The fashion industry is often criticized for being unsustainable since fashion production contributes to 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. Moreover, the popularity of fast fashion brands and ever-changing trends have resulted in tons of clothing ending up in landfills all over the globe. But according to the World Resources Institute, using next-gen materials such as plant-based leather, bio-based materials, and textile recycling initiatives could reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impacts over the coming years.
Fashion accessories are also predicted to undergo an eco-friendly overhaul as experts suggest that there could be a bigger demand for sustainably-made jewelry, particularly those that are made of bamboo. Using bamboo pieces to enhance your style not only gives you a unique look, but it also enables you to express your fashion aesthetic without harming the planet. Learn more about bamboo jewelry, and how to wear it for daily wear and special occasions.
Why Choose Bamboo Jewelry?
There are a lot of factors that make bamboo jewelry so appealing for trendsetters. It’s 100% biodegradable and durable, making it an eco-friendly material. It’s also lightweight and water-resistant. When freshly cut and green, bamboo can be shaped and curved to make things such as bangles, necklaces, and rings. Bamboo fiber also resists bacteria growth, and it doesn’t irritate the skin, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to certain materials. This means that jewelers can use bamboo to make earrings for people with sensitivity to metals, in addition to hypoallergenic earring materials such as sterling silver and 18K gold.
Making earrings out of bamboo isn’t a new concept– in fact, it’s commonly done in a lot of places in Asia, such as the city of Agartala in northeast India. To make bamboo earrings, young bamboo is cut into thin slices and soaked in boiling water and dye. The colored bamboo is dried, then shaped and sanded to get rid of rough edges. The shaped bamboo is then attached to a metal hook, along with some colored beads and stones, to create beautiful earrings that would go well with the latest trends.
How To Wear Bamboo Jewelry
Bamboo jewelry, or any jewelry made of natural materials, are often thought to be suitable for wearing to the beach or the pool. Wearing bamboo bangles or dangling bamboo earrings can certainly enhance a plain swimsuit or a caftan, but mix them up with other jewelry so it looks cool and effortless. For instance, you can wear three thin bamboo bangles, a bracelet with colorful gemstones, and a braided thread bracelet on one arm. If you’re wearing dangling bamboo earrings, add one small gold ear cuff or a huggie earring on one ear only.
You can also wear bamboo jewelry with casual wear. A bamboo necklace looks stunning when worn with a sun dress or a plain white tee and jeans. Meanwhile, a bamboo necklace with a big jade or turquoise pendant can add an earthy and boho vibe to a plain black evening dress. Remember to wear one bamboo piece at a time, and finish your look with another bamboo accessory, such as a bamboo clutch bag or a woven bamboo bag. Some designers, such as Christian Dior, have included wicker bamboo bags in their collections, but you can also get inexpensive bamboo bags from Asian boutiques and online markets.
Embrace sustainable fashion by wearing clothing and accessories made of eco-friendly materials. Consider wearing some bamboo jewelry to enhance your style in a unique way.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.
