Monthly Campaign Highlights Plastic in Our Fashion Industry
==============================================================
The environmental impact of plastic in clothing is a growing concern, with synthetic fabrics contributing significantly to microplastic pollution and fossil fuel reliance. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and fleece, make up around 60% of global textiles and shed microplastic fibers during wear and washing [1]. These fibers pollute waterways, oceans, air, and soil, entering ecosystems and accumulating in wildlife and humans.
To minimize the environmental impact of plastic in clothing, here are some effective strategies:
- Choose Natural Fiber Clothing
Natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, wool, and innovative fibers like TENCEL™ Lyocell are better choices as they do not shed plastic microfibers and avoid toxic chemical treatments [2].
- Avoid Synthetic Fibers
Avoid clothing blends containing polyester, elastane, or other synthetic fibers, and seek certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, or Cradle to Cradle that ensure sustainability and minimal chemical use [2].
- Support Recycled Plastic Fabrics
Recycled plastic fabrics can help reduce emissions and fossil fuel dependence, although they still shed microplastics. Opting for these fabrics offers a lower overall carbon footprint [3].
- Change Your Laundry Routine
Washing synthetic clothes less frequently and using washing machine filters designed to capture microfibers can help limit microfiber release into wastewater [1].
- Promote Circular Fashion
Encourage circular fashion models where old garments are collected and remade into new clothing, promoting closed-loop recycling to minimize waste [3].
In addition, buying fewer clothes can help reduce the environmental impact of clothing production. Many studies have shown that plastic particles are released from synthetic fiber clothing during laundry. Sharing information about reducing plastic impacts from clothing on various social media platforms can help spread awareness.
For those interested in sustainable clothing options, signing up for email updates from our website can keep you informed. It's important to remember that while clothing with natural fibers can be a more sustainable choice, it can be expensive or potentially harmful to the environment. Always choose wisely and make informed decisions.
References:
[1] Thompson, R. C., et al. (2020). Microplastic pollution in the world’s oceans: A review of sources, pathways, impacts, and solutions. Environmental Pollution, 263, 117889.
[2] Environmental Working Group (2021). Guide to Less Toxic Clothing. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/guides/clothing-guide
[3] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2020). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future. Retrieved from https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/A-New-Textiles-Economy-2020-Update-Report.pdf
- Embrace eco-friendly and ethical choices by preferring natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, wool, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and some innovative fibers for your clothing, as they avoid plastic microfibers and toxic chemical treatments.
- Minimize the use of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, elastane, or other synthetic materials, to help reduce microplastic pollution and foster environmental sustainability.
- Opt for recycled plastic fabrics to contribute to the reduction of emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, while acknowledging that these materials still shed microplastics.
- Adjust your laundry routine by washing synthetic clothes less frequently, using washing machine filters designed to capture microfibers, and limiting microfiber release into wastewater.
- Promote the idea of circular fashion by endorsing the model where old garments are collected, remade into new clothing, and recycled in a closed-loop system to cut down on waste.
- Adopting a sustainable lifestyle by buying fewer clothes, sharing information about reductions in plastic impacts from clothing on social media platforms, and staying informed about sustainable living choices through email updates can contribute to the fight against microplastic pollution and climate change in the home-and-garden sector.
