Archive → January, 2012

Plant-Based Textiles and the Green Movement

25 January, 06:38, by Tags: , , ,

Plant-Based Textiles and the Green Movement

Plant-based textiles have been an integral part of clothing manufacturing for thousands of years, of course, but certain plants are finding new life as part of ecologically-conscious green clothing. Here is a little bit about plant-based textiles and what is being done now.

Cotton has long been the go-to textile thanks to its versatility and comfort. But what many people may not know is that Philippinos have been blending it for years with the fiber from the pineapple, called “pina.” Pina is obtained from the plant’s leaves and fiber and it is not known for its strength. However, its delicate nature makes it a natural to combine with silks, and many couture gowns are being made with pina now.

Hemp in a multitude of forms has been used in the manufacture of textiles for centuries, but it is presently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Manila hemp, which is gleaned from the underside of banana tree bark is recognized and prized for being one of the strongest fibers in existence.

Hemp textiles are extremely versatile and are used for everything from easy-care casual slacks to runway-ready fashions.

Soybean and corn are not plants that are usually associated with textiles, but they have become extremely popular members of the green clothing. Soybean fiber blended with cotton and other materials is notoriously soft and is a rising star in the production of infant and baby clothing; but soy and corn are strong enough to make adult shirts and outwear as well.

Those who are concerned about the environment can seek out green clothing that relies heavily on natural plant fibers. Many manufacturers take environmental responsibility a step further by recycling fabrics such as polyester into new and fashionable products.

The bottom line is: there are plenty of clothing choices we can make that will make a big difference to our planet’s health.

ArcMate Manufacturing http://www.arcmate.com/ offers eco green clothing such as shirts, jackets, vests, as well as shopping bags, tote bags, purses and other products made from recycled materials. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Green Cleaning: Help The Environment From Home

20 January, 06:38, by Tags: , , , , ,

Green Cleaning: Help The Environment From Home
If you’d like to be more environmentally friendly, changing the way you clean is one of the easiest things to do. You can easily change your cleaning habits to reflect an eco-friendly mindset without sacrificing sanitation. If you want to be more green, consider the following tips about how you clean.

Use green cleaning products. Most cleaning solutions are petroleum-based. Instead buy products made from renewable, non-toxic resources. Substances like coconut oil can be used in many green cleaning products. For allergy sufferers or people with sensitive senses, you can find many fragrance free cleaners. You know that these natural cleaners won’t harm you or damage your home’s surfaces.

Improve your homes air. The fact that many cleaners have warnings about skin contact is a testament to the potency of many of the chemicals you are letting into your air. Another airborne pollutant is the many allergens like dust and dander that linger in the air. Spraying cans of air freshener simply adds to the chemical problem. Instead of aerosol cans, consider other spray cleaners that are gentler and more environmentally friendly. Besides using it in your fridge, you could sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to create a fresh scent. For filtering your air, consider growing a broad green leaf plant or Peace Lilies indoors.

Clean floors mean less harmful chemicals indoors. In homes with a lot of foot traffic, it’s hard to keep floors clean for long. The toxins and pollutants that can be tracked on the bottom of shoes can create an unhealthy environment as well as making a mess. You should puts a mat at each doorway you use to help remove some of the dirt and other things. An even better way to alleviate the problem is to institute a no-shoe policy indoors.

These are only a small sample of the green cleaning ideas for your home. For one thing, remember to dispose of any toxic cleaners properly to avoid polluting the ground or water. If you want to do more green cleaning, there are a number of helpful resources online.

By taking a few simple steps you can begin to live a greener lifestyle. It’s up to you how green to make it. The key to green cleaning is to know what substances are coming into your home. If you want a better environment for your home, it’s an easy thing to start.

Find out more about Shark Steam Mops. buy a shark steam mop