Sofia Martinez
Plastic is everywhere in the fashion industry, from the clothes we buy to the waste they generate. The clothes in our wardrobes are likely made of plastic, from the ubiquitous polyester to the less obvious zippers and lining. Washing these clothes can pollute the oceans, as the tiny plastic fibres shed during washing pass through sewage treatment plants and end up in rivers and the sea. With plastic's non-biodegradability and the fashion industry's dependence on it, the environmental impact is significant. However, there is a sustainable transformation underway, with recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste being turned into clothing, reducing the reliance on new plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Materials | Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers |
| Forms of Plastic | Synthetic plastic fibers |
| Environmental Impact | Contributes to ocean plastic pollution through washing |
| Washing Impact | A single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of fibers into the water supply |
| Sewage Treatment | Filters at sewage treatment plants may not be fine enough to catch plastic fibers |
| Marine Wildlife Impact | Microplastics ingested by marine wildlife and potentially humans through seafood or tap water |
| Fabric Blends | Synthetic-natural blends like polyester-cotton |
| Fabric Shedding | Newer garments shed more fibers during washing |
| Fabric Recommendations | Natural fabrics like linen, silk, cotton, or human-made cellulose materials |
| Sustainable Practices | Buying second-hand, extending clothing life, repairing, and upcycling |
| Recycled Plastics | Some brands use recycled plastics like recycled PET from plastic bottles to create clothing |
| Consumer Preferences | Consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally conscious brands |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic microfibers in clothes are ingested by marine wildlife and humans
Plastic microfibers in clothing are ingested by marine wildlife and humans, causing harm to the environment and potentially our health. Microfibers are tiny threads of plastic that are shed from synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon, which are commonly used in clothing. These microfibers are released into the water supply when we wash our clothes, as they are too small to be caught by the filters in washing machines and sewage treatment plants. As a result, they end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they are consumed by marine organisms, such as fish and crustaceans.
The ingestion of microfibers has been shown to have negative effects on aquatic organisms. In lab studies, crabs that were fed food contaminated with microfibers ate less overall and showed signs of reduced growth. Microfibers have also been found to cause physical damage to organisms, such as internal bleeding, abrasion, and ulcers, as well as blockages in the digestive tract. In addition, chemicals attached to the microfibers can leach into the bodies of fish, potentially causing further harm.
The impact of microfiber consumption on marine wildlife can also affect humans, as these contaminated organisms are a source of food for people. A 2014 study estimated that regular consumers of European shellfish may ingest up to 11,000 microplastic particles per year. Microplastics and microfibers have also been found in marine species commonly consumed by humans, such as swordfish, tuna, and shellfish. While the specific health impacts of microfiber consumption on humans are still being studied, the potential for harm is a cause for concern.
To address this issue, individuals can take steps to reduce the release of microfibers from their clothing. This includes washing clothes less often, using low temperatures, and air-drying garments. Special bags, such as the Guppy Friend Washing Bag and the Cora Ball, can also be used to trap microfibers during the washing process. Additionally, choosing clothing made from natural fibers, such as linen, can help reduce the number of synthetic microfibers released into the environment.
The fashion industry is also undergoing a sustainable transformation, with an increasing focus on reducing plastic waste and incorporating recycled materials into clothing. Some brands are using recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste to create new garments, reducing the reliance on new plastic and providing a new life for existing plastic pollution. While these efforts are a positive step, more needs to be done to address the pervasive issue of plastic microfibers in our waterways and food chain.
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Washing plastic clothes releases microfibers into the water supply
Many of the clothes we wear today are made of plastic. Synthetic plastic fibres are cheap and versatile, providing stretch and breathability in athleisure wear, and warmth and sturdiness in winter clothes. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are some of the most popular synthetic fabrics, which are partly made of plastic.
When we wash our clothes, abrasion and shedding cause small synthetic fibres to come off. These fibres are less than 5 millimetres in length, with diameters measured in micrometres (one-thousandth of a millimetre). They pass through the filters inside washing machines and end up in sewage water, eventually making their way into the ocean. Treated wastewater is often dumped into rivers or the sea, carrying plastic clothing fibres with it.
Laundry is responsible for 35% of global releases of primary microplastics into the world's oceans. A single wash load can release several million microfibres, with estimates ranging from a few thousand to as much as 10-12 million fibres per load. These microfibres contribute to ocean plastic pollution, accumulating in the food chain and being ingested by marine wildlife and even humans through seafood or tap water.
To reduce the release of microfibres into the water supply, individuals can take several measures when doing laundry. These include filling the laundry machine, using low temperatures, and air-drying clothes. Special bags, such as the Guppy Friend Washing Bag or the Cora Ball, can also trap a large percentage of microfibres. Additionally, using natural fibres instead of synthetic fabrics can help reduce the amount of microplastic pollution.
