Environment Friendly Pashmina and Fibers by Yes Helping Hand

Being environment-friendly means living without harming our planet while maintaining sustainability for all living beings. Material selection is crucial in sustainable product design and engineering.

According to the Geneva Environment Network (2023), around 60% of all materials used in the fashion industry are plastic-based fibers, and approximately 500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean each year solely from washing clothes.

⇒ Fashion Industry Impact:

→ One of the world’s largest pollution contributors globally.
→ Generates significant water contamination through dyeing and finishing processes.
→ Contributes to air pollution via greenhouse gas emissions from production and transportation.
→ Causes soil contamination from pesticide-intensive cultivation of non‐plastic fibers and the disposal of synthetic textiles. 
→ Utilizes plastic‐based fibers for approximately 60% of all materials, amplifying persistent pollution.
→ Releases about 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean each year through laundering garments.

Still questioning the organic and synthetic fiber gap? Here are the facts:

Note: The Above table is created based on the data from these webpages:

→ Textile Exchange, Materials Market Report 2023
→ Grand View Research, Natural Fiber Market Size & Share 2024
→ Geneva Environment Network, Sustainable Fashion overview 2023

Trying to minimize these issues, no matter how small our contribution will be, Yes Helping Hand believes it is our responsibility and duty to embrace environment friendly measures and create a sustainable ecosystem for the fashion and garment industry.

Our search for eco-friendly materials revealed that natural fibers like hemp (plant-based) and cashmere and natural wool (animal-based) are superior sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers such as nylon, spandex, and rayon. These natural materials offer the perfect combination of environmental responsibility and luxury, creating sustainable pieces that are both sustainable and stylish.

Following Yes Helping Hand’s motto of sustainability and empowerment, we source our fibers from within the Himalayas of Nepal and local farmers supporting the economy and preserving the tradition and culture passed down by the ancestors of the region.

Starting from Cashmere, our Himalayan cashmere comes from the fur and undercoat of the Himalayan goat, referred to as Chyangra. Unlike the farming sites where animals are kept in captivity, the Himalayan goats roam freely in the nature and pastures of the Himalayas. 

With the Himalayan goat’s remarkable adaptability to the harsh Himalayan environment, its undercoat produces luxurious wool, which is referred to as Pashmina, a better version of Cashmere. 

Our local herders carefully gather this precious fiber by gently combing the goats during the molting season without harming the animals.

Along with Himalayan Pashmina, we also work with local farmers around the country to source natural wool and hemp fibers. We highly believe in working jointly to create a better place so our farmers use organic compost fertilizers created from the biodegradable household waste that preserves the fertility of soil and keeps the environment healthy.

Sourcing natural fibers from trusted farmers who share the same moral values as ours is our way of supporting the sustainability of the planet Earth.

From spinning delicate Himalayan Cashmere and pashmina fibers to wrapping threads on handlooms to drafting precise patterns and art on the handicraft, we minimize carbon emissions by avoiding the usage of machinery and emphasizing hand-made products. Every scarf, sweater, or accessory is made using traditional techniques passed down through generations, built on patience, skill, and respect for nature. This not only protects the environment but also preserves our rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

The main environmental impacts of synthetic fiber pollution include the release of microplastics into water bodies, leading to contamination of aquatic ecosystems. This leads to ingestion by marine life, resulting in injury or death, and contributes to long-standing soil pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature, affecting terrestrial ecosystems and potentially entering the human food chain.

Naturally sourced Pashmina, wool, and hemp are not only beautiful but also good for the planet. Pashmina is lightweight yet warm, cashmere wool that provides great insulation, and hemp grows quickly without needing harmful chemicals. By promoting these materials, we help reduce the need for synthetic options and contribute to a healthier Earth in our way.

We know that our choices today will impact future generations. Many companies began implementing sustainability in their manufacturing processes during the last years; by reducing, recycling, implementing ethical and environmentally-friendly operations, etc. 

True sustainability isn't about appearing conscious or using it as a marketing tool to sell products. It's about genuinely focusing on the betterment of our environment and society while aligning with global sustainable development goals. Our commitment goes beyond fashion trends to create a meaningful impact for future generations.

By focusing on sustainable practices, Yes Helping Hand is committed to protecting our planet for the coming generation. Every product we make helps support our community, and a part of our profits goes back into education and initiatives that promote sustainable living.

The Future is Sustainable

Sustainable fibers are changing fashion forever. More people care about the environment every day, so they buy from brands that make good choices for our planet. Brands that don't care about sustainability will need to change or lose customers.

Why Choose Yes Helping Hand?

When you buy from us, you get more than a beautiful product. You join a movement that matters. Every item tells the story of differently abled artisans and shows how your choices help the world.

Yes Helping Hand is a Nepal-based sustainable fashion brand committed to environmental responsibility and community empowerment. We source natural fibers directly from the Himalayas and work with local farmers to create handmade products using traditional techniques, minimizing our carbon footprint while supporting specially-abled artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

⇒ Key Sustainability Features:

→ Himalayan Pashmina from free-roaming Chyangra goats (no captivity farming)
→ Natural fibers (hemp, wool, cashmere) instead of synthetic materials
→ Hand-spinning and traditional loom weaving instead of heavy machinery
→ Direct sourcing from local Nepali farmers and herders
→ Handcrafted products using generational techniques
→ Portion of profits reinvested in education and sustainable living initiatives
→ Supports specially-abled artisans and local communities

⇒ Environmental Impact:

→ Eliminates synthetic microfiber pollution in oceans
→ Biodegradable materials that don't harm soil or water
→ Reduces dependency on plastic-based fashion fibers
→ Chemical-free cultivation and production processes
→ Your Impact Makes a Difference

Choose the cashmere collection at Yes Helping Hand.

Each handmade Himalayan pashmina, wool, or hemp product you buy helps families earn money, keeps old traditions alive, and protects our environment. When we work together, we can make real change happen.

We won't claim that buying from us will change the world, but if you're already planning to shop, why not choose products that support specially abled artisans and help the environment at the same time?

If you're curious about what we've been talking about, you can always check out yeshelpinghand.com/shop. Ultimately, the choice is yours.