First, the PSA seems not to be talking about the lll-effects of cotton on the planet as much as it is pointing out the amount of resources that are taken up in washing shirts. I would wager that the same amount of water and energy are used in washing and drying shirts made of synthetic materials.
Second, it would be interesting to contrast the amount of energy and water consumed by cotton production versus petroleum extraction, transportation and conversion to synthetic fibers for weaving. I don’t know the answer, but the differences might be small or actually balanced in favor of cotton.
Two thoughts:
First, the PSA seems not to be talking about the lll-effects of cotton on the planet as much as it is pointing out the amount of resources that are taken up in washing shirts. I would wager that the same amount of water and energy are used in washing and drying shirts made of synthetic materials.
Second, it would be interesting to contrast the amount of energy and water consumed by cotton production versus petroleum extraction, transportation and conversion to synthetic fibers for weaving. I don’t know the answer, but the differences might be small or actually balanced in favor of cotton.