Parent Diaries

A Guide to Sustainable Fabrics: Eco-Friendly Choices for Your Wardrobe

Parent Diaries

A Guide to Sustainable Fabrics: Eco-Friendly Choices for Your Wardrobe

on Oct 11 2023
The ecological awareness shift in the fashion industry has given rise to a demand for sustainable clothing options that cater to different all the categories, be it kids' wear, women's wear, or men's wear. If you're looking to make eco-friendly choices for your wardrobe, understanding sustainable fabrics, processes, techniques, local textile crafts, traditions, the suppliers and manufacturers in India can be a great starting point. The Rise of Sustainable Fashion Sustainability in fashion is about making clothing choices that consider the entire lifecycle of a garment, from its production to disposal and afterlife. It prioritizes natural fibres, recycled raw material, ethical manufacturing practices, minimizes waste, biodegradability of the product, and reduces the environmental footprint.   Sustainable Fabrics: A Deeper Insight Sustainable fabrics are those that have been sourced, produced, and manufactured in ways leading to minimal to zero negative impacts (ideal will be positive impact) on the environment and people involved in the process. Here are some of the top sustainable fabrics gaining popularity in clothing and lifestyle industry, along with their unique benefits: 1. Organic Cotton Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or hazardous chemical fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton. It is commonly used everywhere today, including kids' wear, women's wear, and men's wear. Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and ideal for various clothing styles. 2. Recycled Cotton Recycled cotton fabric is made out of cotton that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. Also known as upcycled cotton, it’s either made from cotton products that have already been thrown out, such as clothes and bedding or from pre consumer cotton waste like pattern cutting table. In addition to reducing the amount of cotton that ends up in landfills, recycled cotton can also reduce reliance on cotton production, making it a great option provided it’s widely adopted by manufacturers and consumers. 3. Hemp Hemp and Linen are versatile and sustainable fabrics that require minimal water and pesticides to grow. It is used for a wide range of clothing, from casual wear to high-end fashion and other lifestyle products. These fabrics are known for their durability and breathability. 4. Tencel (Lyocell) Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, primarily from eucalyptus trees. The production process is eco-friendly and closed-loop, meaning that the solvents used to decompose the pulp to fibres are recycled. Tencel is soft, moisture-wicking, and great sustainable alternative used for activewear and undergarments. 5. Recycled Polyester Recycled polyester is majorly made from post-consumer plastic bottles and fishing nets, diverting non-compostable plastic waste from landfills and oceans. It's commonly used in sportswear, shoes, outerwear, and accessories. This fabric helps reduce the consumption of virgin resources to meet up consumer demands. 6. Bamboo Bamboo fabric is derived from bamboo pulp, which is a highly renewable resource as it grows really fast and require no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. It's extremely soft, breathable, and naturally antibacterial. Bamboo fabric is suitable for everyday wear and can be used in various clothing categories.     Other fibers like Ethical wool, Ahimsa or Eri Silk, Lotus, Pineapple, Banana, Milk, Rose and may more fabric alternatives, are also gaining popularity as people – both manufacturers and consumers are looking for new and creative replacements to give newness and yet preserve the cause. India is a hub for sustainable clothing manufacturing and sourcing. With old yet rich culture and textile crafts there is a lot to explore and employ in the world of sustainable life choices. When shopping for sustainable clothing, it's essential to research brands and suppliers that align with your values. One can look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade and values to ensure the authenticity of sustainable claims. By choosing eco-friendly fabrics and supporting ethical manufacturers, you contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry and future, regardless of your clothing category needs.     In conclusion, sustainability in fashion is not limited to one category. And rather than a destination, it is a journey. Whether you're shopping for kids' wear, women's wear, or men's wear, there are numerous sustainable fabrics and manufacturers in India that will cater to your needs. By making conscious choices, you can build a wardrobe that not only looks good but also feels good for the planet and the people who make your clothes.
Embrace Wellness with Ayurvedic Dyed Clothes: The 5 Benefits of Bamboo Fabric from Ayurvedic Clothing Manufacturers

Parent Diaries

Embrace Wellness with Ayurvedic Dyed Clothes: The 5 Benefits of Bamboo Fabric from Ayurvedic Clothing Manufacturers

