Consumers are encouraged to choose clothing made from 100% natural fibers like cotton or wool instead of synthetic blends, which pose challenges for recycling and environmental sustainability.
Anna Kramer reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Clothing made from blended fabrics like cotton and elastane is common and hard to recycle, leading to increased landfill waste.
- Pure natural fibers such as cotton, linen and wool are easier to recycle, though recycling facilities remain limited.
- If opting for synthetic materials, polyester can be recycled more efficiently than blended materials, but washing synthetic fibers releases microplastics into oceans.
Key quote:
"Polyester doesn’t go away, so by its very nature not demanding its presence helps us keep it in check."
— Meghan Kelly, professor of textile design at Thomas Jefferson University.
Why this matters:
The rise of fast fashion and blended fabrics increases waste and pollution, exacerbating environmental challenges. Choosing sustainably sourced clothing can reduce landfill waste and promote recycling efforts.
Read more: I tried to sew a compostable stuffed animal for my friend’s newborn. It did not go well.
