What's The Difference Between Natural and Sustainable Materials?

In fair trade, the words sustainable and natural are used a lot, but they don’t mean the same thing and don’t always overlap. Wondering how that can be? Keep reading to learn the difference between sustainable materials and natural materials, where they overlap, and how to choose what’s best for your needs.

Why It Matters To Us

As a verified fair trade store by the FTF, we are dedicated to transparency and sustainability. When you shop fair trade, we want to help you make informed decisions. To align with these values, we want to make sure the terms we commonly use are not confusing. 

What Are Natural Materials?

Natural materials come from nature. Some are plant products such as cotton, linen, and bamboo. Others come from animals and insects, such as wool, leather, and silk.

When completely pure and safely processed, many of these materials are naturally biodegradable. Many are also renewable, continually being grown and produced. However, natural doesn't always mean sustainable.

An example of an unsustainable natural material is a cotton shirt treated with harsh chemicals or improperly processed synthetic dyes. Despite being made of cotton, these additives and harsh processing create something entirely new.

Even production of natural materials can use abnormally high amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, which can pollute air and water systems. The good news is that this depends on the producer, and some steps can be taken to reduce harmful environmental practices.

What Are Sustainable Materials?

Sustainable materials are those that do not deplete resources and can be made without causing irreparable harm to the environment. This includes pure natural materials and using materials that already exist. 

At Latitudes Fair Trade, we carry clothing and products in a selection of both. Elegantees is a brand that works with women in Nepal who are at-risk or survivors of trafficking. They use many materials, including remnant and dead stock fabrics.

Instead of ordering more fabric than they will be able to use, they've found a solution to an existing problem. They state on their sustainability page, "Instead of ordering the minimum of 1,500 yards for unique limited run fabrics, we'll buy 200 yards in a leftovers market and use it in 1-2 seasons."

Many larger companies use synthetic fibers, which can take years to break down, or order more fabric than they can use. By upcycling these synthetic fabrics that are already destined for landfill, Elegantees gives life to discarded fabrics. Their timeless styles and skilled artisans create loved pieces that will last for years.

Another example is Joyn, based in the Himalayas, crafting cotton and leather bags and accessories. They often use remnant leather, intentionally designing with leftover pieces in mind so everything has a purpose.

One of our top products, The Staunton Tee, is from GOEX. The shirt is made of an eco-triblend of 25% U.S. cotton, 50% recycled polyester, and 13% Tencel. The material of every shirt includes 5 recycled water bottles. Thanks to the chemistry of their CiCLO® technology, despite containing synthetic materials, this shirt can fully break back down into the earth, making it a sustainable choice. 

What's Best For You?

With all of this information, how do you decide what materials are best for you? Every body is different. Start with being aware of what feels good to wear and any allergies you may have. Many synthetic fabrics have their place, like fleece jackets for moisture-wicking and warmth, or workout clothes made not to chafe or hold sweat. Always be aware of your comfort and needs, but pay attention to the impact of your choices.

You now know the difference between natural materials, sustainable materials, and how one isn't always the other. It isn't a straightforward answer, but being able to make informed choices is the first step. No matter what materials you choose for your clothing, at Latitudes Fair Trade, it's all ethically made by artisans earning a fair wage.

Explore our newest styles and find what each piece is made of under the details section of each product listing.