Blog Post #4 : Natural Fibers

    

     Although natural fibers such as cotton and wool are natural, meaning they don’t require chemicals to be solely MADE, they still negatively impact the environment due to the chemicals used THROUGHOUT their process from start to finish, or fiber to garment.

     Cotton is the most commonly used natural fiber. However, only 1% of all cotton grown is grown organically meaning 99% of cotton we use today has been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides. As mentioned in The True Cost, said chemicals have a major impact on the soil, the air, and most importantly the people. Although growing organic cotton requires more time as well as more hands on labor rather than machinery, it has a lower impact on the environment. Being mindful of this process starting from the beginning with using pure seeds, for example, will result in less harm to our planet. According to the National Cotton Council of America, “For the years 2010 through 2012, average harvested area was 9.8 million acres, producing an average 17.0 million bales.” It is obvious this is a much needed and highly used fiber. If we continue to harvest cotton in high amounts while continuing to use chemicals and pesticides, our planet will continue to suffer.

     

     Another natural fiber we use frequently is wool. Wool is a protein fiber that covers sheep which is then removed. This process is hazardous to the environment, as well as the process of using any animals’ skin or fur. After the wool has been shaved off of the sheep, it then must be treated at factories. Chemicals including ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide are used for dying and preservation. “Not only does animal agriculture consume huge amounts of water, chemicals used for wool production can also pollute existing water supplies. More than 9,000 pounds of insecticides were applied to sheep in the U.S. alone in 2010” (Wool, Fur, and Leather: Hazardous to the Environment, PETA n.d). Also, it has been proven that the process in raising livestock contributes to climate change. “Manure generated from livestock has significantly contributed to the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gasses over the last 250 years. In that time, the concentration of methane has increased by more than 130 percent in the U.S.” (Environmental Hazards of Wool, PETA, n.d). An obvious solution to end this threatening act would be to “vote with our dollar” and simply stop supporting this process by not buying wool or any animal products for that matter. There are many wool alternatives and other sustainable, animal-friendly fibers such as polyester fleece that have the same properties as wool without involving or promoting any harm.

     As the fashion industry is the number two most polluting industry in the world and does not seem to be heading in a sustainable direction as fast as we need it to, we as consumers must push for this necessary change.

References

5 Alarming Facts About the Wool Industry. (2014, January 02). Retrieved October 09, 2017, from http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/5-alarming-facts-about-the-wool-industry/

Environmental Hazards of Wool. (n.d.). Retrieved October 09, 2017, from https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/wool-industry/wool-environmental-hazards/

Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved October 09, 2017, from http://www.cotton.org/edu/faq/

Wool, Fur, and Leather: Hazardous to the Environment. (n.d.). Retrieved October 09, 2017, from https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/wool-fur-leather-hazardous-environment/