Green Clothing Buying Guide

You may not be aware of the impact organic clothing can have on the environment, even though you do environmentally friendly things all the time. If you're not sure how going green with your wardrobe can help the planet, then this green clothing buying guide is for you. Read on for some green living tips, including the organic clothing to look for, how to buy green clothing, how to take care of all your clothing in an eco-friendly way and what to do with your clothes when you're done with them.

Eco-friendly Clothing Tips:

1. Choose organic clothing. Organic clothing materials, including organic cotton, are grown without pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers. Not only does the production release fewer chemicals into the air, but organic clothing also releases fewer chemicals as you wear it. Look for organic bamboo clothing or hemp clothing for an especially comfortable fit. Organic cotton is also very desirable for its soft, silky texture.

2. Look for bamboo and hemp pieces. These fibers require much less water and other resources to grow. They also grow quickly, making them renewable resources. Both bamboo and hemp fibers can be made into organic fabrics with a variety of textures, from sheer and silky to warm and durable. If you're skeptical, try bamboo clothing and hemp clothing in casual styles, such as a T-shirt or a pair of lounge pants, before trying dressier pieces.

3. Find new man-made materials. Since most man-made fibers require a lot of energy to be produced and many are made out of petroleum, some companies are improving these materials. Eco-friendly fabrics include fleece made from recycled plastic bottles and shoes made of recycled rubber. Other companies are experimenting with fibers made from corn.

4. Buy clothing with natural dyes. Chemical dyes release toxins into the air during production, and the clothes dyed with them can irritate sensitive skin. Home-crafters have been experimenting with fabric dyes made of vegetables, coffee and tea for many years, but clothing companies are just starting to use natural fabric dyes for environmentally friendly green clothing. Look for clothing made with organic fabric and low-impact dyes when you're going green.

5. Wash your clothes only when necessary. When you put on an outfit and only wear it around the house for a few hours, it probably doesn't need to be washed yet. Before you throw anything in the hamper, think about whether or not you could get another wear out of it. If you can, hang it back up in your closet.

6. Install energy-efficient appliances. Upgrade your washer and dryer to Energy Star models. You'll use less water and less power, and you'll save money on your power bill. Some local power companies will even give you a rebate check when you have Energy Star-rated appliances installed, so be sure to check with yours.

7. Air-dry your clothes when you can. Use even less power by air-drying your clothes outside on a clothesline. When the sun is out, this gives your clothes a fresh scent. If your clothes stiffen while hanging on the line, mix one capful of clear fabric softener with one cup of clean water in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Then spray the mixture on the clothes and shake them out. This method is also best when washing delicate bamboo items or other green clothing pieces.

8. Sell or donate gently worn clothing. Sell clothing in good condition to a consignment shop or in a yard sale. You can also donate clothes to charity.

9. Recycle worn-out clothing. Old T-shirts make excellent dust cloths, and old jeans can be cut up to make a quilt. Many recycling centers have started accepting clothes to be recycled into other items, like paper, industrial cloths and even fencing materials. If you can't find a local recycling center that takes clothes, donate worn-out items to a charity like Goodwill or the Salvation Army as part of your green living resolve. They have connections to textile recyclers that you may not know about.

10. Buy or make eco-friendly accessories. Find hats and scarves made of recycled or earth-friendly fibers, and choose shoes and belts made of non-leather materials to protect the environment against greenhouse gases. Carry a tote bag made of canvas or organic cotton for a purse or shopping bag, and choose designer accessories that will last many years and won't end up in a landfill.

Tips from Overstock.com:

1. How do you satisfy your need for fashion and reduce the amount of clothing you buy? Choose only high-quality clothing that will last for a long time. For quality clothes at a discount price, you only need to shop on Overstock.com. We have the designer brands you want for the lowest prices on the Internet.

2. Extending the life of your clothing requires the best laundry care. Shop on Overstock.com for the laundry care items you need to make the most of your clothes. When you take better care of your clothes, you can keep them out of the landfill longer.