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Ever wonder what jute is or if clothing can really be made out of soybeans? Just what makes bamboo so eco-friendly? What's the difference between regular and organic cotton?

The emphasis in the fabric and textile industries has been on "green" lately. There are more environmentally-friendly fabric options on the market today than ever before.

There are also a lot of questions when it comes to being green. That's why we created the new Eco-Friendly Fabric Guide. We hope it will act as a starting point for your investigation into fabrics with a conscience.

Here's an excerpt from the Eco-Friendly Fabric Guide...

Eco-Friendly Fibers & Fabrics

Organic Cotton

Cotton is responsible for the majority of the world’s pesticide use, due to its popularity and low insect resistance. Organic cotton, however, is grown in soil that is certified free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for at least three years. Not only does organic cotton save the ground, but it also saves your skin from irritating exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Anything made from cotton can be made better with organic cotton. Organic cotton can be every bit as soft as traditional cotton, but comes with peace of mind as an added bonus.

Hemp

This extremely tough natural fiber is once again gaining in popularity due to its extreme eco-usefulness. It’s no secret that hemp is a wonder fiber—we’ve known that for many years. The Declaration of Independence was printed on hemp paper and George Washington’s clothes were even made out of it. Hemp is eco-friendly, sustainable and much easier to grow (without the use of pesticides) than cotton. Cotton fields account for 50% of the world’s pesticide use; hemp fields don’t even register on the scale. Hemp has many uses, is easily renewable and highly versatile. Fabric made from hemp can be as soft as the softest cotton, as sturdy as denim, and as flowing as linen. More and more apparel companies are turning to hemp to green their collections.

Read the rest of the Eco-Friendly Fabric Guide.

Keep in mind, too, that the way you care for your clothing also has a huge impact on the environment. Choose long-lasting apparel from trusted name brands to ensure quality and longevity. Only run the washing machine with a full load, use powdered detergents, and wash with cold water whenever possible. Line dry if you can and avoid dry cleaning.