Last Updated on May 14, 2025

You may have seen deadstock fabric on a clothing tag before. But what exactly does it mean? And is it sustainable? In comparison to using virgin materials, it is.

Most of the clothes we wear today are made using virgin materials (in fact textile production relies on 99.7% virgin materials). Virgin materials are raw materials that have never been used before, either for manufacturing or any other purpose.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

This is a problem, considering the environmental impact due to resource extraction, energy consumption, and pollution. Virgin polyester production alone emits 119.59 kg of CO₂ per 100 kg of fabric.

Opting for recycled materials in our clothing is one solution to this problem. Deadstock material is made from recycled fabrics. Here’s what you need to know about deadstock material and which brands use it.

what does deadstock mean?

Deadstock refers to leftover or unused fabric that was originally manufactured for a purpose but never sold or used in production.

This could be due to overproduction, canceled orders, or slight imperfections that prevent it from meeting a brand’s standard.

Instead of being discarded, deadstock fabric is repurposed, giving it a second chance in fashion, upholstery, and other creative industries.

Some examples of deadstock materials include:

• Surplus fabric: Excess fabric from textile mills or factories that cannot be used for other orders or collections.
• Cancelled orders: Fabric produced for a specific order that was later canceled by the brand.
• Fabric samples: Unused fabric samples from designers or brands.
• End-of-roll remnants: Small pieces of fabric left over from larger rolls.
• Slightly imperfect materials: Fabrics that don’t meet stringent quality standards but are still usable.
• Designer excess: Unused fabric from designers or brands that were not incorporated into their collections

Here are some types of clothing that utilize deadstock materials:

• Bathing suits – Some brands repurpose deadstock fabrics to create unique swimwear.
• Dresses – Many sustainable fashion labels craft limited-edition dresses from surplus textiles.
• Jackets & outerwear – Deadstock materials are often used for one-of-a-kind outwear.
• Loungewear and activewear – Leggings and sweatpants can be made from repurposed fabrics.
• Accessories – Scarves, tote bags, and hats frequently incorporate deadstock textiles.

is deadstock fabric good?

Deadstock fabric is good in terms of sustainability because it reduces textile waste. It makes sure fabric scraps that would’ve ended up in landfill get a second chance at life.

It also reduces the demand for new textile production, which saves resources. This helps promote a more circular economy and innovation through creative solutions.

However, it’s worth noting that just because a brand utilizes deadstock materials, doesn’t make them completely sustainable. You should always investigate a company’s ethics and practices in-depth to see what other steps they’re taking to help people and planet.

Also, deadstock fabrics can be natural or synthetic – so keep that in mind when shopping. Natural fabrics generally have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fabrics. But utilizing deadstock fabrics (be they synthetic or natural) automatically cuts down on emissions simply for being recycled content.

what is a deadstock piece?

A deadstock piece refers to any item created using deadstock fabric. Many brands craft limited-edition clothing, accessories, and furniture using these materials, offering consumers something unique while contributing to waste reduction.

Since deadstock fabric availability varies, pieces made from it tend to be one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches.

is deadstock fabric expensive?

Since deadstock textiles are essentially excess, unused fabrics, they often aren’t as expensive as virgin materials. However, some deadstock materials may utilize high-end, rare designer fabrics, which may elevate the cost of the finished piece.

Deadstock pieces are usually made in small-batch production, considering the designer can only work with the scraps they acquire. This makes them more exclusive, which can also bump-up the final price tag.

sustainable brands that use deadstock

Here are some eco-friendly clothing brands that use deadstock material in some of their garments. All of these brands try to reduce their environmental footprint through using organic materials, low waste packaging, and/or achieving eco certifications.

Keep in mind deadstock pieces tend to be small-batch and may be harder to find, even on these websites. Searching ‘deadstock’ on the brand’s website can help you narrow your search.

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. reformation

• Women’s clothing
• Uses deadstock fabrics, recycled materials, and eco-friendly production methods to minimize waste
• Deadstock items: Dresses, tops, skirts, and two-piece sets made from surplus textiles
• 100% recycled paper mailers and compostable bags for shipping

2. altar

• Handmade, ethically produced apparel with a focus on unique designs
• Uses deadstock fabrics and natural dyes to create sweatshop-free clothing
• Deadstock items: Dresses, jumpsuits, and casual wear crafted from repurposed textiles

3. christy dawn

• Women’s clothing
• They support regenerative cotton farming, restoring soil health and promoting ethical sourcing
• Deadstock items: Limited-edition dresses, blouses and accessories
• Every Christy Dawn piece is made by local artisans in downtown Los Angeles