While individual practices are important, systemic changes are also necessary. Manufacturers can add filters to washing machines that can trap microfibres, and reengineered textiles that do not shed microfibres are being developed. The fashion industry is also undergoing a sustainable transformation, with an increasing number of brands using recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste to create clothing, reducing the reliance on new plastic.
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Clothes made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste
The fashion industry is undergoing a sustainable transformation, with an increasing number of brands embracing recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste to create clothing. This innovative approach not only reduces the reliance on new plastic but also tackles existing plastic waste.
Recycled PET (or Polyethylene terephthalate), derived from plastic bottles, is now being used to create clothing. This process involves collecting and washing post-consumer PET plastic bottles, shredding them into flakes, melting the flakes into tiny pellets, extruding and spinning the pellets into soft yarn, and finally, weaving the yarn into clothing. This method produces clothing of the same quality as other apparel but with the added benefit of sustainability.
By using recycled plastic, brands can reduce their environmental impact and appeal to a new generation of conscious shoppers who value sustainability. In addition to recycled PET, some brands are also utilising fishing nets and ocean waste to create clothing. This approach keeps plastic out of landfills and oceans and reduces the need for new plastic production.
However, it's important to note that using recycled content in clothing does not make a brand entirely sustainable. The fashion industry remains largely unregulated, and consumers must be cautious of greenwashing, where brands use sustainability as a marketing tactic rather than a genuine commitment. To be truly sustainable, brands must prioritise both environmental and social responsibility, conducting regular audits to ensure ethical labour practices and responsible sourcing of materials.
While recycled plastic clothing can be a step towards sustainability, it does not negate the issue of microplastic pollution caused by washing synthetic clothes. Even with recycled materials, proper washing practices and conscious consumption habits are necessary to minimise the shedding of microplastics.
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Plastic in clothes is often disguised or invisible
Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers are forms of plastic and account for about 60% of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide. Brands are also using recycled PET (from plastic bottles) to create clothing. This reduces reliance on virgin plastic (made from petroleum) and gives new life to existing plastic pollution. However, recycled synthetics are not without their issues. For example, while making fabrics from plastic waste reduces the fashion industry's reliance on crude oil, it can still contribute to microplastic pollution.
To reduce your exposure to plastic, you can pay attention to the hidden or invisible plastics in your clothing. Check the garment care label and be sure to search any unfamiliar names online. Turn to brands that prioritize natural materials and conduct regular, independent audits of their supply chain to ensure ethical labor practices and responsible sourcing of materials. You can also reduce plastic pollution by washing your clothes less often, using low temperatures, and air-drying them.
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Plastic clothing is generally not biodegradable
Plastic is ubiquitous in the clothing we wear. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are some of the most popular synthetic fabrics, which are partly made of plastic. In fact, synthetic fibres now constitute about 60% of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide. The fashion industry is increasingly attempting to address its plastic dependence and move towards recycled plastic clothing, such as recycled PET (from plastic bottles). However, the problem of plastic clothing remains, as plastic does not biodegrade and can take years to break up, causing harm to the environment and wildlife.
A recent study from UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that synthetic textiles, including so-called "compostable" plastic materials like polylactic acid (PLA), showed no signs of degradation even after being submerged in the ocean for over a year. This is in stark contrast to natural fibres, which degraded within a month. This highlights the issue of false marketing, as consumers are often led to believe that these "biodegradable" plastics are a more sustainable choice.
The reason plastic clothing is generally not biodegradable is due to the nature of its chemical composition. Plastic is made from polymers, which are large molecules formed by many small molecules strung together. The enzymes in the microorganisms that break down biodegradable materials do not recognize the bonds that hold these polymers together, preventing biodegradation. While plastic may eventually break down into smaller pieces over thousands of years, the damage to the environment has already been done.
The impact of plastic clothing on the environment is significant. When we wash our clothes, small synthetic fibres are released, passing through the filters in our washing machines and ending up in sewage water and, ultimately, the ocean. These microfibers contribute to ocean plastic pollution and are ingested by marine wildlife and even humans. Laundry is responsible for 35% of global releases of primary microplastics into the oceans.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic clothing, consumers can take several measures. These include reducing the frequency of washing clothes, using special bags like the Guppy Friend Washing Bag to trap microfibers, and opting for natural, cellulose-based materials like cotton, merino, or wool. Additionally, consumers can support brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility and are transparent about their supply chain and labour practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is used in clothing because it is cheap, versatile, and durable. Synthetic plastic fibres provide stretch and breathability in athleisure and warmth and sturdiness in winter clothes.
Plastic clothing pollutes the ocean through the washing of clothes. When synthetic clothing is washed, abrasion and shedding cause small plastic fibres to come off and pass through sewage treatment plants, eventually making their way into rivers, the sea, and the food chain.
Plastic pollution from clothing can be reduced by washing clothes less often, using special bags like the Guppy Friend Washing Bag and the Cora Ball to trap microfibres, and purchasing clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, and hemp.
