In the production process of manipulating fabrics to attain that distressed look and feel, manufacturers are going to great lengths to keep up with the industry, even if it requires compensating with an environmental impact.

There have been reports of environmental poisoning of toxic run-off from factories that are distressing and stone-washing denim jeans. This run-off is usually laden in blue dye and chemicals such as sulfur, caustic soda and hydrocyanic acid. Large quantities of potassium permanganate have also been found, a chemical once used to induce abortion now found in the local water supply.

Using the technique to soften jeans to give it a washed look takes 5 gallons of water and the amount of energy it takes to power a home for a day.

In addition, cotton is one of the most pesticide laden crops in the United States, resulting in the contamination of local groundwater, destruction of biodiversity and endangering the lives of farmers and local communities. Denim takes 1 pound of pesticides to make one pound of jeans.

reference link: http://ecomattersdaily.com/2009/08/eco-hipsters-saying-no-to-jeans/

1 Comment

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thecitizen says:

Great video to the right about fixing ripped jeans...so you can keep that favorite worn-in pair alive....

Here's a video on how to stone wash your own jeans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y8YPVJaeg0

posted 10/14/09 at 06:05 PM

 

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