In the quest to understand how micro-plastics are shed from petroleum based fabric, I discovered many environmental impacts of fabric production in general. While Davidson Environmental doesn't handle textiles, our focus is on collecting organic biodegradable matter which makes all biodegradables intriguing to us.
Here's a breakdown of textile's environmental impact, ranked from most to least friendly.
Linen/Hemp:
• Made from the flax plant, needs minimal energy and water, low carbon footprint.
• Minimizes waste, fully biodegradable.
Silk:
• Contributes to deforestation through Mulberry tree cultivation.
• Water-intensive processes.
• Chemical disposal pollutes water, affecting aquatic life and agriculture.
Cotton:
• Highest water usage amongst agricultural commodities.
• Heavy pesticide use impacts workers and nearby populations.
• Soil quality degradation.
Wool:
• Sheep provide fertilizer, improving soil health.
• Significant carbon emission impact.
• Highly recyclable and biodegradable.
Viscose, Rayon, Lyocell, TENCEL™, and Modal:
• Made from wood, bamboo, or seaweed pulp/cellulose.
• Chemical processing poses health and environmental risks.
• Biodegradable but dry clean only.
Spandex:
• Made from petroleum, shed microplastics, contributes to water pollution.
• Environmental risks during manufacturing and disposal.
Polyester:
• Derived from fossil fuels, non-biodegradable.
• Shed Microplastics
• Significant energy and water usage during manufacturing.
Nylon:
• Petrochemical-based & microplastic pollutant.
• Energy-intensive production, not biodegradable.
These rankings consider resource usage, pollution, biodegradability, durability, recyclability, and end-of-life disposal. By choosing fabrics wisely and selecting quality clothing instead of fast fashion, we can make a big difference in the preservation and restoration of our environment.
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