Self-Guided+Project

=PROJECT: http://textileindustry.multiply.com/=

The textiles industry is one of the worst contributors of damaging the environment. It uses a large amount of chemicals and machineries which contaminates the environment around it.

Textiles have helped us a lot and made our lives more convenient and comfortable. It is used to make clothing, containers, nets, bags, carpets, towels, and many more. But little do people know where these textiles come from. In this research, I learned that textiles produces a lot of hazardous wastes and it can damage our environment severely. People should know how and where do textiles come from. They need to be aware about this topic, because whenever people buy clothes, they just pick any color they want or any design they like, without thinking how much damage that piece of garment caused.

I think people would be interested to know how textiles damage our environment especially, nowadays that the fashion industry is influencing more and more people. Nowadays, people are becoming more aware about the environment and trying to find ways to reduce their wastes and clean their surroundings.

I chose this topic because I’m interested with clothing and I became curious on where they come from and how they are made. As I continued to research on my topic I became more interested in knowing about how the textile industry affect the environment and what possible solutions can be made to prevent it.

 **Ebsco articles:**
1.) Taking Control [] Bramwell, Jason. "Taking CONTROL." //American Nurseryman// 202, no. 8 (October 15, 2005): 36. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// Abstract: Reports on the role of geotextile products in preventing the erosion of soil. Common goals for job sites; Use of the erosion control blankets for the containment of soil; Ways for people to increase the knowledge of erosion control. Summary: Soil erosion has been a big problem in our environment. With the use of geotextiles, it can be prevented and it keeps the sediment-laden water in place and it cannot go off site. There are a lot of textiles that help solve the environment’s problem regarding soil erosion. Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) are the most popular in the market, it is used to control soil erosion in several slopes, pond embankments, and stormwater channels. Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) are used to temporarily control erosion. It is used on a moderate slope or floe channel. It degrades over time (about 1-3 years) and will break down and leave behind vegetationand the root system.

2.) Apparel takes root [] McLaughlin, Lisa. "APPAREL TAKES ROOT." //Time// 169, no. 11 (March 12, 2007): 20. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// Abstract: The article reports on new, recycled, green fabrics for clothing. Bamboo's water, microorganism-resistant and anti-odor qualities allow designer Carol Young to redirect her trouser line. Coconut is used to reinforce recycled polyester shirts with odor-absorbing carbon and ultraviolet protection. Clothing made from hemp fiber extends wearability and allows for air-permeability. Summary: Textiles doesn’t only create wastes and pollution, it also makes its share with helping out the environment by using farm leftovers (rice straw, chicken feathers, and corn husks) to make new textiles. Instead of throwing away these materials, scientists have developed ways to make it useful. Bamboo plants are fast growing and are flood and drought resistant. When bamboo plants are made into fabrics, these fabrics would be anti microbial which makes it soft and would be a good workout clothing. Polyester shirts made from coconut shells provides protection from the sun and absorbs moisture faster compared to original polyester. These shirts are made with odor-absorbing carbon Fabrics made out of left over soy from producing soybean and tofu can be made into baby clothes, blankets, high-end silk tops, and dresses. These fabrics are really soft which is good for the baby’s skin and for those who have sensitive skin.

3.) Reinventing a river [] Murphy, Cait, and Rosanne Haggerty. "REINVENTING A RIVER." //American Heritage// 54, no. 2 (April 2003): 60. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// Abstract: The article focuses on the exploration of the Merrimack river in the U.S. Merrimack does not always make it easy for boaters to play on its surface. Described by National Geographic in 1951 as a slave in the service of industry, this 116-mile-long river was dammed, canalled,and dumped on to within an inch of its life. Long-time residents recall watching Merrimack change color depending on which dyes the textile mills were using that day. Its vegetation grew in mutant forms. As a repository for everything from medical waste to offal, it reeked. INSET: TO PLAN A TRIP. Summary:

4.) Turning blue jeans green [] Licking, Ellen. "TURNING BLUE JEANS GREEN." //BusinessWeek// no. 3606 (November 30, 1998): 99. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// Abstract: Highlights the findings of a study on the benefits of using a sulphur-eating bacterium called Clostridium. Reduction of toxic waste from jean dyes generated by textile mills; Principal author of the study; Periodical where the study was published; Need for indigo to be treated using the bacteria to make it a water-soluble dye; Disadvantage of using the bacteria. Summary: Factories uses dye to color blue jeans. But before they can use the dye, indigo must be treated to make it water-soluble. This has been the tradition of many textile factories. As scientists continue on with their research, they discover new ways to make the whole production of jeans more eco-friendly. ‘Take several leaves from the blue woad plant, add them to a vat water containing wood ash and bran, and boil continuously will the water turns blue’ By following these instructions, you can make blue jeans without the use of dye. Textile mills can avoid generating toxic waste from dying jeans and can instead use a more environment friendly procedure.

**Other articles:**

5.) [] In this article, it talks about how the production of textiles affects the environment. A lot of wastewater is produced during the production of textiles. Wastewater is one of the largest sources of waste produced by the textile industry. This industry also produces air emissions, though not as much as other factories. The production of textile consumes a large amount of water, energy, and other resources and converts it into hazardous wastes. Machineries also produces a lot of noise which disrupts the environment around it. There are some solutions to prevent further damage caused by the textile industry, like using less chemicals or other harmful substances and by using reusable containers as much as possible. This can lessen the pollution caused by the textiles industry and organizations can further develop and discover other ways of improving the production of textiles and making it more eco-friendly.

