ID 3311 Final - Fall 2011

Final Floor Plan

Solution Statement:

The purpose of this space is to create a calming environment where students with financial problems can come in and talk about it to an advisor. To create this environment simple furniture and calm cooling beige and blues were selected. Everything was also choses to support the idea of being financially efficient. This was done by choosing economical and sustainable products.



Material: 24 in. Earth Tone Carpet Tile

Company: Shaw Flooring

Product Number: #59338

Color Number: #38109

Size: 24" X 24" Tiles

Construction: Multi-Level Pattern Cut/Loop

Dye Method: 51% Solution Dyed / 29% Yarn Dyed

Tufted Weight: 32.0

Warranty: Lifetime Commercial Limted

Space Used: Reception, Conference, Advising

Sustainabilty:

Recylabilty: 100%

Shaw Closed Loop Recycling: 100%

Environmental Guarantee: Free Pick Up and Recycling

Total Recycled Content: 44.5%

         PreConsumer: 31.3%

         PostConsumer: 13.2%

Country of Origin: USA

Installation/Maintenance:

The carpet tiles will be laid in each room starting from the center of the room, then the sqaures will be cut accordingly once all are laid.

Daily vacumming and weekly spot cleaning.

Calculations:

Cost: $18.99 / Tile ($7.06 / sq. ft)

Reception Room: 36' X 12' = 432 sq ft

Conference Room: 15.5' X 12' = 186 sq ft

Advising Offices (2): 10 X 12 = 120 sq ft X 2 = 240 sq ft

Total Sq Ft = 432 + 186 + 240 = 858 sq ft

Add 10% = 858(.10) = 386 sq ft

471.5 sqaure needed: 18.99 X 471.5 = 8, 953. 79

Total Cost: $ 8, 953. 79

Material: Behr Ultra Bone Interior Semi - Gloss Paint

Company: Home Depot

Product Number: #UL160 - 15

Color: Bone

Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Paint Type: Acrylic

Space Used: Reception, Conference, Advising

Sustainability:

Low VOC

Installation / Maintenance:

Paint will be applied with a roller.

Spot cleaning can be done with soap and water.

Calculations:

Cost: $33.98 / Gallon

Advising (2) (w/ 1 wall unpainted for Wallcovering.): 10' X 10' = 100, 10' X 12' = 120 X 2 = 240 = 340 sq. ft X 2 = 680 sq ft

Conference: 15.5 X 10 = 155 X 2 = 310, 12 X 10 = 120 X 2 = 240, 550 sq ft

Reception (w/ 1 wall unpainted for Wallcovering): 12 X 10 = 120 X 2 = 240, 8 X 10 = 80, 200 sq ft

Total Sq Ft: 1, 430

1 Gallon covers 400 sq ft = 1, 430 / 400 = 3. 575 gallons

4 gallons X 33.98 = $135.92

Total Cost: $135.92

Material: Vinyl Wallcovering

Company: TRI-KES

Product Number: #JA02 - 293

Color: Cravate Stripe

Size: 52/54" (4.5" Repeat)

Construction: 20% recycled content by weight

Backing: Osnaburg

Weight: 20 oz/ly

Warranty: 5 years

Sustainability:

Recyclable through Versa's Second Look Program

Cleanable Water Based Inks

PFOA Free

Cadium and Mercury Free

PBDE Free

Installation / Maintenance:

Reverse hang / straight across match.

Dirt and smudges can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Calculations:

Cost: $17.99 / yard

Advising (2): One wall only, 10 X 10 = 100 X 2 = 200

Reception: One wall only, 36 X 10 = 360 sq ft. Doors: 3 X 8 = 24 X 3 = 72, 360 - 72 = 288

Total SQ FT: 488 sq ft

54in wide / 12 = 4.5

4.5 X 3 = 13.5 sq ft per linear yard

488 sq ft / 13.5 = 36.15

37 X 17.99 = $665.63

Total Cost = $665.63

Material: MDF Base Molding

Company: Home Depot

Product Number: #UMD0623

Store SKU: #526895

Color: White

Size: 16' X 3 1/4"

Space Used: Reception, Conference, Advising

Sustainability:

100% Recyclability

Installation /  Maintenance:

Fasteness where wall meets the floor.

Mild soap and water used for cleaning.

