As Simple As Synthetic OR Natural?

According to Material Diversity, two fibers dominate the market-polyester and cotton. Polyester’s, a synthetic fiber, demand has doubled in the last 15 years. Although the demand for natural fibers has stayed consistent for the last few years, the demand for cotton has increased. Though it is true that producing synthetic fibers does have an impact on the environment, many people don’t realize that processes used on natural fibers also affect the environment. For example, large amounts of water and pesticides are used to grow cotton, while there is a significant use of energy and nonrenewable resources for the creation of synthetic fibers. I do not believe the answer is as simple as to completely eliminate the use of either type of fiber; both serve their own purposes. In the video Sustainable Innovations In Fibers and Processes, Charline Ducas stated that natural fibers, like cotton, are the ones we wear closest to our bodies because they are the most comfortable. According Ducas, no synthetic fiber has been made that compares to the comfort of a natural fiber. However, if a decision were to be made based on use of natural resources, a synthetic fiber such as polyester can be produced by using less water than required to grow cotton. Both natural and synthetic fibers leave their mark on the earth-the key to sustainability is to take all the factors into account and make the best choice you can when deciding to use synthetic or natural fibers.