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Canada Business News and Press Releases
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(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 02, 2010 ) Emyvale, PEI. Adrian Desbarats, President of Fashion and Earth, shared some tips for caring for organic clothing. He said "For many women, eco-clothing is a major investment. It makes them look great and feel great too! Caring for these pieces can seem a little daunting though so I put together this handy article to help you out. Eco-friendly clothing not only looks fabulous, it is easy to care for, too! With these simple tips you can make your favourite items live long and happy lives!"
Always sort out your clothes before you throw them in the washing machine. Divide clothes into three piles: lights, darks, and whites. Check your tags as you go, and make sure that any new garments are washed on their own before you toss them in with the rest of your things, to prevent bleeding.
Most eco-friendly clothing can be washed using the washing machine with cold water, and a mild eco-friendly detergent is all you need to keep these items clean and fresh. Washing all your garments in cold water is a great choice, as it will greatly reduce the amount of energy used to wash your clothes. "If possible, use an Energy Star machine, which uses considerably less energy", he also suggested.
If you are purchasing eco-friendly clothing, you probably do not want to use harsh chemicals to wash your favourite garments. Here is an easy recipe for homemade laundry detergent. Want to add an extra boost of cleanliness? A half cup of vinegar added to the rinse cycle can work wonders.
Eco-Friendly Powdered Laundry Detergent
You will need:
1 bar of soap (not antibacterial)
1/2 cup of borax
1/2 cup of baking soda
Grater
Re-sealable container
Directions:
1. Grate bar of soap into container.
2. Pour in borax and baking soda.
3. Mix well.
4. Use 1 tbsp. for small or lightly soiled loads and 2 tbsp. for large or heavily soiled loads.
Adrian continued "Many fashionistas prefer to hand wash their garments. While it is not a necessity, it will prolong the life of your garment due to its gentle nature. The fewer elements your clothing is exposed to, the better. Never wring out your clothes; instead gently swish them in the soapy water using an eco-friendly, gentle clothing cleanser. Garments that should be washed by hand include hemp knits or other hemp clothing that features fine knitting, hand embroidery, or other delicate embellishments. Always check your labels! When in doubt, wash by hand."
It is recommended that you line dry all your garments, as it will keep them like new for much longer. And it will cut down on your energy usage. While you can use your outdoor clothing line until temperatures hit the freezing point, in the colder months you will need to dry garments indoors. A simple metal, foldable rack will do the trick. Be sure to remove garments promptly once they are dry to avoid line marks. Some garments need to be laid flat to dry so they retain their shape. Hemp clothing especially benefits from this practice. A tumble dry here and there to save time will usually be fine, but remember to check those labels.
Most eco-friendly clothing items should be ironed using low heat , if you choose to iron them at all! Set the iron to a low setting, such as synthetic, and avoid using steam as it can leave water stains.
Is space limited? Consider breaking your wardrobe into two components: spring/summer, and fall/winter. Although many pieces can be worn year round (thatÂ’s why we love layering), others are strictly for specific seasons. Why have these garments clutter up your closet when you will not wear them for months? Here is a trick we love: store your unused garments in your luggage. Not only will they be out of sight, but if you happen to win tickets to a sunny winter destination, you are already packed! Add a few sweetly scented sachets containing lavender to keep your clothes smelling sweet. Some cedar chips are always great as well.
He concluded "Caring for your garments from day one is an important part of keeping your wardrobe current, in good order, and in great condition!"
Adrian Desbarats, President of Fashion and Earth, beginning with a background as a biologist, has a passionate desire to balance the needs of the environment with the needs of humans. Visit http://www.fashionandearth.com to shop for stylish and eco-friendly clothing for women.
Join a community of women who care about the future of their families, and the future of our planet. Visit http://www.fashionandearth.com.
Fashion and Earth
Adrian Desbarats
902-675-2217
adesbarats@fashionandearth.com 
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