Turning Food Waste Into Gold 

By Elena Bilheimer, EcoNews Journalist

The fashion industry is notorious for its damaging effects on the environment, unfair labor practices, and promotion of endless consumerism and throwaway culture. Synthetic dyes, most of which are carcinogenic and toxic for ecosystems, are a core practice in the industry and are widely used and disposed of into the environment. Learning how to naturally dye using food waste or invasive plants is an empowering and rewarding activity that is environmentally friendly and can help bring new life to clothes that would otherwise be thrown away or donated. Dyeing with onion skins (Allium cepa), a readily available food waste that often ends up in the garbage or compost, is an accessible, cheap, and easy introduction into this craft and the process of upcycling.

According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, while also producing 20 percent of wastewater. In contrast, natural dyes that are derived from plant or fungi sources have a low environmental impact, are safe for human health, and don’t release any harmful chemicals during the dyeing process. Natural dyeing has a long history, and until synthetic dyes became widely accessible in the mid-19th century, using plants and minerals to dye textiles and other objects was the standard practice. Tracing the history of dyeing with onion skins is difficult — as onions now grow throughout the world — but the vegetable itself seems to have originated in central Asia.

Dyeing with onion skins is relatively easy compared to other dyes, as use of a mordant (a substance that is used to improve the color fastness and durability of natural dyes) is not required to help bind the dye to natural fiber. This is due to the high tannin content found in onions, which work similarly to mordants. Onion skins produce a beautiful range of earthy colors, sometimes even producing shades of gold. Many dyers consider the colors produced from natural sources to be “living colors”, meaning that they capture and transmute the essence of the alive material that made them. Whether or not you agree with that assessment, this practice can help you create a more intimate relationship with the plants you use and surround yourself with everyday.