When it comes to dyes, what the textile industry uses matters. Why, you may ask? They are a booming industry, making and selling clothes all over the world. Their main staple is synthetic dye, which is harmful to not just the planet but also to humans. There are a number of reasons why natural dye is more beneficial to the planet than synthetic, which we’ll get into below.
According to an article entitled, ‘Nurturing Nature’s Colors,’ “wastewater from natural dyeing is considerably less polluting.” This is in comparison to its counterpart, which contains carcinogenic compounds. These compounds are harmful to the workers, who are in close contact with the product throughout the production line. It is so important for worker's safety to make a change. We can prevent health conditions that pop up because of exposure to these chemicals.
How do we know natural dyes are safe? In another article, they write that natural dyes are biodegradable and non-toxic. This makes them far more eco-friendly than synthetic dyes will ever be, as they degrade easily and are safe for the environment. Excess dyes, when disposed of, won't pollute our water supply the way that synthetic dyes do, as the previous article states. This is because they are made with all-natural ingredients, such as plants. This means that what's being disposed of is already a part of the natural environment.
There are some downsides we need to look at, as well. There are things like high cost and inability to reproduce color variants. Overall, however, we feel that natural dyes are a positive. It is an eco-friendly and sustainable option with benefits for both humans and the planet. We can support businesses who use natural dyes as a way to reduce our footprint on the world. Below are products that use natural dyes or no harmful chemicals.
The Waight - The Uniform "Botanical Dye"
The Waight - The Uniform "Acorn Dye"
Paneros Vintage Cotton Crop Tee In Sand DuneRosy Brown Linen Waffle Bed Throw
Promin (Beam) Wool Rug / Wall Hanging
Chitki (Crisp) Wool Rug / Wall Hanging