As I build Soft Source, a sustainable materials directory rooted in care and accountability, I’ve encountered more greenwashing than I expected. Greenwashing is the practice of making a product or company appear environmentally responsible without meaningful action to support that claim. It often involves vague language, nature-inspired imagery, or unverified buzzwords like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable”—used… Read More on greenwashing & gentle discernment
Sustainability in textiles promotes ethical sourcing and conscious consumerism. It involves choosing materials based on environmental impact, fair labour practices, and transparency. By collaborating with certified suppliers, supporting artisan communities, and staying informed about certifications like Oeko-Tex, individuals can make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future in the textile industry.… Read More how to source fabrics sustainably from around the world-is it possible?
A gentle essay on narrative sustainability and the ethics of remembering There’s a quiet kind of sustainability that rarely makes headlines.It doesn’t come packaged in recycled cardboard or certified by green labels.It lives in the stories we choose to keep.In the mishaps we don’t erase.In the tools we restore not for function, but for memory.… Read More archiving the unseen: sustainability in the stories we save
Beeswax, a versatile substance produced by honeybees, is celebrated for its beauty and wide-ranging uses, from air-purifying candles to sustainable food wraps and nourishing skincare. It is biodegradable and supports biodiversity, making it a valuable alternative to synthetics. Ethically sourced beeswax reflects a commitment to protecting pollinator populations.… Read More the wonders of beeswax: nature’s golden gift
Natural dyeing with plants and kitchen scraps offers a sustainable method to colour textiles, producing unique earthy hues. Combining dyeing with stencils or block printing enhances creativity and personalisation while embracing sustainable practices. This approach discourages harsh chemicals, making it ideal for customisable textile art and mindful creative expression.… Read More Recipes For Natural Dyeing & Fabric Printing
Innovators in sustainable textiles are turning agricultural waste into wearable solutions. Using wheat straw, once considered an unusable by-product, they’ve developed low-impact fibres through chemical-free, mechanical processing methods. Early clothing prototypes demonstrate the potential for circular fashion — with reduced environmental footprints and thoughtful reuse of natural resources. Emerging projects are pushing this forward, exploring scalability and addressing challenges such as allergen sensitivity and widespread adoption.… Read More from grain to garment: harnessing wheat straw for sustainable fabric
Rose petal fabric is an innovative, biodegradable, plant-based textile made from upcycled rose petals, offering a sustainable alternative to silk. Soft, lightweight, and sustainable, it is produced through a process that repurposes floral waste. This luxury fabric is ideal for various fashion items and embodies a shift towards sustainable textiles in the industry.… Read More everything you need to know about organic rose petal fabric
Aloe vera fabric is a sustainable textile that combines comfort and sustainability, featuring natural antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties. Its breathable design regulates temperature and is biodegradable, offering various applications for this innovative material.… Read More Sustainable materials spotlight: aloe vera fabric-benefits and where to buy
In a world increasingly shaped by automation and fast fashion, the traditional arts of textile-making—spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery—are often overshadowed. Yet, heritage textile techniques remain vital not only for their aesthetic and cultural value but also for what they can teach us about sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Preserving and reinventing these practices is more… Read More weaving the past into the future: the significance of preserving & reinventing heritage textile techniques
From ancient civilizations to early industrial societies, textiles have served not just to clothe the body but to comfort, heal, and soothe. Long before synthetic softeners and antimicrobial coatings, communities around the world developed natural methods for treating fabrics to enhance their texture and even their medicinal properties. This article explores the fascinating historical approaches… Read More fabric treatments through time: historical approaches to fabric softening & medicinal textiles
Rachel Bakewell 