earth creations' natural fabrics

Hemp Organic Cotton Bamboo Lyocell

Hemp Hemp is one of the oldest and strongest natural fibers. Its existence dates back as far as 2000 B.C. In the USA there is a strong history of hemp farming and use. Our first American flag was sewn with hemp fabric and many of the first wagons headed west were covered with hemp canvases. The hemp fiber is harvested from the large annual plant Cannabis Sativa. This industrial hemp has a negligible alkaloid content and therefore cannot be used to make “marijuana” or any other drug. There are myriad other uses for the hemp plant from paper to food products. Hemp is resistant to insects, making pesticides unnecessary for cultivation. In addition, hemp grows so vigorously that no fertilizers are needed. Thus hemp enables sustainability and prevents erosion on the farmed land. As if that were not enough, hemp produces at least three times more fiber per acre than cotton plants and produces the most per acre of any other fiber source. These and other attributes make hemp clothing an excellent eco-friendly choice. The breathable, porous nature of hemp allows trapped air to be warmed by the body, making these garments naturally warmer in colder weather. Yet its breathability also allows hemp fabrics to be very comfortable during hot summers. Hemp's UV light and mold resistance makes it a very durable fabric. Today, hemp is grown around the world. This plant is harvested throughout Europe, Russia, China and Canada. In the USA, each year brings us closer to the legalization of hemp farming. As our society comes to terms with the down-side of tobacco, farmers who grow tobacco want to have another option. Growing industrial hemp would provide a viable and profitable alternative for thousands of American farmers. We are excited about the years to come and the opportunity to make more eco-friendly apparel from this natural fiber and help save our farmlands.

Organic Cotton Organic cotton is grown using different methods than conventional cotton. To be considered “organic,” growers, producers, and manufacturers must follow a strict guidelines outlined in the Organic Foods Production Act. Everything about the process, from the soil the cotton is grown in to the way that it is harvested and processed, is inspected carefully. If any of the standards or guidelines are not met, then the cotton cannot be certified as organic. The process of making organic cotton begins with the soil. Most organic farmers use soil that is extra rich in nutrients. When the soil is healthy, the plant will be healthy and more resistant to problems that would otherwise require chemicals like pesticides or herbicides. Two ways that farmers create nutritious soil are crop rotation and cover cropping. Crop rotation is an old practice by which different crops are rotated among the same fields. By varying the crops in each field, over time, it enriches the soil with different nutrients that help sustain the cotton crop the next time it is planted. Cover cropping is a system of planting crops that cover the soil and help prevent erosion. It also provides nitrogen for the upcoming cotton crop if it is tilled into the soil prior to planting or it can reduce the release of nutrients if planted after the cotton. When it comes to pest control, most conventional cotton farmers use pesticides and herbicides. However, with the use of crop rotation and cover cropping, it usually doesn’t have to come to that when growing organic cotton. If there is a pest control issue, organic farmers will turn to insect predators, and traps, or botanical pesticides if all else fails. Because this pesticide is made from botanical materials, it is broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight. With proper weed management, there is no need for herbicides either. One practice that helps cut down on the number of weeds during the growing process is flame weeding. This is done before planting or after the plant has matured to a certain point. Without the use of harsh chemicals, like herbicides and pesticides, there are virtually no chemicals involved in growing organic cotton. However, that does not mean that all certified organic cotton is without chemical residue. Unfortunately due to the extensive use of harsh chemicals during the past fifty years, it is possible that some organic cotton may be exposed to such chemicals through rain water or wind transfer. Cotton is certified as “organic” if the product has been grown according to the standards set forth by the National Organic Standards Board and the Organic Foods Production Act, which are verified by state or private organizations. These organizations inspect the fields and areas where the cotton is processed, as well as periodically test the soil and water. All this is done to maintain the standards set for organic farmering and to make sure that the farmers are meeting those standards. There are numerous benefits to growing organic cotton. The main benefit is that there are fewer chemicals in the environment. Research has proven that exposure to harsh chemicals like pesticides can cause mild problems such as headaches and nausea. Prolonged exposure can cause more serious illnesses like cancer or problems with our hormones, nervous system, reproductive system and immune system. Goods grown organically also retain more of their natural nutritional value (e.g., organic oranges have more vitamin c than conventionally grown oranges). Organic cotton is also a good choice for people with skin allergies or irritations because there are almost no chemicals involved with the growing of the plant or the production of the garment.

Bamboo Bamboo fiber is a type of regenerated cellulose, that is produced from refined bamboo pulp through a patented technology. The bamboo used for our clothing is planted and grown on farms, and it rivals hemp for rapid growth. Bamboo fabric is naturally anti-microbial, cooler and has the ability to wick moisture away from the body. It has an excellent drape and a wonderfully silky, cashmere feel. What more could you ask for in a fabric? Eco-fashion at its best.

Lyocell A cellulosic fiber made from wood pulp, also known as tencel®. It is produced by a special spinning process that uses recyclable non-toxic slovents. This process makes it ecologically sound. Lyocell is also very fashionable due to its luxurious hand, drape, and comfortable feel on the body.