Hi there! Kasper here — your ever-curious four-pawed guide to greener living 🌿

Not long ago, I took a little trip with my human to a quiet town in the east of the Netherlands. The kind with cobbled streets, friendly folks, and smells worth chasing. But we didn’t expect the scorching heat! My human, who packed as if it were a mild spring stroll, found herself way too warm.

So off we went to find a light summer skirt. You’d think it would be a simple stop-and-shop moment, but it turned into a big question:
"How do I know which clothes are actually sustainable?"

That’s when we started sniffing out answers together.

🌱 What Makes Clothing Sustainable?

Here’s the deal: sustainability in fashion isn’t just about picking a "natural" fabric. It's a whole journey, from plant or tree to hanger. Some things to consider:

• How were the materials farmed or sourced?

• Were lots of resources (like water or chemicals) used in production?

• Does the fabric break down at the end of its life, or linger like last week's dog biscuit?

• Is the clothing made to last, or will it unravel after a few washes?

Standing in front of that skirt rack, we saw a fabric label that said "modal". We both paused. Is modal more sustainable than cotton? Time to find out.

🌾 Cotton: Classic and Comfortable, but Complicated

Cotton has been everyone’s go-to for decades. It’s natural, it breathes well, and it feels familiar. But it has a bit of a dark side:

• 💦 Thirsty plant: Cotton farms slurp up water like I slurp peanut butter.

• 🧪 Chemical load: Conventional cotton often uses pesticides and fertilizers that aren’t great for nature (or noses).

• 🌾 Tired soil: Repetitive cotton farming can wear out the land.

🔗 Kasper's sniff-test tip: Want to keep wearing cotton? Go for organic cotton. It usually uses less water, ditches harmful chemicals, and treats the planet more kindly.

🌳 Modal: A Breezy New Favorite?

Modal might sound a bit high-tech, but it starts with something pretty down-to-earth: beech trees. Their pulp is turned into fibers through a clever process that can be (when done right) far easier on the environment.

Some bright spots:

• 🌲 Beech trees don’t need extra irrigation

• 🚿 Modal production can use much less water than cotton

• ♻️ When companies like Lenzing make TENCEL™ Modal, they use closed-loop systems that recycle water and chemicals

• 💫 Modal fabric feels dreamy: lightweight, breathable, and super soft (trust me, I curled up on a sample)

💼 Kasper's verdict: Look for the TENCEL™ Modal label. Not all modal is made with the same care, so it pays to check.

🧬 Modal vs Cotton: How Do They Stack Up?

🎒 The Final Choice (and What We Learned)

My human went for the modal skirt, and honestly, it swished quite nicely. But the real win? That moment of reflection. Instead of just grabbing and going, she asked: how can I do better?

And that, my friends, is how change starts. One curious question at a time.

🌿 Why You Might Love Going Sustainable Too:

• 🌍 Your clothes tell a story that’s better for the Earth

• 🧵 Quality often means longevity (less tossing, more wearing)

• 💧 Every small swap helps conserve water

• 🐾 You become part of a caring, conscious pack

🐾 Kasper’s Paw of Approval: 4.5/5

Modal gets a solid tail wag from me — especially when it’s certified and part of a responsible production system. It’s a smart choice for both the planet and the closet.

♻️ A Few Tips from My Side of the Leash:

• 👚 Read labels. Names like TENCEL™, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX are worth remembering

• 👖 Ask yourself: will I wear this more than 30 times?

• 💼 Fast fashion isn’t always friendly — sniff before you shop

• 🧹 Skip overwashing. Your clothes (and the planet) will thank you

• 🔀 Thrift, borrow, swap. Pre-loved is pre-loved for a reason

Thanks for walking through this little fashion investigation with me. Whether you wear modal, organic cotton, or upcycled wonders, every thoughtful choice gets us closer to a more sustainable future.

Until next time,
Kasper 🐾
Your Sustainable Style Scout