What Does "Eco-Friendly" Mean?

The interest in "green" and "eco-friendly" products is on the rise, but what do these terms really mean to you? What do these terms mean about the products with these labels? This is something I have given more thought to lately. While I can't answer these questions for you, I can share with you my answers to these questions and how I try to make my clothes and accessories as eco-friendly as possible.

Having grown up in a home with a huge backyard with a creek beyond the back fence, I have a well-developed affection for nature. I believe we must respect our ecosystem and all the creatures that share it with us. As a fiber artist, I try to make choices that reflect this respect. A fiber artist faces some issues, such as the impact of the dyeing process, that are different from those of other businesses. To minimize the environmental impact of my paints and dyes, I use natural dyes and earth pigments (sometimes called "dirt dyes"). All spent dye baths and materials, such as leaves and flowers, are added to the compost. No heavy metals are used in the dyeing process and my earth-derived pigment paints are affixed using homemade soy milk instead of chemicals. Many of my dye materials, such as goldenrod, are gathered from the abundant supply on our property. Any dyes I have to purchase come from a company that has numerous certified organic dyes. I try to ensure that the companies from whom I purchase my dyes, fabric, and yarn share my commitment to the environment and to the people who produce these materials.

Since dyeing and sewing both require power, we buy into a program that brings a portion of our electricity from alternative sources such as wind and solar power. I keep the studio thermostat turned down anytime I am not there, and everything is plugged into power strips I can shut off before I leave. During the summer, I can put my dye baths outside to let the sun cook them, just like sun tea. Any knitting or crochet power is provided by a free-range, organically-fed artist — me!

As I am the only member of my company, I personally keep a close eye on all the aspects of my ecological impact. I always do my best to ensure that I bring my customers clothing and accessories that are eco-friendly in multiple ways, that are as "green" as possible, and that are good for you and the planet. This is what "eco-friendly" means to me.