Letter to the Editor – “even our socks …”

At this time of year, many people buy presents for their families, and this includes clothing. Also at this time of year, we often receive offers of subscriptions to various organizations. This week my husband and I received a subscription offer from a well known magazine. Included with the subscription letter was the offer of a “free fleece jacket”.

Fleece jackets are usually made from man-made nano-fibres. Most clothing now contains fibres such as polyester, but it does not have to be this way. We can seek out clothing that is made of pure wool or cotton, and we can ask manufacturers to provide clothing made without man-made fibres.

Why would we wish to take this step? Here’s why:

Scientists this year announced their concern that when washed, the tiny man-made fibers from clothing slip through waste water purification plants and end up in fish in the oceans, and eventually in us.

Another related issue: Most clothing dyes are toxic. In addition to this, clothing (even socks) is treated with toxic chemicals including formaldehyde to prevent wrinkling, as well as antibacterial substances. These chemicals are absorbed by the skin, and it can take many washes to get rid of them.

By choosing clothing that is non-toxic to our health and the environment we choose health for our children and grandchildren.

If enough people avoid buying toxic clothing, the clothing industry will get the message and so will our children. There is no better time to start then now.
Gillian Blair, Panmure, 3265.