in Materials, Reviews, Sustainable Fashion

Bamboo Textile Claims Hit the Fan

by Delia Montgomery December 10, 2009, 12:55 am 81 Views 2 Comments

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concluded this year that bamboo mills actually producing rayon or vicose were guilty of false advertising. The FTC action followed the Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB) in that the true rayon description be enforced.

Textile and fabric suppliers are changing their literature accordingly. One example is “viscose derived from bamboo” and conscious marketing now excludes the former green-eco promos. Suppliers could be penalized if they don’t abide.

There are exceptions! If the bamboo is verified to be produced in a manner similar to the process for making flax into linen-like fabrics, and without the toxins, ‒ then bravo.

This may add confusion to consumers in the short term. However, telling it like it is benefits all in the long run. Apparently bureaucratic actions can work in our favor, and hopefully these actions generate determination from mills to create new technologies for cleaner manufacturing methods.

Now that the bamboo BS has hit the fan, look for companies that are already ahead of the game. Research and development will prove worthy as everyone LOVES the feel of bamboo on their skin. Patience required, green friends.

Written by Delia Montgomery

I am Delia, d/b/a Chic Eco on www.ChicEco.com, and established myself as an eco fashion guru by learning "who makes what in the world of environmental fashion and design."

Enjoy reading some of my freelance writing about environmental design, fashion and art -- from both consumer and supplier perspectives. You may notice I focus most on individual eco designers, movers and shakers.

From sustainable fashion apparel to paint and flooring, discoveries are a rush. I get my kicks this way. I also offer sales representation of earth-friendly designed products for wholesale buyers. Retailers may take advantage of my services with factory-direct pricing. Spend less time sourcing and prevent green-washed purchases!

My other forte is connecting suppliers with business-to-business tools. Aspects of my business vary with consulting services while I'm proud to be the aide that embraces unique and innovative gigs.

I'm originally a Kentucky Blue Grass gal who relocated to Maui early 2006 and the tropical Puna District of Big Island, Hawaii late 2007. Walk the talk is my motto here.

Early 2009 I constructed a yurt home office in a semi-urban setting on a tiny lot. My water comes from the sky, contained in a catchment that's not likely to dry in this rain forest. The electric is designed for solar conversion. I grow about 30% of my food organically, compost, and recycle to the hilt. Permaculture with a full eco system is my gardening style.

In fact, gardening is my ultimate joy. I seek gigs like design, weeding and planting between other jobs. My love is Hawai'i which has more climate zones than any state. There are frequent earthquakes here, typically under a 3.0 magnitude, and I happen to dig the vibrations. It's a wonderful simple life in paradise. As I grow older and wiser, I become more and more grateful.