Fabrics for the Cause

Here's a story on the environmental impacts of two major fabrics: wool and cotton. I had no idea that this was such an in-depth issue until I read this piece.

The main points to take away are that in growing cotton, strong nitrogen fertilizers are often used and emitted into the atmosphere. As for wool, the story mentions the same argument that is used against cows: methane. Apparently sheep are at fault here too--but should that prevent us from using wool? I guess it is a big deal:

"The bottom line is that cotton probably wins this face-off by a nose, given the sheer volume of methane issuing forth from the planet's sheep."

Wool or Cotton? - [Slate]