Battle of the Lesser Evils

Natural vs. Synthetic, do you dare step into this battlefield of an argument? This has become a very diverse topic, people are finally becoming more aware of the every day materials and products that we emerge our bodies in and on. What is truly that best choice of material? Is there a lesser of two evils or one right answer?

Natural fabric refers to fabrics made from fibers found in nature and come from animal and vegetable sources. Synthetic fabric refers to fabric made from manufactured fibers and fibers created by man. But although natural fibers may be a renewable resource, those that are not certified as organic may have pesticide residues and may be processed or treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process and are not necessarily ecologically sound in that regard. Cotton is considered the world's 'dirtiest' crop due to its heavy use of insecticides, the most hazardous pesticide to human and animal health. Cotton covers 2.5% of the world's cultivated land yet uses 16% of the world's insecticides, more than any other single major crop.

Both types of materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Synthetics can be durable, easy-care, and fade-resistant, but that does not mean that natural fibers are weaker, less durable, prone to fading, and higher-maintenance. These characteristics often depend on more than the type of material being used and its entire life cycle.

In the book Sustainable Commercial Interiors, issues such as the on going debate regarding the synthetic material PVC is discussed. In the Interior Design world new window frames are being made from PVC. This can be made in a variety of colors, never needs to be painted, and does not rot unlike a wood frame. But by some, PVC has been targeted as one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials ever produced. Research shows that when its entire lifecycle is considered, it becomes apparent that this seemingly innocent plastic is one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials produced, creating large quantities of persistent, toxic organochlorines and releasing them into the indoor and outdoor environments.

In conclusion, sustainability and environmental friendliness of the Interior Design industry depends on the entire life cycle of the material being used. In my opinion, the life cycle process of each material needs to be broken down before a blanket statement is formed about whether natural or synthetic materials are better for the environment. The uses of natural fabrics have proven to be more harmful to the immediate environment, while synthetics have a negative affect on the air and biodegradable resources. In actuality, no single material is the best for the environment.