Calculations:

Cost: $0.94 / linear foot

Reception: 36' - 9' (door ways) = 27', 12 X 2 = 24', 8' X 2 = 16' + 3' = 19' X 3 = 57'

                  27 + 24 + 57 = 108'

Advising (2): 10 X 2 = 20 - 3 (door ways) = 17', 12 X 2 = 24', 8' X 2 = 16 + 3' = 19'

                       17 + 24 + 19 = 60' X 2 = 120'

Conference: 12' X 2 = 24', 15.5' X 2 = 31' - 3'(door way) = 28', 8' X 2 = 16' + 3 = 19'

                     31 + 28 + 19 = 78'

Totals: 108 + 120 + 78 = 306'

$.94 X 306 = $287. 64

Total Cost: $287.64

What Was Learned From This Class

This class was one of my favorite during my fall semester here at Texas Tech. The course taught us about all kinds of materials. We also went on many helpful field trips. We started off the year with fibers and yarns. Then transitioned to fabric structure, color application, printing and dying, etc. We also did four projects that were not only helpful to our studying but also alot of fun.

We went to many field trips. They were all very memorable and I learned so much from them. The first one we went to was at FBRI were we got an informational tour of their facilities. I learned alot about fibers here and got to see how the whole process works. We also visited All About Looks, I was glad to know that something like this was available in Lubbock, TX. All About Looks was a materials and upholstrey store that had a wide variety of fabrics. These are only a few of the amazing locations we got to visit.

The things we learned in the class were very educating. I now know about all kind of fibers and how they are mad. I know about fabric and how they should be applied and whether or not that application is good for the environment it is in or bad. We also learned about flooring, countertops, and walls and how to apply those in the most purposeful way. I was very pleased with the material covered and I feel like alot was learned.

We did a total of four projects. The first one was to put four natural color boards together using sand, taupe, cream, and beige. This one was a little challenging because some colors can change in different lighting so it was a little hard for find the exact color family. But, I was a fun project to do. The second project we had was to remodel a bathroom. I decided to get with a partner on this one. We based our remodel on the grand canyon. Using blues, brown, and natural fixtures we achieved a natural calming look inspired by the Grand Canyon. The next project in the class was to remodel a kitchen. This was one of my favorit projects, we got to design our dream kitchen basically. The last and most recent project we did was on LEED. This was a group project, my team had Energy Efficiency. We had to give a presentation and have a game for the audience to play in a 30 minute time span.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this class. I learned so much and will always have that information for future reference.

Jeff Seal Homes of Distinction

Jeff Seal Homes of Distinction is located in Lubbock, Texas. It is a company that designs European style exteriors and interiors. Everything they do involves distinct design that is carefully planned out and follows classic European designs. In their homes you could expect to see classic architectural elements such as arches, columns and groin vaults. The company works closely with their clients to achieve what they are looking for while still staying within their style.

            Within Jeff Seal Homes there are two main design developers which are the creators and who make these homes so unique, and those people are Jeff Seal and Abby Carter. Jeff Seal is the Director of Design and Construction and Abby Carter is the Interior Designer. These two, along with a team of others create these homes with a process that allows them to be very successful. They start with the initial design and construction, in this step the clients and the team work side by side so that all wants and needs are met. The goal of this stage is to estimate costs, construction details, and a cohesive style throughout the home. Where Abby Carter comes in is the interiors. In this stage the furniture, finishes and fixtures are picked out. With Jeff Seal Homes it is very important that all of these match and create harmony in the home.

            Homes by Jeff Seal can be found in the Provence community in southwest Lubbock. These homes are set in a cul-de-sac and can be considered a European escape from West Texas.When coming through this neighborhood you will feel as if you are in a quaint suburb of Europe. Some of the homes were built according to the homeowner’s preference and some were designed and built by Jeff Seal Homes and then bought. It can be done either way and not all the homes are million dollar homes, instead they try to create a greater variety with prices of the homes. They will also build in places other than Lubbock and hope to expand their company across Texas in the near future.

            Jeff Seal Homes of Distinction is a fine example of an excellent new home construction company. They have stuck to and followed the rules of classic architecture and present that though beautifully designed homes.

Leftwich Chapman

Leftwich Chapman is a flooring company located in Lubbock, TX. They offer a variety of designer flooring including wood, laminate, carpet, ceramic, and vinyl. Most of the flooring here is primarily for residential use, and not specified for commercial use even though some could be applied to that area depending on the material.

