The article from a Tampa area high school newspaper was picked up by the National Edition of the American Society Newspaper Editors for high school newspapers!

How green are you?


When it comes to clothes, there’s a smart way to be a style setter and eco-friendly at the same time.

By Julia Pappacoda

Many teenagers consider themselves to be environmentally friendly. They might help sort certain household trash items for recycling. They may even try to reuse, rather than waste, common household items before they’re discarded. Some of the more conscientious may even take the time to search for specific products that have recycled content. But when it comes to the clothes you wear, how green are you?

There are stirring changes in the textile business that can help our environment while creating new business opportunities. Clothing made from alternative natural sources is changing the textile landscape.

Bamboo fiber garments, yes bamboo, is one such recent innovation. Fortunately, modern manufacturing processes have been refined to be able to produce this thrilling innovation. Pulp from bamboo is made into fiber for use in yarn and fabric.

There are only about five companies in the world that manufacture bamboo yarn. Only a very limited number of distributors for these products exist in the United States. Pinellas County is home to a budding business selling bamboo clothing. It’s called Shirts of Bamboo and is located at 2414 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Don’t let the name mislead you, though, since they carry many bamboo fiber clothing products.

The effervescent Keely Sinclair is the store manager and outreach coordinator. “The initial success of the merchandise has resulted in a current expansion of the store to accommodate more stock with new styles and colors,” Sinclair said. “We’re also planning on adding robes and towels for the holidays.”

Baby blankets, booties and crib sheets are among some of the items to help start an infant in developing an eco-friendly lifestyle. Towels, washcloths and scarves complement a growing array of men’s and women’s clothing. “We get our stock from suppliers in California and South Carolina. The fabric is made in China,” Sinclair said. “Men’s golf shirts, as well as men’s and women’s sweaters are being added to our growing product line.”

If a visit to their retail store is too far, their product line can be viewed 24/7 online at www.ShirtsOfBamboo.com. It includes shirts, socks, and undergarments. The clothing is moderately priced. Shirts range from $12 to $28. A pair of bamboo socks will cost $7 dollars. They even carry yarn for those with knitting skills. The extraordinary colors of the product lines are vibrant and fresh with some traditional shades as well.

Clothing made from bamboo is very special. Not only is it softer than cotton, it has a natural sheen and feels like silk. “Bamboo fabric appeals to all ages,” said Sinclair. “If you feel it, you want to buy it. Bamboo is a sustainable plant, since four to six baby shoots grow for every plant cut down.”

Versatility is another trademark of bamboo fiber. It requires less dye than cotton garments and has a natural UV protection. The apparel is extremely comfortable. It’s cooler than other fabrics in the summer, and it can be layered to be warmer in the winter. It is very durable and unlike cotton and wool which are very absorbent and retain moisture, bamboo is more antibacterial. It wicks away moisture and has a very high soil release value. “We’re looking to connect with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. With all the benefits of bamboo, this fabric is a great choice for athletes,” Sinclair said.

The environment benefits from the use of bamboo. It takes in nearly five times the amount of greenhouse gasses and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. This makes it an efficient replenisher of fresh air. There are other uses for bamboo, like furniture and flooring. By encouraging the growth and utilization of bamboo, it can begin to combat global warming.

Bamboo is definitely unique. It is the world’s fastest growing plant, extremely abundant and is grown without pesticides or chemicals. This renewable resource is also naturally biodegradable. It is an excellent alternative to cotton, wool and synthetic fibers.

Cleaning bamboo clothing is easy. It will last as long as cotton. Wrinkles fall right out after washing and drying. No bleach or fabric softener is needed, since they would damage and fray the garment. This is another environmental plus for bamboo.

Since making clothing from bamboo is a new innovation, AP Environmental Science teacher Susan Pittinaro was surprised when she first learned about it. “Initially, it sounds really great,” she said. “My concerns would be about how fast it takes the bamboo to grow back and how it is going to affect the pandas or other animals that utilize bamboo.”

Today, there are more than 6 billion people on Earth. As growth trends continue, it is anticipated that midway through this century worldwide population will reach 10 billion. This staggering population projection dictates that environmental concerns are one of the most formidable challenges facing us for generations to come. Using natural, eco-friendly products is one way we can all contribute to alleviating environmental problems and building a sustainable future. Each person truly can make a green difference.
Here is the link to the entire story complete with pictures: http://myhighschooljournalism.org/fl/tarponsprings/elhs/article.cfm?eid=6424&aid=95744