FAQ's
How do I make an exchange/return an item?
We are happy to exchange or accept a return for credit for items purchased on our website. Please visit the General Information tab on our website for more details.
Who makes earth creations clothing?
We are very proud that most of our eco-friendly clothing is made here in the United States by people like you and me. Some of our T-shirts are made in Nicaragua from U.S. cotton, in a WRAP-certified facility (http://www.wrapcompliance.org) where the workers are treated fairly. We support Fair Trade and Sweatshop-Free practices. We want to produce the highest-quality garments we can, but not at the expense of hardworking people. Only fairly paid workers make our clothing, whether they live in the United State or elsewhere.
How does clay dyeing work?
1. Where does the clay come from?
Nature is amazing. During millions of years of geologic development, nature created a variety of colored clays. Some of them are very abundant and present on the surface (red and yellow), and some of them are rare and require digging to reach them. The Southeastern section of the United States is rich in geologic history and provides a variety of colors.
2. What is “good” clay?
Good clay is fine without overly large stones, rich in color, and pure, i.e., not containing veins of other types of clay.
3. How do you get the clay into the clothing?
First, it’s sometimes necessary to grind the clay. In the second phase, good blending with water is a must. The mixture is then added to a load of soaking wet, usually unbleached clothing and stirred for about an hour in a large vat. Next, the garments are lifted from the vat and any excess water removed. Then the dyed clothing travels to dryers. After drying, a rigorous quality inspection takes place. Finally, garments are folded and packaged.
4. Is black one of the clay-dyed colors?
No. Nature offers only a limited color palette. To compensate, we also make garments that are colored using low-impact, eco-friendly dyes in agreement with organic standards.
5. Is the dye going to stay there?
You bet! Our clay-dyeing process assures lasting color. Our garments will not stain your skin or other clothing when you wear them, and they will not stain your washing machine or other clothes when laundered. After several washings, the shade will change slightly like your favorite pair of jeans.
Why is clay dyeing good for the environment?
Our clay-dyeing process uses only natural and biodegradable materials and does not require the use of salt. Not only does this result in beautiful colors, but it eliminates the need to use or manufacture artificially produced chemical dyestuffs.
By comparison, conventionally produced dyes—and more frequently the by-products of producing these dyes—are toxic. Additionally, many conventional processes use amazingly large quantities of table salt. Though tasty in our food, salt causes irreversible harm to the ecosystems in our rivers, lakes, and underground water sources when released from a commercial dye house. In many cases, conventional dyeing processes have been barred from use in the United States due to stringent government regulations. Yet, due to relaxed environmental laws in many foreign countries, the process is still used overseas and the final products do make their way to the United States.
We at earth creations are committed to using low-impact, eco-friendly dyes. We are trying our best to make a difference by bringing social consciousness to the multi-billion-dollar apparel industry.
How do I care for my earth creations’ clothing?
1. Washing instructions
Care instructions are on the label. All garments are pre-shrunk. We suggest turning the garment inside out and washing in cold water with similar colors (do not use bleach or detergent with bleach). Tumble dry on low heat. Do not iron an item that has a design printed on it.
2. How do I remove spots?
Accidents do happen. We suggest that you use a grease-cutting dishwashing liquid. Please do not rub the spot vigorously or the dye will come out. Instead, wipe the spot gently and soak until the spot is gone. We do not recommend using commercially available stain removers because they contain bleach!
Yes! We will be happy to work with you on your custom project.
Other questions or suggestions
We always love to hear from our customers. If you have a question or want to make a suggestion, please contact us and let us know how we can help.