Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it's in our clothes too. From the labels to the threads and linings, plastic is lurking in many places in our wardrobes. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon are popular in the fashion industry because they are cheap, durable, and versatile. However, they come at a cost to the environment and our health. Washing these fabrics causes them to shed plastic microfibers that pollute our oceans, rivers, and even our food and drinking water. With plastic taking hundreds, if not thousands, of years to degrade, it's crucial that we address the hidden plastics in our clothing and find sustainable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of new fabrics made of plastic | 64% |
| Common plastic fabrics | Polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polyamide |
| Plastic in clothes leads to | Pollution of rivers, seas, and other ecosystems |
| Plastic microfibers from clothes | Enter the ocean through wastewater treatment plants |
| Plastic microfibers | Are ingested by marine wildlife and humans |
| Ways to reduce plastic microfibers | Wash clothes less often, use lower-temperature washes, and air dry instead of tumble drying |
| Plastic in clothes | Is hidden in places like labels, threads, zippers, and lining |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic fibres are released into the ocean when clothes are washed
- Plastic microfibres are ingested by marine wildlife and humans
- Plastic is hidden in clothes under names like polyester and acrylic
- The fashion industry's use of plastic contributes to global warming
- Consumers can reduce plastic waste by buying second-hand clothes
Plastic fibres are released into the ocean when clothes are washed
The absence of filters in washing machines capable of capturing these microscopic fibres allows them to pass through sewage treatment plants and ultimately reach rivers and oceans. A single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of plastic fibres, and these fibres are small enough to be ingested by marine wildlife and humans through seafood or tap water. The impact of microplastic pollution on the food chain is not yet fully understood, but studies suggest potential adverse effects on the digestive tracts of animals and energy absorption in organisms.
The problem is exacerbated by the increasing production and use of synthetic textiles. Between 1980 and 2014, polyester production increased by nearly 900%, and synthetic textiles now account for about 60% of the materials used in clothing globally. This trend is projected to continue, with an expected rise to 75% by 2030. As a result, the release of plastic fibres into the ocean through laundry is a growing environmental concern.
To address this issue, individuals can take steps such as reducing the purchase of synthetic clothing, opting for natural fibres, or buying fewer clothes overall. Buying second-hand clothes is also a sustainable option as they shed fewer microfibers. Additionally, consumers can advocate for systemic solutions, urging companies to take responsibility for the plastic pollution caused by their products and governments to implement legislative changes.
While plastic pollution from clothing is a significant challenge, awareness and collective action can lead to positive change. By recognizing the impact of plastic fibres in our oceans and making conscious choices, we can work towards reducing plastic pollution and protecting our ecosystems.
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Plastic microfibres are ingested by marine wildlife and humans
Marine wildlife, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, are known to ingest plastic microfibres. Studies have found plastic microfibres in the stomachs of various fish species, such as swordfish, tuna, and carp. In addition, filter feeders like mussels and oysters, which filter large volumes of water, inadvertently ingest suspended plastic microfibres. The ingestion of plastic microfibres has been shown to have detrimental effects on the reproductive capabilities of oysters, reducing the number and size of their egg cells and the speed of their sperm.
The impact of plastic microfibre ingestion on other marine organisms is less understood. Copepods, for example, are crustaceans that serve as a key food source for small fish and have been found to readily ingest microfibres. Birds, such as the double-crested cormorant, have also been found with plastic microfibres in their systems. As plastic pollution continues to accumulate in the environment, it is expected that more wildlife species will be affected.
Humans are also exposed to plastic microfibres through the food and water they consume. A study by PLOS estimated that the average person ingests over 5,800 particles of synthetic debris per year, with plastic fibres being the most common type. Microplastics and microfibres have been detected in seafood, including fish and shellfish, and even in drinking water. The World Health Organization is currently reviewing the potential risks associated with plastic microfibres in drinking water. While the full extent of the health impacts is not yet known, there are concerns about internal bleeding, abrasion, ulcers, and blockage of the digestive tract.
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Plastic is hidden in clothes under names like polyester and acrylic
Plastic is everywhere in our clothes, from the obvious polyester trousers to the less noticeable labels, threads, and zippers. It is lurking in many places, often hidden in plain sight. For instance, the lining of our clothes is frequently made of plastic, with polyester and nylon being common materials. These materials provide the intended benefits of lining, such as making it easier to put on a garment, but they ultimately do a disservice to the garment as they are plastic.
Beyond the clothes themselves, the lint in our dryers is another source of plastic. This lint is made up of tiny bits of thread from our clothing that have come loose and been caught by the mesh screen. Synthetic fibers, which are also plastic, can come off during washing and end up in the ocean as microplastics, contributing to pollution. A 2011 study found that these fibers can pass through sewage treatment plants and end up in the ocean or rivers, where they are ingested by marine wildlife and humans through seafood or tap water.
