
Aline Dürr

The science is in. Shifting to a plant-based food system is essential to avoid climate and ecological breakdown. And now we have a roadmap to...
In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...
Wholefoods may just save your life, and at the very least, they will deliver a host of health benefits. Here’s what you need to know to get...
One month. No meat. What a difference it can make! Here’s why we should all give No Meat May a go this year.
Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...
If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...
There is a link between the climate crisis and what’s on our plates. The hard facts are astounding, as is the difference a plant-based change...
This fruity cocktail is a sweet summer drink that’s super easy to make. The combination of strawberry ice cream and coconut milk makes for a...
Creamy, fresh and punchy, this avocado pasta sauce is loaded with vibrant greens and healthy fats.
Fresh, versatile, and nutritious, this simple tabbouleh by Claire Power is sure to become a regular in your repertoire. Traditionally made with...
Use up leftover potatoes in this nacho-platter-style meal with Mediterranean flavours.
Think mashed potatoes, but elevated. Our take on the traditional side dish features vegan sour cream, garlic, and a secret weapon that might...
Japanese tempura is the best – crispy and crunchy, and definitely not oily. The wasabi dust gives this beautiful dish a nice little kick.
Looking for a quick and easy vegan dessert for your next BBQ or dinner party? You can’t go wrong with this airy, fluffy and creamy chocolate...
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.
What toxins and animal fibres are lurking in your linen cupboard? Here’s what you need to know to keep yours healthy, sustainable, and cruelty-free.
While it would be great to have everything in our homes be cruelty-free, toxin-free, and environmentally friendly, it’s not always possible. But with a little know-how, you can make more informed purchases. Let’s learn about some common textiles that are found in every home.
In the production of any textile, there are basically two types of fibres: natural fibres and man-made fibres. Man-made fibres can further be divided into fibres made from petroleum and those made from plants. Fibres that are made from petroleum are synthetics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These can be compared to single-use plastics – they are bad for the environment and will stick around for hundreds of years polluting our planet once discarded. Fibres made from plants are called cellulosic and include textiles such as rayon or viscose. But it’s not so simple that we can assume any fibre made from plants is better than any fibre made from petroleum.
Let’s consider bamboo sheets as an example. They are often sold as organic, natural, and antibacterial. And these qualities may well be true for the bamboo plant in its natural state. However, once the bamboo has been pulverised into fibres and then converted into yarn, chemicals that are harmful to the environment and to humans will usually be added. This makes the bamboo textile, which the sheets are made from, a man-made fabric which is neither antibacterial nor organic. So how do we know which textiles are the better choice?
There are many certifications, but there are two important ones to know for textiles: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
The Global Organic Textile Standard ensures that every step of the textile production adheres to strict standards, from field to fashion. For example, proper water treatment so that chemicals used in production are not flushed into the environment, and a ban on hazardous pesticides in organic cotton production, making it safer for growers. Factories are regularly inspected to ensure there is no forced labour or child labour, and allergenic, carcinogenic, or toxic chemical residues are not allowed in GOTS-certified clothes.
Textiles certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 are tested to ensure they are free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health.
So how do we use these certifications to pick the best product, be it sheets, towels, or another fabric? A good start is to choose a textile that has GOTS certification. GOTS only certifies natural fibres, so you know that the fabric does not contain any man-made components. Your next best bet is a man-made textile that is made from plants and has Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.
Let’s take a closer look at some common household textiles.
We can’t ignore that convenience and cost are two important factors in our everyday lives when it’s time to replace some common items. These tips will help you get the best buy for your bucks (and your health).
Remember to look out for GOTS and/or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certifications for all fabrics you buy. As mentioned earlier, bamboo sheets are not the healthiest or most sustainable option given the natural bamboo fibres have been treated with a myriad of chemicals to transform them into a fabric. Buying certified sheets also avoids the risk that the textiles have been treated with chemicals such as formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer and can off-gas for many years.
You’ll want to avoid down or feathers in your bedding, not only to steer clear of animal cruelty but also because they are one of the most common sources of allergies. This is because they are not washable and are a perfect breeding ground for dust mites. Natural fibres that are GOTS and/or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified are the best choice and include kapok, organic cotton, linen, bamboo, buckwheat hull, millet hull, and hemp.
Here’s a revelation for most people: towels are not vegan. Well, most of them aren’t. What could possibly make a towel not vegan-friendly? Austrian company Vossen who claim to have made the ‘first vegan-certified towel range in the world’ have a list for us. This includes: beeswax (for the weaving mills and external weaving processes), detergent (for wet finishing processes), dyes, softening agents for sewing yarns, labels, glue, and more. If a vegan purchase is important to you, search for a brand that is vegan certified.
Beyond the linen cupboard, you may like to carefully consider your next mattress purchase too. Wool and silk often hide in the upholstery layers, padding, and lining of mattresses, so check the label to avoid these. If health is a big concern, you may also want to stay away from memory foam, synthetic latex, and vinyl too.
It gets tricky when suppliers market their mattresses as ‘made with 100 percent natural latex’, ‘contains natural latex’, or even ‘100 percent natural latex’ when they really contain a blend of natural and synthetic latex – with very little ‘natural’ content. The easiest way to get around misleading marketing claims is to stick to those made with certified organic latex. Another good standard to know will help guide the way: Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).
You can also look for mattresses and casings made from natural fibres such as certified organic cotton, hemp, eucalyptus fibres, or organic natural latex, which is inherently hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, and super durable.
Mattresses – Peacelily and Eco Kids
Sheets – Ettitude and Bed Threads
Pillows – Goldilocks Natural Bedding (kopok) and Pure Earth Australia (buckwheat)
Quilts/doonas – Goldilocks Natural Bedding and Bambi
Towels – Vossen and Bhumi
***
Remember, it may not be possible to have a 100 percent cruelty-free, environmentally friendly home. But to do your best is certainly better than not trying at all. Take one step at a time, and in time, your home will become healthier, kinder, and more sustainable.
Lead image: Enzo Muñoz on Pexels
Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...
Bolster your mental health during the depths of winter by resisting the urge to hibernate indoors.
Wholefoods may just save your life, and at the very least, they will deliver a host of health benefits. Here’s what you need to know to get...
If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...
Diversity is just as important as quantity if you want to boost your health and wellbeing with the veggies you eat. Read on to discover 10 ways...
There is a link between the climate crisis and what’s on our plates. The hard facts are astounding, as is the difference a plant-based change...
We know we’d benefit from it, but we just can’t do it! Here are five ways to find your flow state through a more active form of meditation.
Ramen is an all-time favourite Japanese dish, full of flavour and nutrition. The secret ingredient to our vegan eggs is black salt. Known as kala...
Surround yourself with good friends, I say. This sticky date pudding would be nowhere near as epic without a bit of mentoring (and tough love)...
The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...
This is the perfect plant-based brownie for the brownie connoisseur. Years in the making, and now captured for you to enjoy. It’s as much for...
Light, citrusy, and super refreshing, this cocktail starring Licor 43 Horchata and limoncello tastes like Mediterranean summer in a glass.
Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.
Smashed avocado on toast is perhaps the most popular breakfast or brunch item out there, and as much as we love the mighty avo, it generally has...
Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber
The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you
A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out
When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.