Social and ecological issues
Textiles made from plant or animal natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, are Inexhaustible and replaceable. and easily Material that can be broken down in the environment by microorganisms.. Synthetic textiles are made from oil-based materials, which are A resource that cannot be replaced when it is used up, such as oil, natural gas or coal. and harder to To break down and deteriorate. when put into Places where refuse is buried underground.. Some In business, a consumer is a person who uses a product and may also buy it. and designers may wish to consider the environmental impact when buying products made from either natural or synthetic fabrics.
When processing natural fibres, energy is used and pollution is caused. For example, cotton fibres need to be harvested and then go through a process called The process that separates the cotton fibre from the cotton seed. to remove the seeds from the cotton A protective case around the seeds (and fibres) of the cotton plant where cotton fibres are found.. The Single, hair-like strands that derive from either natural or synthetic sources. are then washed, Staple fibres are combed by rows of teeth to clean and lay in lines. and combed, so that the fibres lie in the same direction, and they are then spun into Short threads spun to form one long thread.. Only then can they be knitted or woven into fabrics.
All other natural fibres have to go through similar processing, and all these processes use water and energy, which can produce contaminated water and air pollution. Textile products are also transported around the world, causing air pollution.
Plant fibres are often treated with chemical fertilisers and pesticides to ensure they grow and are not destroyed by pests. Growing natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo can lead to the degradation of soil. This can lead farmers to expand into other areas, destroying natural habitats. The use of pesticides and water supplies also affects the wildlife in an area. Organically grown fibres have been introduced but are more expensive.
When textiles are produced in developing countries it can lead to exploitation of the people who live there. They can be made to work in unhealthy, unsafe conditions for very low wages. Governments and large retail companies are beginning to ensure environmental and welfare checks take place to try to combat the effects of mass production on the environment and poor working conditions. Additionally, Trade in which fair prices are paid to the farmers and workers who create products. policies are increasingly becoming a requirement of trade.