Is Alfred Angelo Greenwashing?

Question:

 Dear Kate, 

I recently read your post "Eco-Friendly Tulle?" and it made me think about a press release that I saw circulating a few weeks ago from Alfred Angelo called "Recycle, Reuse…..”Remaid”-Alfred Angelo Goes Green for Earth Day." I thought the dresses were pretty, but do you think cotton gowns are actually green? I also looked at gowns from the Cotton Bride but fear they may be equally problematic. I would like to know what you think. 

Thanks!  

Image: Alfred Angelo Press Release

 Answer:

Thanks for emailing me about this important issue. Like many green choices, fabrics fall on a spectrum. Cotton and other natural fabrics are a better choice than petroleum-based options like Nylon, polyester, and acrylic. However, cotton is actually the most heavily pesticided crop in the world! In fact, 10% of the world's pesticides are sprayed on cotton - an average of 5.8 pounds per acre. Most cotton is also bleached to obtain its bright white color, so even though cotton is said to be a "natural" fabric, its production is really quite toxic to the environment and calling a cotton gown eco-friendly is a stretch unless it is made from pesticide-free, unbleached or organic cotton. 

Image: The Cotton Bride

I know that the Cotton Bride is planning to launch an organic line and has a few gowns that use organic fabric, so keep an eye out for that! I spoke with Amanda Sheronas from Alfred Angelo and she confirmed that their line is made from "conventionally produced cottons and silks." I have asked the company to let me know if they ever offer pesticide-free or organic alternatives. 

In the mean time, there are many eco-friendly gown options to choose from including:

1. Gowns made from organic cotton like the ones offered by Econica on Etsy, Deoborah Lindquist and the new cotton line from Conscious Clothing. 

2. Peace Silk gowns (which are ethically produced) - look at Gwendolyn Gleason Couture at Puridee

3. Gowns made from Hemp Silk - see Adele Weschler

Image: Adele Wechsler 

You can also buy a once worn gown (from any fabric) - so nothing new has to be created - and resell or donate your wedding gown after your wedding to save money and recycle.