Fashion with a Purpose: Bamboo as a Textile Alternative

I don't think I have ever explained what I wanted to do in fashion design. I want to have my own fashion design, that's a given. However, I wish to be involved with fair trade fashion with eco-friendly textiles, but is still trendy and wearable. Currently, I volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages. It is a WONDERFUL fair trade chain of store that gives artisans from all over the world a fair wage and they are paid upfront. Many companies (Nike, Starbucks, Hershey, Dole, etc.) have been trying to adjust how they produce their products in order to meet standards. I want to have something that is known for having fairly paid works, good factory conditions, etc. Anyway, that is a little off topic from what I wanted to say today.

I have been looking into more and more textile alternatives. Over time, I will share with you what I have learned.

Bamboo
I learned about bamboo as an alternative yesterday. In the store, there is a beautiful bamboo shawl we sell in the store. And it is so soft. Certainly I would never want to give up quality for environmental reasons, but the texture felt so soft against my skin.

Bamboo Fiber Shawl

I did a little research on bamboo and I learned that it:
-drapes like silk
-machine washes on gentle and can be hung to dry
-naturally somewhat wrinkle resistant
-absorb moisture, keeping your skin dry.

To learn more, go to this bamboo online store.

What are your thoughts on sustainable textiles?