Imagine browsing the stores looking for fun new fashions, checking the fit, feeling the softness, checking the tag to find “Made with 100% cotton, grown with 1/3 pound of pesticides, colored with reactive dyes fixed with heavy metals and produced by children in unsanitary, low-wage sweatshop conditions.” Labeling standards don’t yet require that information, and nobody is offering it up voluntarily, but the reality is that the latest trendy top you are looking at just might fit the bill.
For health and social reasons, many consumers today have made the switch to cotton from petroleum-based synthetic fibers such as polyester, but the fabric of our lives is not necessarily a choice without consequences. Globally, 25% of insecticide use is attributable to cotton production. In addition, conventional growing of cotton makes heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers. These insecticides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers then seep into our soil and waterways. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed seven of the top 15 pesticides used on U.S. cotton crops to be potential or known human carcinogens.
Much of the apparel in the US is made in sweatshops where workers labor in unsafe, unsanitary conditions, are paid wages so low they must struggle to provide for their families, and children are exploited.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. Today’s fashion market has a wealth of environmentally and socially responsible options, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, soy, and organic wool.
Certified organic cotton is grown with consideration for the natural biodiversity, without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. The advantages go beyond the health and environmental benefits though. Organic cotton fibers tend to be longer-staple, producing stronger softer yarns, and, thus longer-lasting softer garments.
Let's not stop with organic cotton. Hemp is another natural fiber beginning to blossom in the eco-fashion industry. Hemp is most often grown without herbicides, fungicides or pesticides. With fibers longer, stronger and more absorbent than cotton, hemp produces strong yarns and garments that last. Naturally resistant to bacteria and UV light, hemp is a great choice for socks, shoes, and apparel.
And how will it look in your closet? The days of loose hemp anti-styles are no longer. Today’s hemp wear has its place in cutting edge design, knits that hug the body, linen-quality dresses that flatter the figure, and sturdy canvas shoes.
So don't be discouraged that 100% cotton isn't such a 100% natural choice. Today we have many options in eco-friendly and socially responsible apparel without compromising fashion. Fashion is about finding your own style. Shouldn’t your style be in line with your values?
Success means more than economic gains, titles and degrees. It usually follows careful planning. If you decide you want to change your life and have a good idea of what you want to do then that is the time to start planning how you will achieve your goal. There are many things you need to examine and consider before you begin to make plans. The easiest and most efficient way is to put all the points on paper, not in any particular order but just as you think of them. You must decide exactly what you. Do you want a new job? Do you want promotion in your present job? Do you want to stay in the same town? Are you prepared to move? Do you want to stay in the same Country? If not, where do you want to go? How are you going to go about making the changes you want? Decide what you want to change and then PLAN how you are going to make those changes. Let us look at some of the things we need to examine and be clear about when making our plans. Who are YOU ? To gain insights about yourself, you need to look closely at your beliefs, values and principles. Moreover, you can also reflect on your experiences which have shaped your skills, knowledge, strengths and weaknesses. Are you highly motivated, generous, service oriented, but impatient? Are you introvert or extrovert? Will your new lifestyle be appropriate if you make the changes you are considering? Do you have alternative plans if you cannot achieve your original ambitions? The more you carry out this personal assessment the easier it will be for you to decide if you really do want to make a change.
By now you have carried out an in-depth study of your inner self. Your next decision concerns how successful you want to be. To be successful you must devote all your energy to the idea to achieve this enviable state. Do you have strong ambitions to be the CEO of a large company? Or do you just want a secure position which will provide all your needs in life? Again the same situation arises if you want to succeed in other areas of your life. Will you have to change your attitude or ideas? Will you have to think about further education or study some subject with which you are not familiar? You will know the answer to these questions if you have made the necessary studies outlined above. Your in depth examination should cover all aspects of your life, i.e. the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual values you hold.
Once you have decided on your goal you can now proceed with the method with which you are going to reach it. If your ambition is to reach the higher echelons of business then concentrate on the requirements. Research these requirements and find a mentor to monitor your progress. If your aims lie in another direction utilise the same formula, i.e. research and study your subjects and never be afraid to ask for advice and help. If you are tenacious and dedicated enough you will realise your ambitions. Use contacts, friends and acquaintances. Whatever your objective, you will certainly, at some stage need help from others so cultivate friends and contacts.
If you carry out these basic principles you will be able to make changes in your life style, succeed in your goals and achieve your ambitions. One vital point to remember is Plans Can Always Be Changed. Circumstances may arise where it is necessary to change direction or ambition. If that happens, accept the fact, consider the situation and renew your plans and objectives.
Both Audra Hensel & Michael Russell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Audra Hensel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Women. Audra Hensel is the owner of NatureWear Organics, a small New England based retailer of sweatshop free, organic and eco-friendly fashion. NatureWear Organics can be visited on the world-wide web at:. Audra Hensel's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.
Michael Russell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Celebrities, Dieting and Diabetes Treatment. Michael RussellYour Independent guide to . Michael Russell's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.