In an era where ecological and sustainable movements are gaining momentum, many of us strive to contribute positively to this cause. We seek to balance our desire for affordable and high-quality home products with our commitment to the environment. This journey, however, is fraught with complexities and misconceptions.

The term 'ecological' is often mistakenly associated as ALSO meaning that the product is sustainable, this is not the case. A product can be ecological made of Bamboo or Tencel, both products have excellent qualities, but when it comes to duvet covers sheets in Tencel or Bamboo they are NOT as sustainable as cotton, if you want your sheets to last a long time (sustainable) buy cotton because you can remove the stains. Bamboo & Tencel sheets are not so sustainable due to the inability to remove stains, you can expect a bamboo or Tencel sheet to last 2 years. This makes Cotton Sustainable, as sheets should last up to ten years.

90% of Lyocell/Tencel is manufactured in China and regularly relabelled for example as “made in Britain” or another country other than the country or origin.

We cannot know our reliance on products from countries like China because companies add or change labels to a product. Take “Boo Hoo” in the UK news this week. A product arrives with a label made in India, that label is removed, and a new label goes on saying made in Britain, it’s a fact this is happening everywhere not just Boo Hoo.

Most of the production of Tencel, linen and flax are in China, yet we the consumer are not always aware of where the product was derived from.

The deception deepens when we delve into online marketing tactics. For instance, a search for 'French Cotton' leads us to products from China, where the term has been appropriated as a brand name rather than a descriptor of origin. Similarly, 'Eco Towels' turns out to be a company name, not an indication of eco-friendly practices. This misdirection is a stark reminder of how easily we can be misled in our quest for sustainable choices.

True ecological production is devoid of chemicals, it comes at a steep price, often around €100 for a single bath sheet, a cost prohibitive for most consumers. How do we reconcile our ecological aspirations with our financial constraints?

The textile industry's impact on the planet is undeniable. New fabric production is environmentally costly, and the wasteful discarding or incineration of perfectly good fabrics exacerbates the issue. Embracing fabric reuse is a practical step towards mitigating this waste problem.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

So, what's the solution for those seeking affordable yet sustainable linens? A shift in focus towards sustainability is key. Opting for higher-quality towels and bed linens that endure for a decade, rather than just a few years, can be a more sustainable choice. That doesn’t always mean expensive.

At Linen-etc.com, we take this issue seriously and we are honest, decent and truthful about our products, many are not, many businesses will tell you the pros and not the cons.

Here at Linen-etc.com we often field queries about our ecological and sustainable product offerings. Our commitment is to source the best quality products with the lowest environmental impact. Over 85% of the products we sell are made in Portugal, a testament to our dedication to sustainable practices.

We offer 100% cotton bed linen and towels, with transparent sourcing and eco-certification. Our down & feather products have the legal track and trace requirements, Linen-etc.com products are designed to last, making them sustainable in the long term. We also provide Tencel mattress protectors washable at 90, derived from Eucalyptus, which used as a protector is a sustainable semi-synthetic option.

In store Linen-etc offers a choice of over 60 coloured Towels with ecological dye that not only supplies a great colour range but also the dye will ensure the products are resistant to sun and chlorine. All our towels are double stitched so this will ad to their life.

We encourage customers to visit us or reach out for advice on selecting products that offer lasting quality for homes and rental properties. Our focus is on guiding consumers towards choices that are both eco-conscious and practical, bridging the gap between ecological ideals and everyday realities.