The clothing industry is one of the most resource-intensive in the world.

Fabrics to avoid if you’re trying to lessen your environmental impact.

Polyester

Polyester is another petroleum-based fabric that does not easily biodegrade.

Hanna Baror-Padilla

Rayon

Rayon, also known as viscose, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp.

“Tons and tons of water are also needed to grow enough cotton for one T-shirt.”

Eco-friendly fabrics to check out instead.

The next thing you should do is look at the label.

Tencel

Tencel is a man-made fabric harvested from the natural cellulose material found in wood pulp.

Depending on the chemicals it is treated with,Tencel is biodegradable.

Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made of pulp from beechwood trees.

It, too, is produced in a closed-loop system that emits fewer harmful byproducts into the environment.

Once processed, this cotton waste has a similar feel to silk.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton is produced without the use of pesticides or chemicals.

Though it requires the same amount of water and labor as its conventional counterpart, organic cotton is biodegradable.