If sheep overgraze, they may degrade soil and cause erosion, which can be exacerbated by an increasingly warming climate. How the animals are raised and sheared are also key animal welfare risk areas.
As a plant-based fiber, man-made cellulosics have the potential to be a more sustainable choice because they are renewable. But the production process can contribute to deforestation.
The first fabric made entirely in a laboratory, nylon is most often found in activewear, swimwear and other technical performance garments because of its durability and useful stretch properties.
Natural and renewable, it’s a popular choice for brands and consumers looking to make more sustainable fabric choices, but cotton comes with its fair share of social and environmental risks.