Increasing objective and subjective knowledge of the environmental impact of cotton and polyester apparel: implications for educating future industry professionals

This study examined students' knowledge of the environmental impact of cotton and polyester along with their intentions to use them for producing apparel. This is the first study to measure both objective and subjective environmental knowledge among students as future industry professionals. A survey was completed by 39 apparel students in the U.S. before and after a four-part project. Results demonstrate that students' objective and subjective knowledge increased significantly after the project. Students demonstrated greater knowledge and types of facts about the environmental impact of cotton and polyester apparel after completing the project (objective knowledge). Moreover, students believed that after the project they knew more about the topic (subjective knowledge). Although intentions to use cotton or polyester fibres did not change for the total sample, there were important differences depending on the assigned position represented in a class debate conducted during the project. The results have important implications for educators.