Sustainable fabrics and our ikat fabrics
I wanted to share this very interesting article from “The Good Trade” blog about sustainable fabrics. Here is a link to the whole article: “Sustainable Fabrics 101: Everything You Need To Know Before You Shop”. The article talks about fabrics in relation to fashion, specifically fast fashion since that’s where the most environmental damage comes from. However, all points covered are applicable to interior design and interior decoration.
Both cotton and silk are sustainable fabrics
Yes. Here us at UzbekAlive can be somewhat peaceful knowing that our ikat fabrics and silk scarves are biodegradable. What we are not so peaceful about is a use of pesticides in production of our cotton. I personally don’t have any specific information on this and should do some research on the “organic aspect” of our cotton.
Our fabrics are locally produced
One thing the article does not mention is the sustainability effect of transportation involved in a production cycle. Let’s say, organic cotton is grown in India. Fabric is then woven in Pakistan. A dress using the cotton fabric is sewn in the USA. This process involves transportation which negatively effects the environment (Co2 emissions). Does this mean that to dress sustainably we all need to wear what is produced in our geographies? I feel the answer is “yes”.
In case of UzbekAlive, all cotton and silk is produced in Uzbekistan, woven into fabrics in Uzbekistan, pillow covers sewn in Uzbekistan. Our entire production cycle is Uzbekistan based.
“With fast fashion producing at a highly accelerated rate to meet demand, manufacturers end up relying on virgin synthetic materials that are cheap and quick to produce. However, these fabrics (like polyester), take decades or more to biodegrade”
Growing anything sustainably takes time and patience
What we need to understand is that growing anything sustainably takes time and patience. If we are to live in beautiful green cities, to breath clean air and to drink clean water we need to start consuming more consciously really paying attention where we put our money. It is up to us what we demand because following basic laws of economics where demand is supply will emerge.
I feel we are coming to an era when we will be buying less but better quality products, an era when we will value fabrics for natural fibers used in making them and craftsmanship involved in producing such unique things. This is where out ikat fabrics score high. I would like to stress again and again that our fabrics are hand dyed and handloom woven. Ikat fabrics are not about mass production. They are produced in limited quantities by artisans who have been trained to make them. These artisans are respectable members of the society for their unique skills and craftsmanship.
Photo credit: Bloesem Living
