Microfibre, nylon and polyester fabrics are made from non-renewable petroleum sources and are not biodegradable. Microscopic plastic fibres from these fabrics are released every single time they are washed and due to the size inevitably end up in our oceans and waterways. These plastic fibres have been found in the stomachs of sea creatures. However, no farmers will be disadvantaged, or pesticides used in production; and no water is required to dye it.
Linen, hemp and jute are natural fibres from fast growing plants. They have minimal processing and often use ancient methods to turn plant to fabric, and therefore retain the feel and energy of nature. As demand grows for these fibres we can expect them to become more versatile and a convenient option to clothe our families.
You can see that deciding could be difficult! Do the research you can and consider where your values align the most. If you must grab something on the go, don’t beat yourself up. Look after that item and appreciate where it came from.
Breastfeeding mother Nicole Jago considered all these factors when deciding to launch fashion range MAMAKU – conscious clothing for breastfeeding mothers. She knows as parents we can’t get it perfect every time but educating ourselves to make aware decisions is the first step. MAMAKU is sourcing cotton in India where it has been grown for centuries and choosing a family run manufacturer in India to keep the transportation of materials to a minimum, maintain employment for locals and even donating proceeds of every sale to a local breastfeeding charity.
“I feel strongly about supporting the communities where our clothes come from – leaving them better off and not disadvantaged just to put clothes on the backs of people far away,” says Nicole.
MAMAKU is making a long-term commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing.
“We will constantly monitor our supply relationships to identify ways to do better.”
But most excitedly, MAMAKU plan to prove that “ethical is for everyone”. That buying ethically made clothes can be affordable and accessible to everyone – starting with breastfeeding mothers! The range will be affordable, joyful, easy to wear and especially easy to breastfeed in.
Visit www.mamaku.com.au and follow MAMAKU on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
Great article. I think it’s important to note that although *most bamboo is viscose (chemically made) there are some awesome brands who use 100% mechanically made bamboo which is free from chemicals. Not all Bamboo is created equally!