Sustainable textiles are the need of the hour in today’s fashion scene. According to a 2020 report by the World Economic Forum, the fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. Synthetic fabric can take up to two centuries to decompose. So, fashion businesses can minimize their ecological footprint and reduce fashion pollution by using ethically grown natural fibers and recycling and upcycling synthetic fibers to keep them out of landfills. At Karma Totes, we are committed to choosing sustainable textiles and materials and healing the planet a little more, one tote at a time. Here are some of the materials we use:
Canvas: From Art to Accessory
When you hear the word canvas, oil paintings probably come to mind. But did you know that canvas is a fabric commonly used to make various durable products, especially for the outdoors, thanks to its strength: bags, tents, shoes, and even sails for boats! Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric, usually woven from cotton, linen, or hemp. Another factor contributing to the sustainability of canvas is its strength and durability. Canvas products are built to last. Since a canvas tote will not tear easily, you can use it for a long, long time. You reduce your consumption and waste production when you use durable products made from fabrics resistant to wear and tear such as canvas.
Reviving the Old: Worn-out Jeans
You can continue wearing your favorite pair of jeans in a transformed avatar, even after they’re worn out, thanks to upcycling! Upcycled jeans are made into denim tote bags because denim is a sturdy material, capable of bearing the weight of everything you put into the bag. Denim is also an eternal classic, making your tote bag perennially in fashion. This prevents old jeans from going to waste, and ensures they are still useful wardrobe staples, in a new form. It’s more environmentally friendly than producing new denim, as that wastes a lot of water. And it’s always in style! You can personalize your denim tote with iron-on patches or fabric paints, making it a canvas for your creativity and self-expression. You can only win!
Traditional Roots: Jute and Juco
Jute has been a culturally significant fiber in India for several centuries. History is full of instances of people wearing clothes made out of jute, and using jute ropes in various ways around the household. In the present, you may have seen it in the form of large, sturdy bags that are capable of carrying at least a month’s worth of groceries. Jute is also one of the most eco-friendly fabrics; it is biodegradable, and the processing of jute leaves little to no waste and causes no environmental damage. Juco, a combination of jute and cotton, is a popular fabric mostly used to make handbags and - you guessed it - tote bags. The jute lends this fabric its incomparable strength, while the cotton tempers out the roughness of the jute to give it a better feel. Juco is a rising star in the arena of sustainable fabrics, and its features make it the perfect material for your tote bag.
Cotton Webbing: Strength and Sustainability
Webbing is made from a special weaving technique that creates a series of bands of the desired width. This fabric is strong enough that it is used in the production of seatbelts and even military apparel. It is versatile and makes a good handle for any bag. The wide strap of webbing ensures that the handle of the bag doesn’t dig into your shoulder, since the weight is distributed. As convenient and versatile as webbing is, it’s only sustainable if woven with strands of natural, biodegradable fabric like cotton. Webbing made from cotton would make for a durable tote bag for all your needs, and it would also be comfortable and convenient.
Handlooms: Weaving History into Fashion
Handlooms are the oldest form of weaving. Indian handlooms are the traditional, artisanal textile production of India. Every state and region has its weaving tradition that is passed down through the generations, such as Paithani weaving in Maharashtra, and Jamdani weaving in Bengal. During British Rule in India, machine-made cloth was imported, and handlooms declined due to industrialization. But when Gandhi urged people to weave their cloth, handlooms saw a resurgence. Handlooms are natural textiles, have a rich history related to Indian independence, and are iconic representations of a region’s specific weaving tradition. When you have a tote bag made of handlooms, you carry a unique piece of history and culture. You are also supporting sustainable fashion along with India’s artisans and traditional handicrafts. Ethical Sourcing & Material Choices To ensure that the materials are ethically sourced and produced, we collaborate with suppliers who share our eco-consciousness. Our materials are evaluated based on sustainability as well as design aesthetics. We aspire to keep growing on our mission of empowering women with the skills they need to become financially independent and empowering our community to make sustainable choices. Commit to conscious consumption, and check out our range of aesthetic, functional, durable, and sustainable totes.