The Truth About Bamboo

Bamboo and Eucalyptus fabrics are often marketed as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cotton or polyester fabrics. However, recent reports suggest that some companies are falsely labelling their products as bamboo or eucalyptus fabric when they are actually made from a blend of other materials.

According to a recent article from Good Housekeeping, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been cracking down on companies that falsely label their products as bamboo or eucalyptus fabric. The FTC requires that any product labelled as bamboo or eucalyptus fabric must be made from the actual bamboo or eucalyptus plant. However, some companies have been using a blend of other materials, such as rayon or viscose, and labelling it as bamboo or eucalyptus fabric.

What Does It Matter?

So why does this matter? For one, consumers seeking out eco-friendly and sustainable products may be misled into purchasing items that are not actually environmentally friendly. Additionally, the production of rayon and viscose involves the use of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and the workers who produce the fabric.

It's important to note that bamboo and eucalyptus fabrics can be sustainable options when they are produced and labeled correctly. Bamboo, for example, is a fast-growing plant that requires little water or pesticides to grow, making it a more eco-friendly option than cotton. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, is a renewable resource that can be grown sustainably.

However, when companies falsely label their products as bamboo or eucalyptus fabric, they are misleading consumers and potentially contributing to environmental harm. The production of rayon and viscose involves the use of chemicals such as carbon disulfide, which can be harmful to workers and the environment.

What Can I Do?

So how can consumers ensure that the products they are purchasing are actually made from bamboo or eucalyptus? One way is to look for products that are certified by organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. These certifications ensure that the fabric is produced using environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices.
Another option is to research the company that produces the product. Look for information on the company's website about their sustainability practices and the materials they use in their products. If a company is transparent about their production methods and materials, it's more likely that their products are actually sustainable and eco-friendly.

It's also important to note that bamboo and eucalyptus fabrics are not the only sustainable options available. There are a variety of eco-friendly fabrics on the market, including cotton, like SOMÉ Continuous Cooling Performance Sheets. In addition to being mindful of the materials used in the products we purchase, there are also steps we can take to make our own clothing and home goods more sustainable.

 

While bamboo and eucalyptus fabrics can be sustainable and eco-friendly options, it's important for consumers to be aware of false labeling and do their research before making a purchase. By choosing products certified by reputable organizations or researching the companies that produce the products, we can ensure that we support sustainable and socially responsible practices. Additionally, by making mindful choices about the products we purchase and how we care for them, we can reduce our impact on the environment and work towards a more sustainable future.