Sustainable Fibers

Items made from sustainable fibers are the safest and Earth-friendliest clothing for kids and adults. Here?s what to look for:

Organic cotton: Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Be careful of cotton that is described as ?undyed,? ?untreated,? ?natural,? or ?green.? These labels are not regulated and are sometimes used to market conventional cotton. Also organic cotton may still be coated with toxic finishes.

Industrial hemp: Rapidly renewable industrial hemp produces three times more fabric per acre than cotton, and it requires little to no pesticides or herbicides.

Bamboo: Bamboo is a hardy plant that grows quickly and easily. However, toxic chemicals can be used to turn the plant into what is basically rayon. The US Federal Trade Commission mandates that companies using this process must label their products ?rayon made from bamboo,? rather than just ?bamboo.? Companies that use an eco-friendlier process may label their clothing as made from ?bamboo.? Consumers should note that true bamboo fiber will not feel ?silky smooth? like bamboo-based rayon.

Recycled polyester: Recycled polyester is made from recycled soda bottles, cast-off fabrics, and worn-out garments.

Wool: Wool is renewable, doesn?t need chemicals to grow, and is naturally fi reresistant. Animal rights activists, however, have expressed concern about ?mulesing,? where farmers cut the folds around sheep genitalia. Farmers say mulesing helps prevent fatal blowfly infestations, but activists say the process is painful and ask shoppers to look for wool from sources that do not use this technique.

Soy cashmere/silk: This fabric is made of the soy protein fiber left after processing soybeans into tofu, oil, and milk. Look for non-genetically engineered soy.