This is a semi-synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp. While it’s made from naturally occurring cellulose, the process of transforming this cellulose into usable rayon fibres involves chemical alterations, making it a man-made fiber. The transformation of plant cellulose into rayon raises several environmental concerns. The chemicals used in this process, such as carbon disulfide, are hazardous and can have detrimental impacts on the environment and human health.

Cotton production uses 6% of the world’s pesticides and 16% of all insecticides, more than any other crop. These are harmful to the soil, release greenhouse gases, and pollute drinking water. Cotton production wastes HUGE amounts of water, requiring over 700 gallons to make a single cotton t-shirt.

Another popular fabric used in the fashion industry, nylon is a synthetic, man-made fibre sourced from petrochemicals and crude oil extracts. It is non-breathable and absorbs little to no moisture. Nylon is not biodegradable, it persists in the environment indefinitely and releases harmful microplastics into our waterways and food supply.

This fibre is made of plastic, through an energy-wasting chemical process of petroleum or coal. Polyamide fabric production has huge negative impacts on the environment and human health. Polyamide fabric releases plastic microfibers into the environment that pollute entire food chains, kill land and marine wildlife, and endanger human health. These plastic microfibers are consumed by fish and birds and end up in our food, lungs, and stomachs. Polyamide fabric takes hundreds of years to decompose. As polyamide breaks down, it releases toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment.

The most popular fabric in the athletic industry due to its low cost, this petroleum-based fibre is made of plastic. Its production utilizes formaldehyde, PFOA, and PFCs, chemicals which pollute the environment and are highly toxic to wildlife and people. The clothing produced from this fibre sheds harmful microplastics when washed and worn. It is non-breathable, is a breeding ground for unpleasant odors, and its use in undergarments has been linked with infertility.