Of course, when Kelly hipped me to coir, a natural fiber made from coconut, I couldn’t pass it up!

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Did you know that 2009 has been declared the International Year of Natural Fibers by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization?

Why is natural fiber so important?

The natural fiber organizations help the income and the food security of poor farmers such as those working with jute in Bangladesh, cotton in some West African countries and sisal (shown above) making a comeback in Tanzania.

“The main goal of the International Year of Natural Fibers is to raise the profile of these fibers and to emphasize their value to consumers while helping to sustain the incomes of the farmers. ” states the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

30 million tons or more are produced each year and natural fibers form an important component of clothing, upholstery and many textiles. Some also have industrial applications such as “packaging, papermaking and in composite materials with many uses, including as parts in automobiles.”

Some features for 2009 will include:

• The promotion of the efficiency and sustainability of the natural fiber industries.
• The encouragement of appropriate policy responses from governments to the problems faced by natural fiber industries.
• Large international conferences will be held.
• Fostering an effective and enduring international partnership among the various natural fiber industries.
• Displays and fashion shows and many other events in many countries, run by a variety of different national organizations.

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When Tamre Sutphen’s son was born, the microfiber/polyester blanket gifts from friends and family caused him to break out in a rash.   So was born Sutphen’s SHI SHU BABY, her line of baby blankets made from natural fibers bamboo and cotton.

“When I started researching alternative fabrics/fibers, I discovered bamboo and fell in love with its qualities,” says designer Sutphen. “Bamboo is antibacterial, soft as silk, keeps you cool in the summer, keeps you warm in the winter and most importantly…BREATHES.”

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If you’re just looking for some comfortable clothing for yourself,

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Preschool teachers and parents often complain that dress-up clothes are disorganized and difficult for children wear; however, all these dress-up clothes are not necessary. At a performing arts conference for teachers I attended, Play Silks were recommended as the only costume prop needed in the classroom or home. Children can make any costume using their imagination with Play Silks. Like blocks, they are truly open-ended, versatile, and limitless for play. In addition, silk is durable, soft, and aesthetically pleasing.

Play Silks are expensive, but you and your child get a lot for the money. At about $11 piece (you do get a discount for buying a set), their cost kept me from buying them for many years. I wanted to make my own set, but time slipped away, and I realized I never would get around to actually doing it (I still haven’t finished knitting the sweater I started for my daughter five years ago!). You can select plain silk scarves from Dharma Trading Company for anywhere between $1.00 and $4.00 and naturally dye them yourself to save money. Since purchasing a set of Play Silks, I am very pleased with how they have contributed to my daughter’s dramatic play. Our Play Silks are over a year old, and they show no signs of wear and tear.

Halloween is around the corner, and there are many great costumes made from natural silk. Magic Cabin offers many silk costumes for children, and these costumes are breathable and comfortable, unlike the vinyl costumes of my youth. Natural fabrics inspire children to explore life through their play, and a silk costume will long out live the Halloween holiday and be incorporated in your child’s ongoing dramatic play.

Toys made from natural fibers, such as silk, encourage meaningful play. Not only are these toys safe, but also they inspire children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Silk toys may be more expensive than their plastic, vinyl, or polyester counterparts, but parents can feel good about providing their children with natural toys that leave less of an impact on our environment and are safer for our children.

Until I actually researched the subject. Hemp — not the munchies-inducing variety, but the kinds with very low amounts of the psychoactive substance THC — really does appear to be all its proponents make it out to be. Hemp fibers can be used to make clothing, furniture and even biodegradable plastic, and to strengthen cement. Hemp seeds can be eaten as is, ground into flour, pressed for oil or made into non-dairy milk and ice cream. The seeds are also rich in protein and the omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids that the human body needs but can’t make on its own. And, like so many U.S. Congresspersons and the Iraq War, before the U.S. government was against hemp, it was for it, actively promoting the crop as a source of fiber for cordage during World War II.

Then there’s the biofuel appeal: both hemp seeds and stalks can be converted into biodiesel or alcohol fuels. Better yet, hemp grows fast and produces way more fiber per acre than cotton, flax or even trees. If it weren’t for the ridiculous, costly and ineffective "War on Drugs" that lumps industrial hemp into the same category as Maiu Wowie, we might be able to tap into a sustainable, highly useful crop that’s far superior to the current favorite in Kansas and on Capitol Hill: corn.

Also on GO:

Green Myth-Busting: Hemp is Marijuana

Ask VJD: Hemp for Health