Plastics are not just in obvious synthetic clothes but also hidden in many parts of our garments, from threads to zippers.
Lucianne Tonti reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Plastics like polyester and nylon are prevalent in clothing, including less obvious components like threads, buttons, and linings.
- The fashion industry's reliance on plastic, despite its environmental impact, is driven by the low cost and convenience of synthetic materials.
- Consumers can minimize their plastic footprint by choosing natural materials and being aware of hidden plastics in clothing.
Key quote:
"Our plastic-based textile economy has led to unsustainable overproduction of clothing that is unhealthy for our communities and our ecosystems."
— Heather Podoll, Fibershed
Why this matters:
The pervasive use of plastics in clothing raises significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding microplastic pollution. Understanding and reducing our reliance on synthetic materials in fashion is crucial for sustainable living and protecting our ecosystems.
