A simple guide to fabric and planet friendly choices. We wear clothes every day, but not always think of the materials touching our skin. some fabrics support our health and Mother Earth and others do the opposite.
Synthetic fibers (plastic-based):
✦ Polyester
Made from petroleum, which is basically plastic.
- Treated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- Traps sweat + bacteria; not breathable
- Sheds microplastics into air + water
- Linked to lower sperm count
- Fuels fast fashion, landfill waste
- Takes hundreds of years to break down
Why avoid: Harmful for your body + the planet.
✦ Nylon
Also a petroleum-based plastic.
- Non-breathable, can irritate skin
- High energy + water use in production
- Sheds microplastics
- Contains harmful chemical additives
Why avoid: Similar issues to polyester.
✦ Spandex / Lycra / Elastane
Usually blended (2–20%) for stretch.
- Made from polyurethane + polyester
- Chemical-heavy manufacturing
- Small amounts are often unavoidable (e.g. activewear)
Better choice: Seek low-percentage blends.
Semi-synthetic fibers (plant material + chemicals)
✦ Rayon / viscose / modal
Made from wood pulp but chemically processed.
- Deforestation of old-growth forests
- Pollutes waterways + harms workers
- Chemically intensive
Why limit: “Plant-based” doesn’t always mean sustainable.
✦ Lyocell (generic)
Also made from wood or bamboo pulp.
- Uses fewer chemicals than viscose
- But sourcing isn’t always sustainable
Tip: Look for certifications + transparency.
Natural fibers (better for your skin & Mother Earth)
✦ Cotton
Soft, breathable, ancient fabric. But conventional cotton is:
- Extremely water-intensive
- One of the most pesticide-heavy crops
- Linked to soil damage + community health issues
Better: Buy secondhand cotton to avoid new environmental impact.
✦ Hemp
Sustainable superstar!
- Grows quickly with no chemicals
- Restores soil
- Strong, breathable, antimicrobial
- Odor resistant
Why choose: One of the most eco-friendly textiles we have.
✦ Wool
From sheep, goats, alpaca etc.
- Breathable, warm/cool regulating
- Biodegradable + odor resistant
- Can last decades
Ethical note: choose vintage or certified humane wool sources.
✦ Linen (flax)
Ancient, durable, and low-impact.
- Minimal water + pesticides
- Temperature-regulating
- Hypoallergenic + antimicrobial
- Lasts generations
Top choice: One of the most sustainable fabrics on Earth.
Look for European Flax / Masters of Linen labels.
✦ Silk
Made from silkworm cocoon fibers.
- Renewable, biodegradable
- Soft, breathable, long-lasting
Ethical issue: Most silk kills the silkworm.
Better options:
- Vintage silk
- Peace/Ahimsa silk (worm survives)
Why this is important?
Your skin is your biggest organ.
What you wear affects your:
- Hormones
- Immune system
- Breathing + sweat regulation
- Exposure to microplastics + chemicals
And every purchase affects:
- Workers’ health
- Forests + soil
- Water + wildlife
- Landfill waste
Choosing better fabrics = supporting Mother Earth and your own well being ✦
miracles of the moon ☽ 