A seed planted for "green" garments

The boring paragraph...
I know there are people out there who will be scandalized and possibly even offended by what I write below.  I'll confess: I'm almost one of them!  I don't think of myself as a pot stirrer (some might disagree), but I'm really working on fixing in my head the differences between "doctrine", "practice", and "policy".  (Thank you, Bishop McAdam!)  Given that, what follows is primarily an issue of policy and practice, the two out of the three with potential for change without blasphemy.  Any criticism contained below is meant to be constructive, for the betterment of the Saints and the world in which we live.  All right, disclaimer's over, let's move on.

"Green" garments
While in Utah back in February, Rachel and I went to the local Distribution Center because I was freezing cold all the time and wanted thermal garments.  While there, perusing the shelves, we got to talking about our mutual disappointment that there's really only one natural fiber option for garments, and that's a somewhat thick ribbed cotton.  Everyone I've heard from on them says they're hot, more like wearing an extra layer than the synthetics.  Rachel and I are both fairly "crunchy" California Saints with a love for alternative fibers, and we mused on how amazing a bamboo option would be.  Even a bamboo/cotton blend.  Highly renewable, biodegradable, cool, silky and comfortable.  Or a soft merino or alpaca wool in winter.  We wanted something comfortable and eco-conscious.

There are millions of Endowed Latter Day Saints in the world, all with (hopefully) at least two sets of garments, probably most with five to seven sets.  Like any clothing, garments wear out.  Once they've been "decommissioned", though, the fabric is just... fabric, and what do you do with it?  Dust rags?  Baby wipes?  Upcycled purses?  Hope much fabric ends up in the trash?  It's not like they can be sent on to Good Will or even Deseret Industries.  So the fabric ends up in a landfill and because most garments or made of synthetic fibers... they sit there.  And sit there.  Forever.  (Or at least several decades.)  That is such a waste.

There has to be a better way.

And there is!

Distribution Services wants feedback.  There's a link right at the bottom of every page that says "Feedback" with an e-mail address attached to it: feedback@store.lds.org.  So let's give them feedback this Earth Day!  Email Distribution between April 22nd and May 1st and request that they expand their fabric choices to include more natural and even post-consumer fibers.

Recycled polyester!  Hemp!  Ramie!  Wool!  Bamboo!  Linen!!!  (Very Old Testament.)
Fair trade and/or domestic sourcing.  Reduce the carbon footprint of production and distribution.

Nowhere in our holy writ does it say that modern sacred clothing can only be produced from petroleum products.  It is inexpensive, and inexpensive garments and ceremonial clothing has been a great boon for our people.  But what if we could have more choices, ones that would be good for our bodies, our spirits, our economies, and our Earth?  Our stewardship over this world is just as sacred and important as any other responsibility we have.  This is something worth telling those in charge that we want.

If this is something eve a little important to you, I encourage you to RSVP to this Facebook Event page started up by my friend, Heather, and share it with your friends.  Spread the word and help make this campaign successful.  Then go and write your e-mail!  I'll admit, we may not see an immediate change, or even one in the next few years, but maybe we will.  Either way, we'll have success even if we just get people to voice their desires for something sacred and respected that they live with every day.  The fabric selection is policy, and practice, not the eternal truth behind the article itself.  Policies and practices can and should change according to the needs of God's people.

Happy Earth Day! :)