Wearing Colourful clothes can enhance one's mood and it can be used as a tool of communication and self-identification but people hardly care where all these colors come from. How they are made, whether they are azo-free, or toxin-free.So let's delve into the world of dyes and see what is more beneficial for us and for the environment.
Starting from Synthetic dyes, which are man-made and derived from Copper, sodium, chloride, and benzine which are not bio-degradable, clothing most of the time azo dyes are used which are detrimental upon heavy exposure. It can cause allergy and skin rashes and also there is a substance called Carcinogen which can even lead to cancer in case of extreme anticipation. People in the textile industry, garments industry are trying to make a movement by choosing natural dyes which are great alternatives to toxic synthetic dyes. Natural dyes though have some limitations in terms of having color options if compared to those Azo dyes, but have more competencies when it comes to sustainability and the environment as they are bio-degradable in nature. Throughout history, people have been using natural dyes only, but with time for better convenience in terms of options and cost of synthetic dyes took over. Due to several health hazards, consumers are more cautious these days about what kind of clothes are putting on and what kind of dyes are being used in order to make that one piece of clothing.
Now let’s talk about where these natural dyes come from. Different kinds of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and henna can do wonders when it comes to making sustainable natural dyes, for example, Red color from Beetroots, and berries, then orange and yellow from Turmeric, orange peels, blue from blueberries, and brown from hena, green color from various vegetable pees, and even pomegranate and its skin has been skyrocketing in the natural dye world because of its pigmentation. All these methodologies are even helpful to use those wastages to turn into something productive and natural colors can also be pretty, vivid, and beautiful. A lot of people complain about how colors made from natural sustainable materials wash off easily. Still, with care, it can be maintained as consumers have to make the trade-off between taking extra gentle care of these clothes rather than wearing clothes made of synthetic dyes. These synthetic dyes took over the fashion and food industry because they were suppressed as the natural dyes were related to craft which came not in handy but pricy. Other than the health hazards, there are various socio-economic factors as well of promoting natural dyes, as this would provide an income to the local dying communities and even they will also not be exposed to the toxic chemical substances. If natural dyes were embraced by a larger part of the textile industry then there would be a very less number of companies using harsh synthetic dyes. It would also reduce carbon footprints and make the world a better place to live. Designers and big labels, homegrown brands use such organic dyes for their production, and this is high time that fast fashion brands also promote healthy practices to make this planet a better place for all.
