H+M using sustainable materials

My favorite shopping adventures usually take place in an H+M store. Whether I'm in Paris or NYC or San Francisco (yes, I've been to all these stores), I get excited about buying the essentials: clothes, shoes, and nickel-free jewelry.

Image: static.flickr.com

But since the news of the NYC flagship store disposing of torn garments broke last year, I was devastated to learn my shopping haven has been contributing to textile waste. After the controversy, H+M has stepped up in being more environmentally responsible as a corporate clothing store. 

H+M uses more sustainable fabrics such as recycled polyester, recycled/organic wool, recycled/organic linen, and recycled/organic cotton, the most eco-friendly fabric used in producing the company's clothing. 

Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides. Pesticides are known for polluting nearby air and water sources, so a major benefit is there's cleaner air and water. Using organic cotton also benefits the agricultural economy since farm workers will not be replaced with machinery.

Since 2004, the company has been committed to using organic cotton and increasing its use every year. Learn more here.