The problem of plastic in our clothing is pervasive and often hidden. Polyester, acrylic, and nylon are all made from petrochemicals, and their production has a significant environmental impact. They pollute the air and water, do not biodegrade, and shed microfibers into the oceans. Acrylic, in particular, is energy-intensive, requiring 40% more energy than polyester, and it can take up to 200 years to decompose.
The fashion industry's dependence on plastic is evident, with polyester and nylon accounting for 69% of all clothing materials globally, and this number is expected to increase. Synthetic materials are cheap and versatile, providing warmth and sturdiness in winter clothes and breathability in sports clothing. However, their environmental consequences cannot be ignored. To reduce our plastic footprint, it is important to consider not only single-use plastics but also the hidden plastics in our clothing.
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The fashion industry's use of plastic contributes to global warming
The fashion industry's use of plastic is a significant contributor to global warming. From the clothes themselves to the packaging, plastic is ubiquitous in the fashion industry.
Firstly, the clothes we wear are often made of plastic. Synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon, which are derived from petrochemicals, account for a large proportion of the fabrics used in clothing. These synthetic fabrics are popular due to their low cost and versatility, but they have a significant environmental impact. When washed, these synthetic fabrics shed tiny plastic fibers that pass through sewage treatment plants and eventually end up in rivers, seas, and oceans, contributing to microplastic pollution. A 2017 report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated that about 35% of the microplastics that enter the ocean come from synthetic textiles. These microplastics are ingested by marine wildlife and humans, posing a risk to both human and animal health.
Secondly, the fashion industry's reliance on plastic packaging also contributes to global warming. An estimated 180 billion polybags are used annually for clothing packaging, resulting in 60,000 tons of plastic packaging waste each year. The production and processing of plastic require significant energy consumption, leading to high carbon emissions. Additionally, plastic waste can take centuries to decompose, and during this slow degradation process, it releases hazardous chemicals that further contribute to climate change.
The fashion industry's high consumption of plastic has severe ecological and health consequences. With an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste produced annually, a significant portion of which is plastic, the industry's plastic waste turns into long-lasting plastic pollution. This waste pollutes the air, soil, and water, and the microplastics released during washing or degradation enter the food chain, impacting both human and animal health.
To address these issues, it is crucial to promote sustainable alternatives and support brands that use natural fibers and biodegradable materials. Initiatives like the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion aim to halt environmentally destructive practices, foster collaboration among UN agencies, and present solutions to governments to drive policy changes. Consumers can also play a role by reducing their purchases of synthetic fabrics, buying second-hand or sustainable clothing, and supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their processes and working conditions.
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Consumers can reduce plastic waste by buying second-hand clothes
Many clothes contain plastic, from the more obvious items like polyester trousers to less expected places like the labels, threads, zippers, and lining of garments. Washing these clothes can pollute the oceans as small synthetic fibers come off and pass through sewage treatment plants, eventually ending up in rivers or the sea. These microplastics are ingested by marine wildlife and even humans, contributing to plastic pollution.
To reduce plastic waste, consumers can opt to buy second-hand clothes. Second-hand shopping follows the "reuse" component of sustainability, extending the lifespan of products and reducing the environmental impact of producing new garments. Research by the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP) found that extending the average life of clothes by just three months of active use per item would lead to a 5 to 10% reduction in each item's carbon, water, and waste footprints. Another study found that buying second-hand clothes instead of new ones resulted in up to 42% lower impacts for climate change, 42-53% for freshwater eutrophication, and 35-53% for water scarcity per use.
The rise of reselling and social e-commerce platforms like ThredUP, Poshmark, and Depop has made buying second-hand clothing more convenient and widely accepted. Consumers can also look for sustainable brands that are transparent about their processes and choose natural materials that biodegrade, such as hemp. By embracing second-hand consumption, consumers can play a role in reducing plastic waste and creating a more sustainable future.
While buying second-hand is a step towards sustainability, it is important to be mindful of overbuying and donating only good, reusable items. Some second-hand shops may still send unsold items to landfills, so consumers should also consider the long-term usefulness of their purchases. Additionally, the environmental impact of second-hand clothing can vary depending on factors like laundry habits and energy consumption in distribution. Overall, reducing plastic waste requires a combination of conscious consumption, reuse, and support for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most new clothes are made of plastic.
About 60% of the material made into clothing is plastic. Two common plastics, polyester and nylon, account for 69% of all the materials used in clothing globally and that number is expected to increase to 75% by 2030.
The most sustainable clothes are the ones you already have. Buying second-hand is always a good option. You can also buy garments from sustainable brands that are transparent about their processes and working conditions, and choose natural materials that biodegrade, like hemp.
When plastic clothes are thrown away, they go to landfill or are incinerated. In landfills, they break down and release microplastics. If they are incinerated, they release greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global heating. Laundry is responsible for a 35% release of primary microplastics into the world's oceans.
We can reduce the harm by prolonging the life of our clothing, whether that is by wearing things for longer, giving them to friends, or buying pre-loved. We can also wash our clothes less often and use products like Guppyfriend bags and Cora Balls to help catch microfibres.
