Wool is much higher in greenhouse gas emissions than many other fabrics
Sheep farming emits high volumes of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and also drives carbon-emitting deforestation. This chart shows one study's estimate of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions in kilograms per 264 grams of fiber for seven different fabrics.
Bar chart of greenhouse gas emissions of different fabrics. Wool is highest at 9.7 kilograms per 264 grams of fiber, followed by nylon at 2.7 grams, cotton at 1.2 grams, polyester at 1.1 grams, polyacryl at 1.1 grams, viscose at .9 grams, and flax at .4 grams.
