The Low Down On Green Living
August 12th, 2009
Green Your Blue Jeans
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Blue jeans are classic, and a staple in almost every American’s wardrobe. They’re comfortable, versatile, durable and they look great too. There are jeans for every shape and size and if you ever find a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly - buy them. That is, as long as they’re organic cotton or vintage. And when you’ve worn out the knees or moved on to a better fit, make use of your old jeans by recycling them. Why this emphasis on eco jeans?
Did you know it takes about 2/3 pound of fertilizer and pesticides to grow enough conventional cotton to make a pair of jeans? Conventional cotton production is responsible for 11% of the world’s pesticides and 25% of the world’s insecticides. The workers who harvest the cotton are exposed to these dangerous chemicals, and five of the top nine pesticides used in cotton production are known carcinogens according to the EPA. The dye used to color the jeans is a synthetic indigo, which can drain into nearby waterways. And to get that stone-washed, worn-out look, jeans go through a rigorous process involving sand paper, chemicals and bleaches, which often end up polluting nearby waterways and ecosystems.
Used or Vintage Jeans
When you’re in the market for a new pair of jeans, look first to vintage or thrift store jeans, which require no extra pollution or energy to produce. Online stores like Vintage Trends, Etsy and Ebay have scores of vintage and used jeans. Otherwise, you are certain to find lots of jeans in your nearby thrift stores. Remember jeans can be easily altered by a tailor to fit you perfectly.
Organic Denim Jeans
If you can’t find your favorite fit in older or vintage jeans, many new brands are making organic denim jeans that minimize the chemicals and toxins. Well-known brands like Gap and Levis are have a number of organic cotton jeans in their lineup. And here are some other brands that have organic cotton and non-toxic dyes:
- Del Forte Organic Denim
- 7 For All Mankind
- Good Society
- Mission Playground
- Sharkah Chakra
- Edun
- Loomstate
- Howies UK
- Mavi
- Planet Earth Green Label
Reuse Your Old Jeans
Jeans get worn and then they get worn out, stretched out and ripped. It’s hard to say goodbye to your favorite pair of jeans. But fear not, you can transform your jeans into something useful. Grab your scissors and a sewing machine for a DIY project to turn those jeans into a wallet, bag, skirt, apron, potholders and more. Check out Threadbanger for their amazing roundup of DIY projects using old jeans.
Recycle Your Old Jeans
Aren’t the crafty type you say, well that’s ok too. There’s still a place for your worn out jeans. There are a few companies out there now who would be happy to take your old jeans and shred them up for insulation. You may have heard of recycled cotton batt insulation, which is made from recycled denim. Cotton batt insulation comes in a roll and is very easy to install in between stud framing. It is also non-toxic and contains no chemicals or harsh irritants, and it has a R-value of 3.7, which is higher than most fiberglass batts. And at 3.5″ of insulation, you get R 13.
Bonded Logic is one of the most well known companies manufacturing recycled cotton batt insulation. Most of their denim material comes from the floors of manufacturing plants, but they do incorporate some recycled jeans. You can send your jeans to Green Jeans Insulation, who will take your old jeans and process them into insulation. You can also learn more about the process at CottonFromBluetoGreen.org, which is in part sponsored by America’s Cotton Producers and Importers.
So whether you turn them into something useful for yourself or you send them off to become insulation, you’ll have kept those hardworking jeans out of the landfill and extended their life.
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Comments
Leslie
August 19th, 2009 at 6:45 am
You can get organic jeans for really good prices on Ebay too! I also found a bunch of videos on youtube that show you how to change the style of your jeans- like making them skinny jeans out of baggy jeans- turning them into other eco friendly projects.
I like to get old stone washed jeans from the thrift store, and upcycle them into mini skirts
Marian
August 19th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Shame on the Gap. They do not make Organic Jeans. The website shows 330 listings for Organic products on their website and when you look at their jeans not one of the Gap made jeans is organic. The only thing that they do mention is the following:
The water used in the process of washing and dyeing these jeans has been specially treated to ensure it is safe and clean when it leaves the factory.
Janet
August 19th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I can’t believe you guys didn’t mention donating old jeans. It helps people and keeps junk out of the landfill. Lots of organizations pick them up from your house. Or pay attention to when they have clothing drives.
David Basson (President, Greensource Organic Clothing Co.)
August 20th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
It would be great if you guys could also recognize Seattle-based Greensource. One of the largest users on organic cotton in the world. GS was the first company to deliver denim jeans that are totally processed organically (all dyes & washes ) as well as using certified organic cotton. All products are certified to USDA and GOTS international standards.
A number of manufacturers are using organic cotton, but then they dump toxic chemicals into the dyeing & washing process. The company produces organic jeans under different brand names … Greensource(Macy’s), ReGen (Kohls), Faded Glory (Wal-mart) , Route 66 (K-mart), etc.
Prices are unbelievable !
Green Your Blue Jeans | Organic Vida Community
August 21st, 2009 at 11:55 am
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carla
August 21st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I am always looking for new ways to recycle my old jeans. I usually wear them out in the thighs so they are not fit for donation. I love the ideas listed on http://www.threadbanger.com! Thank you for posting that link.
N.J..Bond ,Indian farmer ( Indigo plants dye extrator)
November 9th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Organic Cotton GOTS certified is old thing in Jeans . Now India is producing Natural genuine plant based fresh Indigo herbal dyed denim and the customisable service jeans is EBAY sold. Internationally supplied on courier sevice.Price is below 65 $ a piece.
European Doctors used the Demin dyed on this herb to prevent viral attacks during Plague PANDEMIC TIMES in 18 th centurry.Gold and Coal Miners used them to save their lives in U.S.A during the same period.
It is organic Era and people can live naturally organically in frugal spending on Jeans of this variety and holistic heal many sicknesses and protect in the long use from H1N1 viral attack . Indigo Denim has very peculier quality of rubbing the skin rubbing more the toiling skin till detox in deciplined and hard way .
Organic Cotton Natural hand - Dyed Indigo Denim Jeans comes in market styles and wash effects of its own . Customers are requested to wah them on hand by Organic Soap which prolongs the holistic healing power of the herbs sub atomic particals and its life is prolonged to last several lives .
You can buy them from Web site http://www.transindiaexports.net.For choice you can buy from one western settler in this biovalley . A Spanish Engineer settled in our village is making them and selling to France as it is little France till now linked in a way.His web site ;www.thecoloursofnature.com.
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