WRINKLE-FREE
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical applied to make clothes wrinkle-free (2). If your new shirt smells like chemicals, it has likely been treated with Formaldehyde. This chemical can be problematic because:
ANTIBACTERIAL
Antibacterial clothing is often treated with triclosan, silver nanoparticles, or phthalates.
THE SOLUTION
DOING OUR PART
Cea wants to be part of the solution, which is why we created our pieces from GOTS certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX certified dyes. We want you to feel confident when buying and wearing our clothes, knowing they are better for your skin and better for the environment. Read more about our sustainability practices here.
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Citations:
1. April 06, 2022 Courtney Lindwall Molly M. Ginty. “‘Forever Chemicals’ Called Pfas Show up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home.” NRDC, 11 Aug. 2022, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/forever-chemicals-called-pfas-show-your-food-clothes-and-home.
2. “Formaldehyde - Cancer-Causing Substances.” National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute, 14 Feb. 2019, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde.
3. Bendix, Aria. “7 Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Your Waterproof, Stain-Resistant, and Wrinkle-Free Clothes.” Business Insider, Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/toxic-chemicals-in-clothes-cancer-2019-7.
4. “What Is Triclosan and Why Should You Avoid It?” What Is Triclosan and Why Should You Avoid It?, Nourished Life, 5 May 2017, https://www.nourishedlife.com.au/article/3243/what-triclosan-why-should-you-avoid.html.
5. Dupree, Lydia. “The Dangers of ‘Resistant’ Fashion.” LinkedIn, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dangers-resistant-fashion-lydia-dupree.
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1. Look beyond the packaging and buzzwords
Just because a product is packaged with green labels and features green buzzwords, does not mean it's doing any good for the earth. Anyone can use vague words such as "clean" and "eco" to promote their product because these words are not controlled. The same goes for a company's website and social media account. Just because they are using branding that gives the impression that they are "green", does not necessarily mean they are.
https://www.matejakordic.com/greenwashing/
2. Do your research
Look beyond the fancy packaging and words. What actions are the company taking to support the environment? Do they have third party certifications? Where are their products produced? Are they constantly releasing new styles? If a company is truly working to better the environment, they should be more than happy to tell you all about it.
https://www.matejakordic.com/greenwashing/
3. Check the label
Learn how to read the labels and what they mean. Check the label to see what the product is made from and if there are any certifications. Is the product made from natural or recycled materials or is it made from virgin plastic? Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers — all of which are forms of plastic — are now about 60 percent of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide.
https://issuu.com/zw_now/docs/zwnow_spring2021/s/11848543
4. Be aware of hidden trade-offs
This is important. You might see a clothing brand advertise their new eco-friendly collection made from organic cotton. However, you might read the label and find out that the clothes were made from only 30% organic cotton, while the other 70% is conventional cotton or polyester. This means that majority of the product is still harmful to the environment. Just because part of a product is "green", does not mean that it is good for the environment.
https://modernbuyerbehaviour.wordpress.com/2020/10/28/shop-sustainable-clothing/
5. Make the investment
Most likely, you will need to invest a little more when you shop with brands that don't greenwash. If you buy something for super cheap, it most likely means that it's made form unsustainable materials and produced in an unethical way. Sustainable options are still more expensive, but in return you get what you pay for.
https://tollydollyposhfashion.com/2017/04/what-is-greenwashing-how-do-you-avoid-it-fashion-revolution-week-2017/
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The textile industry today is dominated by synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, because it is cheaper and easier to produce. Most of the clothes in your closet are most likely made from synthetic materials. The problem with these plastic-based fabrics is the negative effect they have on humans and the environment. Let's take a closer look at some of these issues:
1. Synthetics make it hard for your skin to breathe and doesn't allow for efficient transfer of sweat. By trapping sweat, it's an ideal environment for bacteria and bad odor. This is what causes irritations such as rashes, itching, redness, eczema, and dermatitis. Not to mention the chemicals being absorbed by your skin while wearing these garments.
2. Whenever we wash synthetic fabrics, they shed hundreds of thousands of microplastics that make their way into oceans and water systems (35% of microplastics in the ocean come from synthetic textiles). Unfortunately, recycled polyester (which is stated to be sustainable) contributes to this issue as well.
3. Microplastics entering the human body are linked to negative health outcomes including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation, auto-immune conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, and stroke.
4. The process of changing petroleum into the polyester is a long and toxic process, meaning that factory workers (some of who are children) face serious health hazards as well.
The Kaia Ribbed Collection is made from GOTS certified organic cotton
By now, you can probably understand why we choose natural fabrics for our clothes. Our collection is made from natural GOTS certified organic cotton. Let's look at why natural fabrics are superior to synthetics:
1. Organic cotton is one of the best fabrics you can wear to treat your skin to the ultimate comfort. It’s breathable, absorbs liquid from the skin, and is hypoallergenic. There are no harsh chemicals for your skin to absorb, so say hello to happy skin.
2. Natural fibers have a natural ventilation function as they absorb perspiration and releases it into the air (instead of trapping sweat). The fabrics are naturally anti-bacterial, fungal-resistant, and odor-free.
3. By wearing natural fabrics you avoid shedding microplastics while wearing or washing the garment. Natural fabrics also require fewer washes since they do not trap odors.
4. Natural fiber clothing is a great investment, because clothes will last much longer and will save you money in the long term.
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