» The fabric of life
If you’re planning to lavish your house in sumptuous textiles, Sarah Whittaker has some tips on how to keep it ethical
My cats have wrecked my sofa. No amount of hissing, clapping, or throwing of rubber objects will stop them in their relentless mission to scratch the arms bare of their perfect cream textile.
Now friends have started commenting on said sofa I think it’s time I did something about it, the ‘shabby chic’ look having gone way too far this side of shabby. Obviously for one as eco-aware as I, a new sofa simply isn’t an option. One must fix, repair, renew. So, what are my eco-options when it comes to sourcing the fabric?
“If you think of all the people in the world, and all of the furnishings in all of their homes, then it’s no surprise that the demand for fabrics and furnishings is huge”
Consider these key principles and you can lounge ethically and toxin free; fabric should be organic. This means the materials are organically produced, usually hemp, cotton and wool and harvested from sustainable crops. The fabrics and dyes should be non-toxic, which is certainly what I want to have in my home, and if you opt for natural materials then they will also be biodegradable. Flax and linen are very ‘in’ this season, and therefore a natural and fashionable choice.
Companies should employ strictly ethical manufacturing policies. If you’re looking at sourcing leather or animal derivative products, high standards of animal welfare should be employed. For those luscious few that can only sleep, lie or lounge in silk, try and find peace silk, where the moth is able to leave its cocoon and complete its life cycle. Aw.
If you think about all the people in the world, and all of the furnishings in their homes, then it’s no surprise that the demand for fabrics and furnishings is huge. The production of textiles is one of the most polluting industries on earth, responsible for around 25 per cent of the pesticides used around the world. Try and choose companies that have a clear statement about their environmental policy.
The consumer demand for cheap textiles and furnishings materials means much of its global production is concentrated in developing countries where costs are a fraction of those in the west, just like in the clothing business. Look for companies that have a sound fair trade policy or alternatively, opt for fabrics produced in the UK.
Make sure any woods used in furniture production are sustainable and have the FSC stamp.
For something a bit different try ‘Revampit’ (revampit.co.uk) where artist and designer Sarah Baulch recycles textile waste into products for the home. Try mixing a few of her vintage pieces with natural fabrics for a funky modern look.
Sarah Whittaker is available for interiors projects.
Contact Sarah at sarah@bluelamb.co.uk
