Hi there! Coldlander brings together collections of mostly natural fibers clothes or clothing made from fibers that are at least biodegradable.
Why prioritize natural fibers?
Living in Washington State in the late ‘90s, I got big into downhill skiing and still love it. But there’s a downside: a lot of waterproof clothing uses perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a.k.a. “PFAS” chemicals. What’s the deal here?
Short version: PFAS chemicals are treatments to make your clothes waterproof or water resistant. In washing, some portion of the PFAS coating naturally wears off and gets into the ecosystem through the water supply.
This gets absorbed by plants, then insects, bigger insects, plankton, fish…i.e., the food chain.
Who’s at the top of that food chain? Human beings.
How do microplastics affect human beings?
Cancer. Blockages. Neurotoxicity. Reproductive toxicity (yikes)! And more! Plus, animals in the food chain experience side effects as well. And those trickle down to every other food chain. So PFAS chemicals are being found everywhere…all over the planet.
A quick internet search will tell you what you need to know about microplastics in the food chain, in the oceans, consumed by fish, birds, insects, the spread of microplastics to remote corners of the Earth…you get the picture.
Synthetic fabrics (polyesters, etc.) subsequently shed microfibers which can take up to 200 years to biodegrade. (I know what you’re thinking: yes, some of those ‘70s fashions are still around!)
PFAS and synthetic fabric clothes are NOT the only source of microplastics. Some detergents, shampoos, grease-resistant paper, etc., have historically been the bigger culprits.
Polyester clothes also fit into the “culprit” category.
That’s why for collections on Coldlander, I specifically seek out clothing that is made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, etc. Whenever possible, I’ll provide options made from organic material, ethical and sustainable sourcing, and use low plastic shipping options. (Personally, I ship my own inventory in compostable mailers.)
Certain products such as the off-white sarong are made from rayon, which is derived from wood pulp (don’t ask me how). Rayon, at least, is biodegradable. These are all small steps, but that's what's happening today. Tomorrow? Maybe a full collection of organic fabric garments, but one step at a time!
But don’t forget that my company is “Coldlander Apparel & Goods!” To save you a step in shopping, I’ve included eco-friendly detergent sheets here as well.
2025 spring and summer clothing is available now, including jackets and tops for the office or after work, men's light jackets and shirts, and even some vacation essentials.
Coldlander offers versatile year-round women’s and men’s clothing using mostly natural fibers. Here, you’ll find offer urban explorer clothing for everyday comfort made from cotton, Tencel and blends. You’ll find computer backpacks that work as day hike as well. Coldlander is the place for versatile clothing to meet the variety that life has to offer!
Photo: Ron Lach