Why Linen is the More Sustainable Eco-Friendly Fabric Choice (Especially for Your Home)
If you’re looking to make more conscious choices in your home, discover why linen fabric is the ultimate eco-friendly option for you and the planet. At Bowerbird Collections, we love creating beautiful, handcrafted linen cushion and pillow covers that don't just look good, they feel amazing. And that all starts with our favourite fabric: linen.
Linen isn’t new; in fact it’s been around for centuries. So, why the hype now? Find out why linen is one of the most sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics out there, and why it matters in your home.
What’s So Special about Linen?
Linen is a natural textile made from the cellulose fibres of the flax plant. It’s one of the oldest textiles in the world and is famous for being breathable, natural, and strong.
All of these qualities, and more, make linen ideal for homewares and soft furnishings that are frequently used and require washing.
Why is Linen the Green Choice for Your Home
Choosing natural, sustainable materials in your home décor is a small but powerful step towards a greener lifestyle. And here’s where linen really shines:
💧 1. Flax Uses Way Less Water than Cotton
Cotton needs a lot of water to grow, which isn’t ideal. Linen, on the other hand, can grow with just rainwater. That means your gorgeous Bowerbird cushion covers are helping to conserve water and protect vital ecosystems.
🌾 2. No Harsh Chemicals
Flax plants are naturally pest-resistant and don't require heavy pesticide use. Unlike cotton, which uses more pesticides to grow than any other natural fibre crop. Exposure to pesticides has detrimental effects at every stage in the production chain, from the ecological impacts to the health of the weavers and finally, you the customer.
And because we care about these impacts, at Bowerbird Collections, we only use linen that’s printed with OEKO-TEX® certified inks, which are free from harmful chemicals and safe for your skin.
Linen is also moth resistant. So, you don't need to worry about pesky moths eating anything made from linen. This is one of the reasons why linen last so long, because you can store it safely.
🌿 3. It’s Biodegradable
One of the best things about linen? It returns to the earth at the end of its (long) life. Unlike synthetic fabrics (we’re looking at you, polyester), linen doesn’t stick around in landfill for centuries.
🔥 4. No Fossil Fuels Required
Polyester is made from plastic and relies on fossil fuels to produce. Linen is grown, not drilled. That means lower energy use, fewer emissions, and no nasty microplastics floating into our waterways after every wash.
💪 5. It’s Durable and Long-Lasting
Our linen cushion covers aren’t just pretty—they’re built to last. Linen is up to three times stronger than cotton, and it actually gets softer over time. That’s why a linen cover from Bowerbird isn’t a décor trend that's meant to be thrown away after one season. They're designed and made to be cherished for many years.
Pro tip: Buy better quality things. They’ll be a joy to use and they’ll last way longer so you won’t need to replace them as often. You’ll be happier, reduce waste and most likely save money in the long run.
💓 6. High Vibrational Frequency
Historically, linen has been revered for its natural resistance to bacteria and fungi, and was often used in healing settings as bandages, sheets and clothing. But, new research has uncovered more to the story. A bioenergetics study by Dr Heidi Yellen found that fabrics vibrate at their own unique frequency which can actually influence our energy.
Her study found that linen and wool topped the vibrational frequency charts with a staggering score of 5,000. Cotton and hemp scored 100, equal to the average frequency of the human body, and polyester scored zero! So, if you want your home and wardrobe to have a high vibe – linen is a winner.
But What About the Wrinkles?
Linen does wrinkle a bit. But, we’re inspired to cherish this aspect by observing the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi”- finding beauty in the perfectly imperfect. Linen’s soft creases add charm and texture to your space. Plus, our linen cushion covers are designed to look relaxed and effortless—no ironing needed.
Want to be extra green? Wash on a cool cycle and air dry. Linen loves a bit of fresh air.
Final Thoughts
By choosing linen for your home furnishings you’re taking a conscious step towards making your home more sustainable and eco- friendly. A more sustainable lifestyle comes from making small conscious choices again and again. More natural - less impact. More durable - less waste. On repeat.
Our linen cushion and pillow covers are a beautiful place to start your journey. From the natural linen material, to the non toxic printing and the local manufacturing in Brisbane. In each step of the process we've made conscious decisions that make our decor a win, win for you and the environment.
So when you’re refreshing your home, make the conscious choice to skip the polyester and choose linen that lasts, feels amazing, and helps our planet breathe a little easier.
Ready to make the switch?
Explore our latest range of linen cushion & pillow covers 🌿