Their hardwood selection comes in a broad variety of brands and styles. They carry solid hardwood and engineered wood. The engineered wood is actually more durable and is still real wood. Leftwich Chapman's also applies their wood mainly by gluing method, unless the structure is a pure and beam construction, which most houses in the Lubbock area are not. Some style options in hardwood would be Oak, Bamboo, Birch, etc. They even have a wood covered in leather for the style savy costumers!Alot of customers come into the store wanting hardwood in their kitchen and bathrooms, at Leftwich's they will inform you on anything and everything that is not the best idea, they want their customers to get the most out of the product thet are investing in. They also price their hardwood based on square foot, this is one of the most expensive, but durable, applications of flooring.

Even though carpet has lost its popularity due to hardwood, Leftwich Chapman still sells a variety of it, and only the best kinds. Carpet is no longer only made out of nylon, but also olefin, polyester, and smartstrand. The carpet industry has impoved their technology and is now creating alternatives to carpet that can be seen in the store. They offer all kinds of colors and even patterned carpets. To avoid confusion, they sell this by the square foot, this makes is easier for customers to compare all their flooring options financially.

Ceramic tile is practical and durable, and is also sold at Leftwich Chapman's. It is a flooring material that is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, or "wet areas" of the home. They offer a variety of colors and sizes.  Another great flooring application, if you want the hardwood look for the wet areas would be vinyl flooring. This is a very durable material and it comes in a hard wood and stone looks. These also cost much less than actual stone and hardwood would cost, so they could be an alternative to keep within a bugdet yet still get the look that is desired. Vinyl flooring is also good for commercial use because it is less expensive, more durable, and can easily be replaced. The next alternative to stone and hardwood that Leftwich Chapman offers is laminate flooring. They offer low maintenence and high durability.

These are all the flooring options the Leftwich Chapman has to offer, and if you visit their store or website they have all the information to help you pick the best option for your design. On the website, www.leftwichchapmandesignerfloor.com, there is a Five Star Selection System, so that when browsing through the website it is easy to understand what flooring is the best.

Collin's Tile and Stone

Natural stone is used in many areas of a home. The most popular place being in the kitchen, and then in the bathroom. Natural stone consists of granite, marble, limestone and travertine. Another type of stone is quartz which is an engineered stone.

Quartz is the most durable of all stones, with granite following right behind it. As an engineered stone, Quartz mimics stone. It has many benifits and is used mainly as a countertop. It is stain resistant and comes in many colors.

The next most durable stone is granite, which is the number one natural stone consumers buy and want. It is a very popular stone that holds up to heavy use. It comes in a variety of finishes including leather, mat, and polish. The cons of this application is it will come in a variety of colors due to its natural state.

Marble has gone down in popularity among consumers due to the durability of granite. Marble comes in a wide range of colors and is a very beautiful stone. The cons of this stone is that is scratches very easily.

Limestone is a seabed formation and is great for exterior surfaces. Because of its formation seashells or reminets of sea creatures can be found as engravings on the stone. This stone withstands heat, but is easily sliced and scatched.

The last natural stone is travertine. This is a stone that is popular for kitchen flooring and has little holes and dents in it that adds some character and if you dont mind the dirt that gets in the holes, it is a beautiful tile.

Natural stone can be purchased at a tile and stone company. If you live in the West Texas area Collin's Tile and Stone can help you find anything your looking for and will give you information if your unsure of what is best for your home.

Principles of Design

There are seven main design principles in the Interior Design field. These consist of unity and harmony, balance, focal point, rhythm, and details. If you know these basic design elements you will be able to distinguish the difference between a well designed room and one that is only mediocre. It will also help you in your next designing experience. The above picture is an example of a space designed off  of a few of the principles.
 
Unity and Harmony is the commonality in a space. Bringing this principle to a space would consist of using a consistent them and style throughout the room. Everything in the space should work together and flow. Another way to create unity is through color, for best results here, using three of four different colors will create a successful space. In the room shown above they used unity and harmony through the colors used. The seating ties into the curtains, which ties into the walls, it is a flowing space that keeps your eyes moving.
           
