

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Great Pacific Gyre

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Social Justice

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Natural fibers

A natural fiber is NOT automatically “green”

• Toxicity – chemical use during growing and weaving

• Carbon Footprint

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The new vernacular

•Green•Natural•Earth friendly•Chemical free •VOC free•Non Toxic•Sustainable•Organic •Water based

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Textile Certifications

Oeko Tex

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Textile Certifications

Living Building Challenge

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Pharos

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What you buy will get produced.

“Members should at all times consider the health, safety and welfare of the public.”

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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

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Making Sustainable Textile Choices:

Why and How?

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Copyright: Leigh Anne Van Dusen and Patty Grossman, O Ecotextiles, Inc.

You are welcome to use any of our words , but please credit us!