Linen is a natural fiber which stems from the flax plant, where hemp comes from the stems of the Hemp plants. It uses considerably fewer resources than cotton or polyester, such as water, energy, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers. Flax can grow in poor soil which is not used for food production. In some cases, it can even rehabilitate polluted soil. Flax plants also have a high rate of carbon absorption. For these reasons, linen is considered to be a sustainable material, even when it is not organically grown. Garments made of linen are desirable in hot and humid climates. Unlike cotton, which tends to retain moisture for a significant period of time, linen dries quickly, which helps reduce heat retention in overly warm conditions.