Balance is the distribution of weight in a room. There are three kinds of balance which are symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial. Asymmetrical balance is more popular for interiors at this day and age. The example picture shows this because nothing is centered as it would be with radial or symmetrical. At the same time, it all flows successfully and keeps moving so that is works for this space. The tall walls lead your eyes upward will the low height of the ceiling pulls them down to eve everything out.
           
Focal points are used to create interest in a space, it is dominant and there are sometimes more than one depending on the size on the room. The catch about a focal point is not making it to prominent to where it steals the attention from the rest of the room. The way to doing this successfully is maintain a sense of balance and staying with the theme. The focal point in this room is the window and the large plant and vase to the left.
           
Rhythm consists of the repetition, progression, transition or contrast of a space and is the organized movement that happens. Repetition is in this space through furniture use and line use on the walls. The arched window leads the eye to the lower portion of the space, this is transition. Contrast is used through the black and white houndstooth pillow, which does not go with the space but creates just enough variety to work.
           
The last design principle is details, this is the color and scale used in a space. The scale and proportions works well in this room because all the other principles come together to allow it to do so, from the height of the ceiling, to the lowness of the couch, and then to the largeness of the vase and plants.

Unusual Materials

In today’s world, more and more people are recycling anything and everything that they have and making things out of them. They are using usual, everyday items in an unusual way. An example of this is skateboard lounge chairs. Most of these chairs are made from reclaimed skateboards found at skate parks or just from previous owners.

The skateboard lounge chair originated from a headrest which resembled the shape and size of a skateboard. Designed by Skate Study House, their most popular chair, the Godfather chair is a modern chair inspired by a Charles Eames design. It is a row of seven skateboards aligned and covered with material for comfort. These are also available for indoor and outdoor use. The outdoor designs are covered in the same material as a surfer’s wet suit. The designers of Skate Study House’s goal is to build furniture in the eyes of a skateboarder. In other words,  make anything they can of skateboard materials and parts. Skate Study House also designs many other pieces of furniture from skateboards. All of their designs have a Californian West Coast influence to them. One of these is the Skateboard Stool made entirely of skateboard parts sculpted into a stool. They alsocreate benches, lamps, bookshelves, coffee tables, and loveseats. This company strives to recreate for skateboards and they do it in a very desirable and tasteful way.

Almost anything can be reused in a different way to create something functional and original. Skateboards are just one of the endless examples of how an ordinary object can be pieced together in an unusual way. Other types of unusual materials are being used, for example bottles used to construct real full scale house or ice to build a hotel. There is always something out there that can be reused and made into something completely new, and as designers this is very important to know if you want to stand out from a crowd!

Information from: www.skatestudyhouse.com

Color is one of the most important factors in a room. It creates a sense of feeling in a space and often determines the success of a design. One of the number one paint manufacturers in the United States is Sherwin-Williams. They have hundreds of colors to choose from and many resources to help when choosing a paint color. Some of the most popular of these resources include an application for smart phones, color fan deck and box, and magazine issues.

ColorSnap is the new smart phone application for iPhones and Androids. It is a free downloadable app that allows for color matching. For example, there is an item that you love on a flower outside your house and you wonder what color that is because you know your living room would look beautiful painted that way! With this Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap app a picture can be taken from your smart phone’s camera and the closest match to that color will appear. You may also scroll for more shades of that color if it is not what you are looking for. Once the desired color is found it can be saved for future reference and the Sherwin-Williams number will be given to you to take to your local Sherwin-Williams store. With this app it will also show you coordinating palettes and find a store near you.

The Sherwin-Williams fan deck and box are some of the most used items in the design world for paint. Included in the fan deck are over 1,000 different colors organized by the saturation level of that color. This is widely used for finding a desired color for a space. Each sample contains the Sherwin-Williams color number. And if the color is needed for a design board, larger samples are available in your local store or through ordering on the Sherwin-Williams website. If you are a design professional you may be qualified to order a Color File which contains both interior and exterior large paint samples in a portable box.

The third most popular Sherwin-Williams resource is their magazine issues called Stir. These issues contain information on the current color trends and advice on color. It is a resource that helps you in your color knowledge all together! The most current 2011 Stir issue contains articles on high spirited, bright hues and how to approach these kinds of colors. It also contains the 2012 Colormix which reflects earth’s natural colors, such as neutrals, greens, blues, and reds. There is also a STIRvey, which is a survey done by Sherwin-Williams which evaluates how valuable resources such as blogs, technology, and media are in the design world for finding and using color.

