Natural Fibres
Made from naturally occurring plant and animal fibres. Environmental consequences are monoculture, crops displacing food crops, over-use of pesticides, and effluents from chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Cotton ~~ Wool ~~ Silk ~~ Bamboo
Derivatives of Natural Materials
Made from cellulose (which occurs naturally in plants) which undergo a number of chemical processes.
Rayon (including viscose, modal and tencel)
Plastics
Fibres which are made from chemicals, including petrochemicals. It is now known that microscopic threads from these materials are increasingly found in the oceans, where they are ingested by fish and other sea creatures.
Acrylic ~~ Acetate ~~ Lycra/Spandex ~~ Nylon ~~ Olefin ~~ Polyester ~~ Vinyl
- Smartweave: a 2 layer fabric that wicks moisture from the skin and enhances evaporation, preventing sweat marks. www.smartweavestore.com
- Peshtemal towels: a thin fabric (originally from Turkey) that dries you well.
