Socks in the city

MANILA, Philippines - We’ve all heard of sustainable living, but so far, sustainable clothing hasn’t made as much headway in mainstream consciousness. But clothing is one lifestyle item that has a direct impact on the planet

Most people think of natural fabrics as the best option for a healthy lifestyle. In warm countries like the Philippines, cotton and linen are natural fabrics that are breathable and wick moisture away from skin to keep us cool on languid summer days. But did you know that modern cotton cultivation creates more damage to our environment? Pound for pound, the cultivation, harvesting and processing of cotton pumps more pesticides, chemical dyes and consumes more arable water than other fabrics. In our desire to consciously select a “natural” fabric, we often are unaware that the very garments we wear are potential sources of dyes and other chemical agents.

That’s where Manila Bay Hosiery Mills, Inc (MBMHI), a pioneer in the local hosiery industry and the first to locally offer socks made with a sustainable outlook, comes in. As the licensed representative of Goldtoe socks, a brand from the United States, MBHMI launches a new men’s hosiery line called Elements in 2010. Elements by Goldtoe offers a selection of three different new fibers that are truly environmentally–friendly — bamboo, modal and tencel — with six appealing designs to highlight this new line.

Unlike cotton, bamboo grows faster, doesn’t require extensive pesticides, and has a smaller carbon footprint than its fabric counterparts. Once bamboo fiber is spun, it’s naturally breathable, antibacterial, and can absorb water as much as three times its weight. Bamboo is also very soft next to the skin making it a great choice for finicky feet.

Modal and tencel, like bamboo, provide a unique natural experience for the feet. Modal when woven provides the softest fiber available and doesn’t use any chemical additives or softeners — plus it retains exceptional color brilliance wash after wash. Tencel is a new age fiber that allows intelligent moisture management in your socks. Depending on climate conditions, its nanotechnology signals either the release or absorption of moisture to create the ideal environment for your feet.

Modal and tencel are extracted from renewable beech wood, and great care is taken to support only tree farms that practice sustainability. Both modal and tencel, from Lenzing of Austria, are certified by the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certfication) and awarded by The European Eco-label, the European Awards for the Environment and the World Wide Fund of Austria.

Your first step to natural living starts here.

Elements by Goldtoe socks can be purchased locally in the Men’s Wear department of leading department stores nationwide.