6.) [] In this article, it talks about how the textile processing industry consumes a large amount of water in different processes which also involves a large volume of various chemicals. These substances are used to produce different types, patterns, and colors of textiles. The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world, and it contributes a lot to many national economies since it is demanded by the fashion industry as well. But little do people know that this industry causes a lot of environmental problems typically those associated with water body pollution caused by the discharge of untreated wastes, air emission, notably Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)’s and excessive noise and odor as well as workspace safety.

7.) Video: [] [] In this video, it talks about three major problems textiles contribute to the environment, which are landfills, inefficiency, and water and air pollution. It mentions that people produce 3900000 million tons of trash each year and the 8 tons included in this garbage are textile wastes. If any of those textiles were made out of manmade fibers they will not decompose and will stay in the landfills for hundreds of years. Another thing is inefficiency, fast fashion and cheap clothing have influenced us with a “Throw away” mentality wherein we throw away clothing when we no longer want it instead of recycling it and donating it. When people throw away these textiles, they are wasting energy, water, chemicals, and raw materials. Lastly, is the water and air pollution

8.) Book: Kathryn Whyman; Textiles and the environment, “The environment”; 2005; Stargazer Books; Mankato, Minnesota; 2005 (Page 26-27) In this page, it talks about how textiles damage the environment and how it can help contribute in helping the environment. Pesticides are used in cotton fields and sheep’s wool to prevent diseases. These chemicals harm the environment especially the wildlife and it pollutes fields and rivers nearby. Some raw materials used to make manmade fibers like coal and oil are in danger of running out. Textiles are not only used to make clothing but it is also used in netting, string, and cord. Nets are used to catch fishes but it also causes a lot of problems not only for the fishes but for the birds as well. Birds often get tangled in awnings or soccer nets. And if these strings or nets get eaten by animals, it can harm the animal’s intestines. Scientists nowadays have developed textiles and made it more useful for the environment. They made biodegradable blankets which are used to line the bottom of landfill sites. These textiles can also be used for drainage purposes and to reduce soil erosion. There are recycling centers where people can give their clothes, drapes, beddings, etc which they no longer use and it can be recycled to make paper, furniture, and upholstery stuffing. People can also donate their old clothes to charity shops where it can be greatly appreciated.

How can textiles affect the environment?
 * //__Question:__//**

Based on the articles I found, the production of textiles consumes a lot of water and it involves a large amount of chemicals in the manufacturing process. It then turns the water into a hazardous waste creating water pollution. The textile industry also produces air emissions that comes from the machines used as well as the chemicals, and these machines also disrupts the environment around it.
 * __//Possible answer://__**


 * //__Bibliography:__//**

1.) [] Bramwell, Jason. "Taking CONTROL." //American Nurseryman// 202, no. 8 (October 15, 2005): 36. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// 2.) [] McLaughlin, Lisa. "APPAREL TAKES ROOT." //Time// 169, no. 11 (March 12, 2007): 20. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// 3.) [] Murphy, Cait, and Rosanne Haggerty. "REINVENTING A RIVER." //American Heritage// 54, no. 2 (April 2003): 60. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// 4.) [] Licking, Ellen. "TURNING BLUE JEANS GREEN." //BusinessWeek// no. 3606 (November 30, 1998): 99. //MAS Ultra - School Edition//, EBSCO//host// 5.) [] 6.) []7.) []

8.) Book: Kathryn Whyman; Textiles and the environment, “The environment”; 2005; Stargazer Books; Mankato, Minnesota; 2005 (Page 26-27) Photos: 9.) [] 10.) [] 11.)[] 12.) [] 13.) [] 14.) [] 15.) [] 16.) [] 17.) [] 18.) [] 19.) [] 20.) [] 21.) [] 22.) [] 23.) [] 24.) http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dplain%2Bblack%2Bshirt%26ei%3DUTF-8%26vm%3Dr%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701&w=550&h=700&imgurl=plainblack.co.uk%2Fimages%2Flarge%2Flady_crew_t_LRG.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fplainblack.co.uk%2Findex.php%3Fmain_page%3Dproduct_info%26cPath%3D6%26products_id%3D13&size=40k&name=Womens+Slim+fit+...&p=plain+black+shirt&oid=16a48f72f2eddf86&fr2=&no=4&tt=9901&sigr=12fhjsnb5&sigi=11h6k04kl&sigb=12rbuc6pa 25.) http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dchanel%2Bbags%26sado%3D1%26ei%3Dutf-8%26vm%3Dr%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701%26fr2%3Dsg-gac&w=500&h=374&imgurl=farm4.static.flickr.com%2F3163%2F2476339274_e81a3a87d1.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2F26376858%40N04%2F2476339274%2F&size=81k&name=Chanel+Chains+ba...&p=chanel+bags&oid=efd553323328524a&fr2=sg-gac&fusr=Fashion+bags&no=6&tt=300027&sigr=11l31ieoq&sigi=11mg40s49&sigb=137l1vlhj 26.) http://coolbugstuff.com/images/Net%20Short.jpg 27.) http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dcarpet%26ei%3Dutf-8%26vm%3Dr%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701&w=800&h=600&imgurl=img.alibaba.com%2Fphoto%2F220617900%2FPolyester_FIber_Shaggy_Carpet.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsuntoncarpet.en.alibaba.com%2Fsellofferdetailshowimg%2F224567783%2FPolyester_FIber_Shaggy_Carpet.html&size=100k&name=Polyester+FIber+...&p=carpet&oid=f3c58e0d69d53074&fr2=&no=3&tt=5037946&sigr=13600cqv6&sigi=1210aphut&sigb=12p8uiof7