4. all the wild roses

• Women’s clothing based in Australia
• Up to 90% of their designs are made from recycled fabrics, including deadstock
• Deadstock items: Blouses + dresses
• Compostable packaging
• Small-batch production, made-to-order
• Certified B-corp

5. mud jeans

• Women and men’s denim
• Uses deadstock denim + recycled cotton to make jeans and jackets 
• Deadstock items: Jeans, denim jackets, + accessories
• Offers a denim leasing program, where customers can return old jeans for recycling
• Certified B-Corp + Certified by Cradle to Cradle 

So, would you give deadstock material a shot? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The post What Is Deadstock Material? Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

What Is Deadstock Material? Is It Sustainable?

In a new study, scientists are raising concerns over exposure to pesticides used on golf courses. According to the research, there could be a link between living within three miles of a golf course and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from more than 5,500 people living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including 419 people with Parkinson’s disease and 5,113 matched controls. They also analyzed proximity to 139 different golf courses and compared people living in areas with local drinking water systems that include golf courses and water systems without golf courses.

Researchers determined that living within one mile of a golf course posed the greatest risks, with a 126% increase in chance of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to people living six or more miles from a golf course. Anyone living within three miles of the golf course also had elevated risks of developing the disease, but the risk became less notable after three miles.

However, it is not just airborne exposure that could be an issue. Even living in an area that shares water services with a golf course posed greater risks of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to the study. The analysis showed that people living in a water service area that included a golf course had nearly twice the chance of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living in water service areas without a golf course and a 49% higher chance compared to people living on properties with private wells.

The researchers suggested that the chemicals applied to golf courses could be the reason for higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, especially as these chemicals can leach into the groundwater. Common pesticides used on golf courses include chlorpyrifos and maneb, both neurotoxins, Psychiatrist.com reported.

Lead author Brittany Krzyzanowski, an assistant professor at Barrow Neurological Institute, told Medscape Medical News that the population-based study was observational, though, and those living near golf courses are not advised to just pick up and leave. More research is needed to prove any causal relationship, but the study findings can help individuals minimize their risks and encourage policymakers to address pesticide use.

While the study authors acknowledged geographical and population limitations to the study, other experts have cautioned people to consider other limitations that could impact the research.

“Parkinson’s starts in the brain 10-15 years before diagnosis and the study didn’t only use subjects who permanently lived in the area,” David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, said in a statement. “This would not only affect participants’ exposure, but also suggests their Parkinson’s could have started before they moved around a golf course.”

However, even with the limitations, this potential link between proximity to golf courses and risk of developing Parkinson’s disease has scientists urging officials to reconsider methods of maintaining golf courses to better protect public health.

“These results raise concerns about how chemicals applied for aesthetics may silently shape neurological health,” Michael Okun, professor of neurology at the University of Florida and a medical advisor at the Parkinson’s Foundation, told Medscape Medical News. Okun said that use of pesticides on golf course could be leaching into water supplies, creating “a hidden hazard we can no longer ignore.”

The post Living Near Golf Courses Linked to Higher Parkinson’s Disease Risk, Possibly From Pesticide Exposure appeared first on EcoWatch.

https://www.ecowatch.com/parkinsons-disease-golf-courses-pesticides.html

Last Updated on May 9, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to sew but felt overwhelmed by where to start, you’re not alone. Sewing is an incredibly empowering and useful skill – one that not only saves you money but can also help reduce your environmental impact.

Whether you’re hoping to tailor your clothes, repair old favorites, or dive into the world of DIY, the right tools (like a sewing machine for beginners) and a bit of guidance can make all the difference.

some of the links below are affiliate links

As someone passionate about sustainability and mindful consumption, I believe sewing is one of the most underrated skills for living a low-waste lifestyle. I learned how to sew in the costume department and school, and was able to refine my skills with my mom – whose quite handy with a needle!

I hope this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to get started, and show you how this hobby can be both practical and planet-friendly.

why learn to sew?

Let’s start with the why. Sewing allows you to:

• Extend the life of your clothing by mending tears, replacing buttons (here’s how to sew a button), and fixing zippers.
• Repurpose fabric into new, useful items like turning old sheets into reusable produce bags or rags.
• Avoid fast fashion by making or tailoring garments that actually fit and last. You can even upcycle clothing creatively instead of buying new.
• Express creativity while building a wardrobe (or home) that reflects your values.
• Reduce waste by skipping single-use items and crafting your own reusables like DIY cotton rounds, cloth napkins, tote bags, and more.