Sherwin-Williams is a great design source for your paint and color needs and they have excellent resources for their customers. Visit www.sherwin-williams.com for more design ideas, tips, etc. or visit your local Sherwin-Williams store.

Campus Materials

In any commercial space certain materials must be obtained, and with these materialsthere is criteria that must be met. Schools are a major type of commercial building. People pass in and out of these facilities on a daily basis, therefore every textile, material, and surface must be durable. There are six types of fabric application, seating, window covering, wall covering, panel systems, floor covering, and fiber-based art. Most of these are used in every commercial space.


In the Student Union Building at Texas Tech University, many different fabric applications may be found. One of these is seating. Because the Student Union Building is a high traffic area and is used on a daily basis, durable material must be used. On most of the upholstered chairs you may find a polyester blend material. The application of this material is actually quite successful. It is a comfortable material and because of its material blend of polyester it is easy to clean and fairly durable. This material can be found on these chairs in geometric shapes and in solids. Durability is very important because students sit on the chairs every day, even sleep on them sometimes! The chairs have been upholstered in this material for a few years and have hardly any wear to them, if not any, and will probably stay that way for a couple more years. Unfortunately, users tend to get tired of the material and want something new and updated, despite the condition it may be in. The ability for the fabric to stay clean is also an important factor because people are always on them and the chairs are located near areas of food.


Texas Tech University was very successful at choosing a very durable material for their seating. It has held up for a few years and a lot of students eating, sleeping, drinking, etc. on them. The pattern placement was also good. It showed a flow match placement. This where the pattern of the fabric matches where each cushion ends and the next starts. This is very pleasing to the aesthetics side of the building. Overall the seating in the Student Union Building was very successful in their application.

All About Looks

All About Looks is a fabric and upholstery store in Lubbock, TX, it is the only one of it's kinda in the west Texas area. When visiting here you will find a variety in their materials from bedding to draperies. They not only sell but they offer design services as well.All About Looks is a family owned company, these ladies have experience and talent in their design work. When visiting any one who works there will help you out and tell you anything you may need to know.

All About Looks stays on top of all the current trends and if you have a question about it you can take a look at some of the design magazines they have in their store. When visiting this store the trends you will see are natural fibers, brightly colored home decor and material, variety of wallpapers, and reupholstering furniture. You may also notice that polyester and polyester blends have taken the place of materials such as silk. These blends work well in heat and sun, great for the West Texas weather! Another hot item being seen is recycled materials, such as truck tarp. Companies are also beginning to used digital printing as a means to make prints on a fabric. This is a system that uses a Pantone software (Pantone.com) which allows consistency in color and it is  more economical. Wallpaper is another hot trend, we usually think of wallpaper as being ugly and old looking, but now their are so many options, some can even be painted on. One thing that has lost it's popularity is mini blinds or roman shades, basically anything with a chord. These are bad for the safety of children, so the world is moving to more stationary treatments now.

As a designer or just someone who is remodeling their own home, some things must be known, such as material codes, especially for commercial use. The durability of a fabric is also important especially when reupholstering a piece of furniture. Generally the tighter a material is woven the more durable it will be. There is alot to know when beginning a project, but if you ever need help All About Looks has design services to help with any need. They offer on-site upholstery, designer collaboration, custom bedding and drapery, free fabric samples, hardware installation, and many more services.

Overall, All About Looks is the best in the area and an excellent resource for most of your design needs.

Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute Field Trip #2

Before cotton goes through the yarning process it must be tested. The cotton will go through many tedious tests to find out the quality, strength and color of the fiber.  Cotton is classified by two things, staple and grade. Staple is the determination of fiber length and grade is the classification of trash and color content. This machines discussed are what the cotton is tested on to find out it classification. Once the fiber has been classified it can be turned into a material, once there is a sample of this material it must go into more tests to find out the quality and usability.