on Jul 30 2023
In today's tech-enabled, forever stimulating world, where environmental concerns are rising, and individuals are seeking holistic well-being, Ayurveda and sustainable practices are becoming increasingly popular. One such area gaining traction is Ayurvedic dyed clothes made from natural fabrics and ayurvedic medicinal dyes, offered by Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers. These eco-friendly garments not only showcase variety of hues but also offer multitude of health and environmental benefits. In this blog, we will explore the five key advantages of choosing Ayurvedic dyed clothes, also known as Ayurvastra also elaborating hoe Sporty Summer at Miho is several steps ahead: 1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Bamboo fabric, derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, is renowned for its sustainability. Other natural fibres like wool, silk, cotton, hemp, jute etc., can also be used for Ayurvedic dyeing process. Unlike conventional fabrics, bamboo requires minimal water, pesticides, and/or fertilizers to grow and give a high yield, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers take sustainability a notch further by using natural dyes derived from plants and herbs. All the components of the dye waste are compostable. This combination of bamboo fabric and herbal dyes significantly reduces the carbon footprint of our brand, contributing to a cleaner and greener planet. 2. Non-Toxic and Skin-Friendly One of the significant advantages of Ayurvedic dyed clothes is their non-toxic and skin-friendly quality. Synthetic dyes used in traditional clothing often contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritations and allergies. Their disposal too leads to water and soil pollution in large extents. In contrast, Ayurvedic dyes are made from natural ingredients like turmeric, indigo, Neem, Lotus, madder root, and many more, which have therapeutic properties and are good for the skin. These clothes are particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies like babies, patients, elderly, people living in humid areas, pregnant women etc. 3. Ayurvedic Healing Properties Ayurvedic dyed clothes go beyond aesthetics and the trendy sustainability; they offer subtle healing and wellness benefits as well. The plants and herbs used in the dyeing process carry inherent medicinal properties derived from Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian medical stream of science. For instance, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, indigo is believed to have a calming effect, and madder root is well-known for its antimicrobial properties. When these ayurvedic dyed fabrics come in contact with the skin, the skin absorbs the benefits through pores and help promote a sense of balance and well-being, through both medical benefits of herbs and inherited colour therapy, following the principles of Ayurveda. 4. Breathable and Comfortable Bamboo fabric, used in Miho’s Ayurvedic clothing, is highly breathable and comfortable to wear. It allows air circulation, wicks away moisture, and keeps the body cool during hot weather. It prevents bacterial growth and is resistant to odor building. This characteristic is especially beneficial for yoga practitioners or individuals leading an active lifestyle and are required to move often. Moreover, bamboo fabric is soft and gentle on the skin, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience throughout the day.   5. Mindful Fashion Choice Choosing Ayurvedic dyed clothes from bamboo fabric aligns with the principles of mindful fashion. By supporting Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers, you encourage sustainable practices, local crafts, Indian traditional sciences and ethical production methods. Choosing minimalistic yet buildable styles and better quality keeps your wardrobe timeless. Embracing mindful fashion means making conscious decisions that benefit not only your well-being but also the environment and the communities involved in the clothing supply chain. It fosters a deeper connection to the clothes you wear and the impact they have on the world today determining the future. At Miho, ayurvedic dyed clothes made from bamboo fabric offer a perfect synergy of style, sustainability, and well-being. By opting for garments and other textile products crafted by Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers, you contribute to a healthier environment, experience the therapeutic properties of herbal dyes, and enjoy the comfort of eco-friendly fashion.   Embrace Ayurvedic clothing as a lifestyle choice – it promotes both personal health and the welfare of the planet and society. Let your wardrobe become a testament to your commitment to wellness and mindful fashion.
Ayurvastra: The Science of Medicinal Fabric

Parent Diaries

Ayurvastra: The Science of Medicinal Fabric

on May 28 2023
We all have heard about Ayurveda in one or the other way. It is the popular ancient Indian system of medicine which is now gaining widespread recognition for its natural remedies. From herbal remedies to mindful practices, Ayurveda has touched innumerable aspects of our lives. Rajan, from Handloom Weaver's Development Society, Thiruvananthapuram who’s explaining this to us, is the sixth generation of the Kuzhivila family is trading in this fabric. Their lineage goes back to the Silk Route, when they supplied rajas with turmeric-dyed cloth. The practice Ayurvastra, a convenient and memorable combination of the Sanskrit words Ayur—which means life, health, or longevity—and Vastra or Vastram—which means clothing. The cloth works as a mediator in carrying the goodness of ayurvedic properties and transfers it to skin, thus providing wellness to those who wear it. This Ayurveda inspired herbal dyed clothing is known for its immense medicinal and natural properties that restore balance in human body and strengthen the immune system of the wearers. These herb-dyed textiles are known for preventing skin diseases, facilitating better immunity and regulating body temperature. Hence, Ayurvastra can be largely considered as a preventative health care and wellness clothing as there is evidence that supports the effectiveness of this clothing in preventing skin diseases like psoriasis, rheumatism, eczema, dry skin among others.     Supporting Research Two studies have been completed on Ayurvastra’s effects in humans, both indicating positive results. The researchers in the Department of Pharmacology at the Government Ayurveda College (GAC) in Kerala found that patients who used bedding, rugs, and towels dyed with medicinal plants experienced relief in symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and even rheumatism. Kerala’s Ministry of Health conducted its own study on the effects that herbal-dyed clothing, bed sheets, and mattresses had on patients with a variety of ailments. They also hung Ayurvastra cloth mats on their walls and ceilings. Researchers reported that patients’ arthritis and rheumatism symptoms improved, suggesting possible effects that go beyond dermatological responses. “It is very difficult to pass any comment about the reliability and significance [of ayurvastra] without a comparative study between herbal decoction dyeing and chemical dyeing,” said Hari M. Chandola, MD, PhD, the head of internal medicine at Gujarat Ayurved University. “It needs scientific evaluation with multi-centric survey and trials before reaching to any conclusion.” Dr. Chandola noted that because the Ayurvastra linens are natural and free of synthetic bleaches and dyes, people using them could have a minimized chance of skin reactions from possible allergies to non-natural substances. Also, he said, natural fabrics allow perspiration to evaporate properly, something that can be difficult when wearing synthetic clothing.       Traditional History Dr. Chandola claimed that Ayurvastra is not referred to in the ancient or contemporary classics of Ayurveda. Instead, he said, some references mention certain plants that have a therapeutic result when applied to the skin by working through a mode of action called Prabhav, which means effect. The use of medicinal plants to dye clothing is mentioned in some Ayurvedic texts, just not under the name Ayurvastra. Additionally, Vasant Lad, BAMS—president of the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico and a distinguished Ayurvedic doctor and author—said that the usage of fabrics dyed in medicinal plants is discussed in the Padma Purana, a Hindu religious text, and the Astanga Hridaya, a text that covers the Eight Branches of Ayurveda (oral communication, September 26, 2011). The color of the fabric can be used to balance the doshas, Dr. Lad continued, and the medicinal properties of the plants can be obtained through their energy and dynamic action. Dr. Lad noted that in-depth Ayurvedic knowledge is scattered about in ancient Vedic literature. “It is there,” he said about documentation of the Ayurvastra process. He also said that the prescription of Ayurvastra by Ayurvedic practitioners in India and the United States is uncommon, but he recommends it for some of his clients—especially turmeric-dyed fabrics for people experiencing skin disorders.     Ayurvastra vs Normal Clothing : For Environment Research suggests that modern western wear is unsustainable and exerts a huge burden on the environment. A pair of jeans takes 7500 litres of water in its making process unlike traditional Indian wear such as handloom or organic clothing that may take significantly lesser water to process.  Regular daily clothing includes synthetic chemicals that are harmful both to those who wear it and the environment whereas organic clothing promotes human wellness and is eco-friendly. Ayurvedic clothing or Ayurvastra incorporates an inherent tradition of India that has long lived in a way in which it does not harm the environment. As we start to adopt lives with greater consciousness, incorporating Ayurvastra can be one of the healthiest ways to start. Benefits of Ayurvastra Herb dyed organic fabrics act as healing agents, act as an absorber through skin. Each fabric is infused with specific herbs that can help treat skin conditions. Herbs used in Ayurvastra are known to cure allergies having anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties. Ayurvastra is good for transpiration that helps in recovering various diseases. It may help treat a broad range of diseases such as skin infections, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, hypertension, high blood pressure asthma & insomnia. Ayurvastra can further be used as energy booster, mood enhancer, blood purification & cooling. It is interesting to know that medicinal value of this cloth is increased if cloth is bleached with cow's urine. The wide array of unique naturally occurring colors can't be duplicated with synthetic dyes, hence new shades can be developed, the effect of which will not be lost even after constant use. Use of herbal dyes improves the aesthetic value of the cotton fabric in the most eco-friendly & sustainable manner. References: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/92/table-of-contents/orgnews-ayurvastra/ https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/fashion/the-art-of-ayurvastra/article27377760.ece https://yehaindia.com/ayurvastra-clothing-that-heals-and-sustains-good-health/ 2018 IJCRT | Volume 6, Issue 1 February 2018 | ISSN: 2320-2882 www.ijcrt.org : https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1802306.pdf      AYURVASTRA FOR HEALTHY LIFE: A REVIEW(1: K. S. SARAVANYA & 2: Dr. S. KAVITHA ;1:Ph.d. Research Scholar, Department of Home science-Textiles & Clothing, 2:Associate Professor & Head i/c, Department of Home science, Mother Teresa Women’s University Research & Extension Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India)
FOUNDATION OF THE FUTURE - MIHO X GOODWORKS TRUST

Parent Diaries

FOUNDATION OF THE FUTURE - MIHO X GOODWORKS TRUST

on Apr 05 2023
It feels content to share Miho has found a way to support the society in a way that is feasible and essential!With @goodworkstrust we are creating an ecosystem to inculcate the value of creativity and skill in the younger generation which not only provides them a way to learn new techniques, but also gives them validation to create something that reaches out to people - EXPRESS!A Confident Future, an expressive future, an innovative future, A creative approach - isn't that what we want for generations to come? Isn't that what closing the loop means? Isn't that what giving back to the society means?
The Advantages of Organic Baby Towels

Parent Diaries

The Advantages of Organic Baby Towels

on Mar 17 2023
Most babies and toddlers love to bathe because in the water babies like in the womb can move weightlessly and they relax very well in the warm water. Bathing must be well prepared so that bathing fun continues after the bath. Because babies and toddlers are susceptible and react with resentment to temperature fluctuations after bathing.