The Most Sustainable Socks In The World

By Author: Alex Carter
Total Articles: 1
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Statistics indicate that global carbon emissions have risen considerably to an all-time high of 36.7Bn metric tons of CO2 in the last twenty years. Climate change and environmental conservation have taken center stage in world geopolitical discussions and with good reason. Corporations are turning towards net-zero carbon emissions, and every individual is encouraged to play their role in sustainable living.
Going green, you probably think about eliminating plastics use, going for organic food, and avoiding chemicals. Did you know that you can achieve sustainability in the clothes you wear, including eco-friendly socks?

What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability means conducting activities to meet our needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet theirs. It is a broad concept encompassing all actions to protect the earth and its inhabitants. Sustainability anchors upon three pillars; the social pillar, ecological pillar, and economic pillar. Eco-friendly socks are thus made using materials and processes that sustain the people, the planet, and profit.

Indicators of sustainable ...
... socks

Sustainable material

For socks to be called sustainable, they must be made from eco-friendly materials. These include organic components, recycled material, or plant-based fiber. Many sustainable socks producers turn to chemical-free, plant-based materials, including organic cotton and bamboo.
There are reservations about how organic animal-based fiber truly is. Sustainable producers will endeavor to rear their sheep in a conducive environment, apply eco-friendly feeding systems and harvest the wool using animal-cruelty-free methods.

Recycling is a major component of sustainability, and some eco-friendly socks producers recycle material such as polyester, nylon, upcycled cotton, and, even more innovatively, plastic.

For a producer to brand themselves as organic, they must be certified by relevant bodies such as Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). It is worth noting that even with socks branded as organic, they are unlikely to be 100% natural. There will be traces of synthetic fiber that add to the stretch capacity of the socks.

Ethical labor practices

Sustainable production must promote safe and healthy work environments for its workers. The apparel industry has suffered damaging reports of poor practices and labor abuse. Examples of unethical labor practices include poor wages, overworking the staff, poor work conditions, and unfair penalties.
For a manufacturer to claim that they produce eco-friendly socks, they must treat their workers with dignity and provide good working conditions. They are certified by bodies such as WRAP and Fair Trade USA and are SA8000 and ISO 14001 compliant.

Green business

Sustainable socks must be chemical-free and adhere to ethical environmental practices. Checks such as SGS testing will evaluate the durability while confirming that they are free of heavy metals and formaldehyde. Material such as upcycled cotton will save gallons of water and reduce CO2 emissions.

Production processes will use renewable energy sources. Sustainable practices will extend to packaging and the use of bio-degradable or recyclable boxes.

Giving back to the community

Sustainable producers will think about the community they exist in. They involve themselves in campaigns and projects that focus on the community's needs, donating to environmental and socially conscious causes.

The world is moving towards sustainability, and every person must play their part. While it may seem to be such a small section of your closet, sustainable socks will help you do your bit towards a better tomorrow. To know more about eco friendly socks please visit us: https://www.ecosox.com/custom-designed-bamboo-socks-great-for-fundraisers/