Cotton vs. Bamboo - which is more sustainable?
Amongst all the other decisions I had to make before launching The Brighton Socks Company back in October, I had to choose which yarn the first batch of socks would be made from. I was aware that bamboo had become a popular choice over recent years, but I’d also heard it wasn’t as sustainable as it might appear. Yes, bamboo grows quickly, meaning it’s easy to replace, but it isn’t quite that simple. So here are five reasons why I chose cotton instead…
- Cotton is Renewable and Biodegradable
Cotton and bamboo, both plants, are therefore fully biodegradable in their raw form. But unlike bamboo, which must be processed using harsh chemicals to create a yarn, cotton requires fewer toxic substances in its production. This gives cotton a lower environmental footprint in terms of chemical waste.
- Sustainable Farming Practices
Organic cotton farming is becoming increasingly popular, and this reduces the environmental impact further, by avoiding pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. Many cotton farms also focus on water conservation and soil health, which both add to its sustainability. Brighton Socks don’t yet use organic cotton, but more on that later.
- Durability and Comfort
Cotton yarn is soft, breathable, and durable - qualities that are ideal for knitting socks. Cotton naturally wicks moisture, making it a healthy choice for all-day wear, and its resilience as a fabric allows the socks to keep their shape and to last longer. Bamboo yarn, on the other hand, can be too slippery and less durable, meaning your socks need replacing more often. I want your lovely pair of Brighton Socks to last as often as possible.
- Lower Carbon Footprint
Cotton production typically has a lower carbon footprint compared to bamboo, due to the chemical and energy-intensive processing it requires. While both cotton and bamboo both have a low environmental impact during the growing phase, the overall sustainability of cotton is greater when considering the full lifecycle, from cultivation to production.
- Versatility in Dyeing and Design
Cotton yarn is versatile and easy to dye using eco-friendly methods. It absorbs colour well, which allows for vibrant and long-lasting hues without the need for harmful chemicals. So cotton socks are a great choice if you don’t want to compromise on aesthetics either.
Now The Brighton Socks Co. is up and running, I’m in a position to make new and different decisions about the yarn I use. Cotton’s really sustainable and works extremely well in allowing for the fun and intricate Brighton Socks designs. And it gives you the comfort and durability you’re after too. But I’ve been spending a lot of time recently researching all the other, hopefully even more sustainable options, and I’m hoping to add some exciting new socks to the range very soon.
Amanda xx
Photo by Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash