With climate scientists warning that the global warming situation is at an even more critical point than we may have thought, it feels like a good time to point out the benefits and sustainability credentials of linen fabric. We all know we need to do what we can to take care of the world that supports us. One way we can make a difference is to cut down on our household waste and carbon footprint. Buying linen home textiles is a simple part of making that change.
Here's why linen is an ethical, sustainable choice for your home.
Durability
When you buy good quality products for your home you not only surround yourself with beautiful things, you also help reduce waste. Cheaper, disposable homewares often end up in landfill, whereas a linen tablecloth or linen bedlinen set will last for years. While there may be a bigger financial outlay in the first place, you will find you're actually saving money in the long run as you won't need to replace things as often. Linen has long been passed down as heirlooms through generations, showing just how much wear and use it can withstand.
Our linen is machine washable and dries more quickly than cotton, which makes caring for your kitchen linens or linen clothes really simple. In fact, they will get better with every wash.
Sustainable production
Growing, harvesting and processing flax (the plant from which linen derives) uses less resources than cotton, making linen an obvious choice if you're trying to shop sustainably. At LinenMe we use a combination of modern technologies and ancient looms and techniques to produce our linen textiles. We also use up all surplus fabric offcuts so there's no waste.
Anti-bacterial properties
Linen is also moth-resistant and anti-microbial, so you don't need to use harsh chemicals around your home to keep your linen bedlinen or home textiles in tip-top condition.
Biodegradable
When your linenwares come to the end of their natural lifecycle they will biodegrade, leaving no waste or residue.
Perfect for a minimalist lifestyle
Thanks to these eco-benefits linen is a perfect choice for those wanting to follow a minimalist lifestyle. You may have pared down your cosmetics and toiletries to the essentials, or decided not to buy brand new toys for your children. Now you can add a capsule wardrobe to your clutter-free aspirations, and help the planet at the same time. Buying better quality but fewer clothes, and avoiding fast-fashion fads is a great ethical choice. By sticking to a simple set of clothes that all work together you can also save time getting ready in the morning. A linen tunic dress is a versatile wardrobe staple, looking great with layers or on its own, depending on the season. Linen also has the bonus of looking effortlessly elegant.
Reusable
Instead of throwaway paper towels, choose a set of linen napkins. You can throw these into your picnic basket and use at everyday meals, as well as on special occasions. Because they wash so well there's no need to 'save them for best', which means you can avoid using disposable wipes or napkins. Recycle old linen sheets or tablecloths into a table runner, napkins or cushion covers, or highly absorbent cleaning rags.
There are many ways linen can help us live well and with less impact on this planet. And it looks wonderful too, which is even better.
For more linen care tips visit Houserituals website.
Prior to WWII, Oregon had a flourishing flax industry. Its fiber was considered on a par with Belgium, due to the use of dew retting.
My mother actually worked in a flax "shed." Although I'm a hand-spinner & have spun flax, I never asked what she actually did.
One of the old flax sheds is within 10 miles of where I live. The buildings still stand, but have been converted to another purpose.
My Guild (the Aurora Colony Handspinners, which is named for an early religious commune) has demonstrated processing + spinning linen.