 Fibers have to be tested in the High Volume Instrument machine, this takes samples of the cotton from the bale and can measure length, strength, color, and trash count. This machine is also called the Uster HVI. It can get the measurements of 700 - 800 samples in one 8 hour shift. The color of the fiber is determined by being smashed into a tray underneath a camera, after being smashed it flashes and takes a picture of the fiber. If the color is known this helps determine the price of the cotton and what it could be used for. Another machine the fibers are

tested on is the Statimat DS which will determine the strength of the fiber. To find the strength of one single fiber the Robot 2 machine can test that. Asmall machine called the Uster 3

Evenness Converter uses vibration to classify the thickness and hairiness of a fiber. To get an advanced trash reading and determine the short fiber content of cotton, the Advanced Fiber  Information System is used. All of these machines are used before fiber can be made into yarn, once that is complete they must go through the next set of tests.

            

The next process of tests is once there is a sample of the fabric made from the yarn. The Martindale Abrasion Tester determines the abrasion resistance of textile fabrics and wear ability of a fabric. Each fabric placed in the tester is rubbed and each one also has different weights on

the rubber to test abrasion options, once abrasion is complete and has been rubbed the required amount of times this machine will shut off. The next machine determines the growth or shrinkage of a fabric. It must first be measured by a computer program which scans the fabric and takes its measurements. Once this is complete it is taken to the Quickwash, this is a machine used to simulate home washing and drying. It is then taken back to the scanner to get the new measurements. Breaking force and elongation of textile fabrics is determined using a raveled or cut strip sample and placed in the clamps of the machine then force is applied until the material reaches its breaking point, this is called the grab test. This is what every cotton material must go

through, shirts, jeans, etc.

          

The thought of our everyday materials going through all of the tests described may be quite surprising. The tests are very important to the quality of our fabrics, and they help determine the use for which they are needed.

Sustainably "Green" Fibers

The world has grown become fascinated with the idea of being "green", and to make the earth a more sustainable place. A way to start being green is through fibers. Information about sustainable fibers needs to be spread. People need to be informed about what materials are good and bad for their environment, is there an alternative? There are two types of fibers, natural and man-made, which both have subcategories containing reusable and recyclable fibers.

A natural fiber is protein or cellulosic, animal or plant fibers. Protein fibers include silk, wool, and leather. One sustainable protein fiber would be wool. The thing that makes this good for the earth is if the animal being sheered and has not been injected with any type of hormones; but instead is fed organic substances not treated with any form of pesticides. These animals must be raised according to an accredited standard for organic livestock production. When sheering the animal is completed, the fiber must be made into a spun yarn and textile. Now in order to stay sustainable the fibers cannot be bleached or chemically processed, as it usually would be. Organic wool is very sustainable, but it must be certified. Cellulosic fibers would include any type of plant fiber, cotton, linen, silk, etc. Some green plant fibers would be organic cotton and recycled cotton. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides, sewage, irradiation or genetic engineering. Recycled cotton derives from two sources. One when spinning waste is recycled in the same spinning plant. And when garment fall-out, scrap yarn, and fabric can be processed and recycled into a yarn. Other forms of sustainable cellulosic fibers can include linen, hemp, and silk. For natural fiber to be considered sustainable it must be accredited by a certification organization. Natural fibers are more difficult to make and consider eco friendly than man-made fibers are; with man-made the options seem almost endless.


A man-made fiber has two categories, natural man-made and synthetic man-made. With natural man- made are fibers made from that of cellulosic and protein fibers, these would include glass, rayon, acetate, etc; these fibers often use harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment. Rayon from bamboo is considered green because it grows fast and constant, it does use chemicals that could be considered polluted and must be carefully controlled. Synthetic fibers are made from a chemical process derived from oil and include nylon polyester, acrylic and spandex. Most synthetic fibers that can be considered green can be recycled only; because of the chemicals used in making of these fibers they will not decompose naturally. The recycled products first must be converted by chemical or mechanical recycling. Mechanical recycling is the least expensive and uses the least amount of energy, but produces the least amount of yarn filament options and can become unsustainable for textiles. Chemical recycling does just the opposite of mechanical. Once the product has been converted it then must be accredited just like the natural fibers. Recycled nylon and recycled polyester are the most common synthetic fibers that are considered sustainable.  In this decade people are beginning to come up with alternative fiber sources.

Alternative fiber sources can change our world and make it more sustainable. An example would be Abaca, which is a cellulosic fiber from the bast family that is blended with soft fibers to form textiles. It could decrease the dependency on agricultural crops and is biodegradable. Finding these alternative man-made and natural resources is what will enhance the "green" world and promote the sustainability options of fibers.