5 minute read
FASHION
ECO-FRIENDLY Bamboo Clothing Bamboo Clothing
By Peter Swift
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The desire for sustainable, eco-friendly living is growing across all areas of society, but the fashion industry in particular has recently attracted a lot of criticism for lagging behind. From the waste of disposable fashion to the dubious ethics of thirdworld production facilities, clothing has a lot of progress to make with its environmental credentials. One of the ways the industry is starting to change for the better is through offering fabrics made from bamboo, which produces one of the most sustainable forms of natural fiber available. But for all its eco-friendliness, the idea of wearing bamboo clothing can seem strange to some people, sounding like a trade-off between comfort and environmental integrity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here's why bamboo fiber makes an excellent clothing material, even if you ignore its unbeatable sustainability strengths. Amazingly Soft Texture
If the thought of bamboo conjures up images of tough, scratchy grasses, then you needn't worry about bamboo clothing being uncomfortable. Once the plants are processed into fiber, the fiber's rounded shape and smooth underlying structure makes material that's incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. Fresh and Airy Feeling
Bamboo fiber is filled with microscopic holes that provide excellent ventilation, keeping you feeling fresh for longer. What's more, these holes give bamboo a natural wicking effect that draws moisture away from your body and into the air, for longer-lasting comfort in warm conditions. Great Insulation
Those microscopic holes provide another benefit too. In cooler weather, they provide high levels of insulation against the chilly air, making bamboo a great lightweight inner or outer layer. Hypoallergenic Properties
Unlike some other clothing fibers like cotton or polyester, bamboo is hypoallergenic. This means it doesn't trigger any allergic reactions in the vast majority of people, even those with sensitive skin. If your clothes often leave you feeling itchy or sore, then bamboo may provide a solution. High UV Protection
Bamboo clothing can filter out up to 97.5% of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. Combine this property with its excellent ventilation and lightweight comfort, and bamboo is the perfect material for wearing on hot, sunny days. Easy to Clean and Stays Crease-Free
Bamboo clothing is simple to wash and stands up well to heavy wearing, but it's also highly crease-resistant to remove the need for ironing. Bamboo clothing is almost impossible to wrinkle or pull out of shape, making it a durable and convenient choice for daily wear.
The environmental credentials of bamboo alone make it an attractive alternative to cotton or synthetics. But when you add in all the other benefits, it's clear that clothing made from bamboo fiber is heading for a bright and sustainable future.
THE SEVEN BIG REASONS TO PRACTICE Weight Training
By Ryan Carlton
BY REPUTATION, IT MIGHT BE ASSUMED THAT WEIGHT TRAINING IS SOLELY THE DOMAIN OF SUPER-BUFF FITNESS FANATICS. IN REALITY, STRENGTH TRAINING IS ONE OF THE BEST FORMS OF EXERCISE THERE IS–FOR EVERYONE. ANYONE WHO CARES ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND WELLBEING SHOULD DO SOME WORK WITH WEIGHTS. READ ON TO FIND THE SEVEN POWERFUL, IMPORTANT REASONS TO TAKE UP WEIGHT TRAINING. 1.IT SLOWS AGING. While the negative effects of aging can never be stopped, they can be mitigated. Muscle mass decreases as the years pass. The best way to counteract this trend is to practice strength training. Besides fighting frailty and weakness, working with weights also helps maintain balance and coordination. 2.STRONGER BONES. You can't directly strengthen your bones. Instead, bones becomes stronger and larger as muscles grow (albeit at a much slower pace). Lifting weights will increase bone density, making the skeletal system stronger and more resistant to fractures. Having strong bones becomes ever more important as the years pass and age-related conditions like osteoporosis become a greater risk.
3.IT BURNS CALORIES. Working out with weights doesn't get the heart pumping nearly as much as does aerobic exercise. However, it still does burn a decent amount of calories–and every bit helps. In addition, greater muscle mass results in a faster resting metabolism. Muscle cells burn calories at a relatively high rate even when the body is not undergoing exertion. 4.YOU'LL LOOK BETTER. We all care about how we look. Pretending otherwise is pointless. Gaining muscle is one of the best ways to become more attractive. While this is particularly true for men, women also look better with a stronger, more toned body. Being attractive extends beyond simply how you look in the mirror, as well. Looking good increases confidence and self-respect. 5.PROTECTION FROM INJURY AND PAIN. A stronger body is more capable of resisting injury. Many common injuries and conditions occur at least partially because of weak, inadequate muscles. For example, chronic back pain is often the result of muscles that are incapable of properly supporting the lower back. 6.YOU'LL BE HAPPIER. Weight training, like any exercise, is an incredible way to enhance psychological wellbeing. That's because working out triggers the release of endorphins, the brain chemicals associated with positive emotions. Exercise is thus the best natural stress reliever there is. Overcoming challenges also enhances psychological resilience. 7.GREATER STRENGTH. Obviously, the most direct benefit of weight training is added strength. Aside from the self-confidence strength can bestow, being stronger has practical, real-world advantages. Many common, everyday body movements depend upon bodily strength. Think of carrying groceries, household chores, carrying children, or yard work.
Everyone should be interested in healthy living–and everyone interested in healthy living should be interested in weight training. Doing weight work is simply one of the best ways to enhance the body's abilities, maintain health and aid wellbeing.