It’s a skill that pays for itself both financially and environmentally!

choosing the right sewing machine for beginners:

When you’re starting out, the sheer number of sewing machines can be overwhelming. I promise you don’t need a top-of-the-line model with every bell and whistle – all you need is a reliable, easy-to-use machine that lets you grow your skills without frustration.

I’ve tried a few different machines, and was gifted a Brother a few years ago, and it has been my old faithful. It’s really basic, not too expensive and perfect for what I need – which is sewing things like curtains, decorative pillows, hemming and light tailoring etc.

my pick: brother CS7000X

The Brother CS7000X has consistently proven to be a fantastic machine for beginners and intermediate sewists alike. Here’s why I love it:

• Beginner-friendly: Clear instructions!! (they are clearly listed on the machine and there’s even a qr code that will take you to digital instructions) automatic needle threader, and easy bobbin winding make the setup painless.
• Lightweight and portable: Great if you don’t have a dedicated sewing space or perfect to carry with you to the theatre.
• Versatile: It comes with 70 built-in stitches, including decorative and buttonhole options.
• Affordable: It’s one of the best price-to-quality machines out there.
• Durable and steady: With a fixed needle bar and metal frame, it offers stability and clean stitching lines.

Shop the Brother CS7000X here

If you’re new to sewing, investing in a quality beginner machine like this will set you up for long-term success.

beginner sewing supplies to get you started:

In addition to your machine, here are a few beginner essentials:

• Fabric scissors (don’t use them on anything else!)
• Straight pins or clips
• Measuring tape
• Seam ripper (trust me, you’ll use it)
• Thread
• A small cutting mat and rotary cutter (optional, but helpful)

I also have this little beginners sewing kit which I carry with me to the theatre in case anyone needs any last minute costume fixes and it has saved me on multiple occasions! You don’t need to buy everything at once. You can just start with the basics and build your kit as you go.

easy projects to build confidence

The best way to learn is by doing. Start with simple, useful projects that teach you key techniques without requiring advanced skills.

If you’re looking for a more structured approach to learning, you can check out Skillshare where they offer all sorts of classes on things like sewing. I also happen to teach a class on sustainable living – and you can get a free month of skillshare when you sign up through my teacher link. Click here to check out the class.

Here are a few beginner projects:

• Start with a drawstring bag, which is a great way to learn to sew straight seams and create a casing for a drawstring.
• Cloth napkins are another beginner-friendly project that lets you practice hemming while creating something practical for your home.
• Scrunchies or headbands make excellent use of fabric scraps and offer a fun, low-pressure way to practice basic techniques.
• Reusable produce bags are a sustainable swap that help you ditch plastic while reinforcing sewing fundamentals.
• You can also try making your own reusable cotton rounds which is a quick project that’s both eco-friendly and satisfying to complete.

These types of projects help build your confidence and show just how useful sewing can be in daily life.

how sewing supports sustainable living

Sewing is more than a hobby. It’s a way to slow down consumption, take better care of your belongings, and reduce your dependence on fast fashion and disposables.

Here are a few ways sewing supports a more sustainable lifestyle:

• Mend, don’t toss: Visible mending and learning how to repair clothes can greatly extend the life of your wardrobe.
• Upcycle: Turn worn-out items into something new and useful. Need ideas? Here’s a guide to upcycled clothing for a zero waste lifestyle.
• Custom-make reusables: From napkins to snack bags to gift wrap, the possibilities are endless.
• Value what you own: When you make something by hand, you’re far more likely to cherish it.
• Responsibly dispose: If you’re wondering what to do with old bras and underwear, sewing can help extend their life or guide your reuse decisions.
• Shop less, but better: When you do buy clothing, support ethical and sustainable brands that align with your values.

final thoughts

Sewing might feel intimidating at first, but like any skill, it becomes easier the more you practice. You will make mistakes, but it’s not that big of a deal. You can always use that aformentioned seam ripper!

To help improve my sewing, I’ve volunteered at my local community theatre on costumes. And I think that’s one of the best places you can start. There’s usually someone quite skilled who can instruct you – and the clothes only have to look good from 10 feet away.

It’s a low pressure way to start and you get to give back to your community – what could be better than that?

So whether you’re sewing to save money, express your creativity, or reduce your environmental footprint this is a skill you’ll always be grateful you learned.

The post Sewing Machine for Beginners: How to Get Started (and Why It’s a Sustainable Skill to Learn) appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Sewing Machine for Beginners: How to Get Started (and Why It’s a Sustainable Skill to Learn)