ORGANICALLY MADE, JUST LIKE YOUR BABY
Whether you’re a parent, an auntie or uncle, or a daily doer of good, we can pretty much all agree that we want the next generation to be even better than the last. Although it’s cliche, children really are the future, and the planet is in their hands. This reality stirs up an emotionally charged debate as we begin to consider if we really are setting our little ones up for success.
Looking back we can see that we have come a long way since the baby boom generation. We have implemented car seats, started early education programs, and even introduced second and third languages to children at a young age. But, with these giant leaps have also come many setbacksset backs. Our current consumer lifestyle has placed pressure on the production and manufacturing of goods. We have pressured companies to keep up with our demand to buy more and have more. Over time, this mass production of food and clothing has created some irreversible damage for our health and environment.
In an attempt to keep costs low and production high, the majority of cotton farmers have turned to genetically modified crops and the spraying of pesticides. The chemicals don’t end there. As the fabric moves onto the next stage in the production line, more harmful chemicals are used for the dyeing process. Unfortunately, these harsh chemicals are not limited to cotton. Most synthetic fabrics like acrylic, polyester, rayon, acetate and nylon also use multiple forms of chemicals for production. These chemicals don’t just stay on our clothes either. They actually get transferred to our skin and into our bloodstream. More surprisingly, these same chemicals are not just used on adults clothes, but children’s clothing too!
New York Dermatologist Dr. Gersner, states that your child’s skin is more delicate and sensitive than an adults. Their skin tends to absorb chemicals easier and is actually 30 percent thinner than adults. This makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of chemically treated clothing. You see, most mass-produced clothing companies use something called ethers or PBDEs. These Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are flame retardants added to things like furniture, carpet padding, and your babies clothing. Recently researchers have grown concerned about the long-lasting effects of exposure to PBDEs. A study by Environmental Health Perspectives, found a direct link between PBDEs and hormonal disorders, early onset of puberty, thyroid issues, and neurological disorders. Studies continue to evolve as we learn about the negative long-term effects of how we have been manufacturing our clothing for generations.
All of this information may feel overwhelming, but there is hope. There are a growing number of companies pioneering the way for a better future for you and your child. These trailblazers are setting the new standard for the apparel industry. The next time you go shopping for your kids, check the tags on the clothes before you buy. If the item is organic, the tag will proudly state it. Chances are if it is not organic, the tag and the company will not directly tell you which chemicals were used in making it. If you are shopping online, check the site for a sustainability statement. This will contain information what materials the company uses to produce their clothing. Finding the truth behind how a company makes their clothing can help us make the the healthiest decision for our children.
Here at Allmade, we are so passionate about this movement that we have added an infant and toddler line to our collection. We have our tri-blend t-shirts available in all 7 Allmade colors. These are ethically made and eco-friendly. Our shirts are safe for your kids to wear and help to make the world a better place. We are honored to be paving the way and setting the new standard for apparel and future generations.
-This blog was commissioned for Allmade.com