Omar Khalid
Plastic is everywhere, and it's in our clothes too. From the labels to the lining, our clothing is often made of plastic or plastic-based synthetic materials. The fashion industry's dependence on plastic is a growing concern, with serious environmental and health implications. The production and use of plastic clothing contribute to pollution, with plastic microfibers shed during washing ending up in our oceans and even our food systems. With the rise of fast fashion, the impact of plastic clothing is devastating, and urgent action is needed to phase out plastic from the fashion industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for using plastic in clothing | Synthetic materials are cheap, versatile, durable, and easy to produce |
| Examples of plastic in clothing | Pleather trousers, elastic in waistbands, lining, pockets, sequins, labels |
| Environmental impact | Plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and other ecosystems, including microplastics ingested by marine life and humans |
| Health impact | Potential respiratory distress, inflammation in the digestive tract, immune disorders, and risk of neoplasia |
| Alternatives to plastic clothing | Natural materials like cotton, wool, hemp, linen, second-hand clothing, sustainable brands |
| Reducing plastic in clothing | Buying natural fibers, reducing washing frequency, using washing machine bags, tumble drying less |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic fibres are released into the ocean when washing clothes
Each wash cycle of a washing machine can release more than 700,000 microscopic plastic fibres into the environment, according to a study by Plymouth University in the UK. The study analysed what happened when synthetic materials were washed at different temperatures in domestic washing machines, using different detergents, to quantify the microfibres shed. Acrylic was found to be the worst offender, releasing nearly 730,000 tiny synthetic particles per wash, with polyester and polyester-cotton blends also performing poorly.
These plastic fibres contribute to ocean plastic pollution, with an estimated 12 million tonnes of plastic entering the sea each year. They can be ingested by marine wildlife and accumulate in the food chain, with a recent study finding that around 73% of fish caught at mid-ocean depths in the Northwest Atlantic had microplastics in their stomachs. Even animals in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, are consuming microfibres.
There are ways to reduce the release of plastic fibres when washing clothes. Filling up the washing machine and using low spins reduces the friction between clothes, which can cause more fibres to be shed. Lower-temperature washes and air-drying clothes instead of tumble drying can also help. Additionally, buying natural fibres or fewer clothes can reduce plastic pollution from clothing. While these solutions exist, systemic change is needed to address the problem effectively.
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Microplastics are ingested by marine life and humans
The fashion industry's dependence on plastic has resulted in an influx of plastic fibres in our oceans. A 2017 report estimated that about 35% of microplastics in the ocean come from synthetic textiles. Washing our clothes made from synthetic materials releases microplastics into the ocean, which are ingested by marine life. A study found that around 73% of fish caught at mid-ocean depths in the Northwest Atlantic had microplastics in their stomachs. Even animals in the deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, are consuming microplastics.
Microplastics can cause intestinal obstructions and poor food absorption in marine life, and can even be fatal. They can also act as sponges, absorbing pollutants and releasing them into the tissues of marine animals. As plastics degrade, they release chemical additives that can be hazardous to human health and the environment. These additives can bioaccumulate in animals that ingest microplastics, further exposing them to toxic chemicals.
Microplastics have been found in seafood, indicating that humans are consuming them. The average person ingests thousands of plastic particles a year, and given the global consumption of seafood, it is inevitable that humans are exposed to microplastics. While the full health implications of microplastic ingestion are unknown, studies have linked them to inflammation, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.
To reduce the ingestion of microplastics by marine life and humans, individuals can take steps such as reducing the number of plastic-based synthetic clothes they buy, washing clothes less frequently, and opting for air drying instead of tumble drying. Additionally, buying second-hand or choosing ethical and sustainable fabrics can help lower the demand for plastic-based synthetic materials.
Addressing the issue of microplastics in the marine food chain is critical to safeguarding human well-being, as contaminants associated with microplastics can accumulate and magnify as they move up the food chain.
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Synthetic materials are cheap to produce
Synthetic materials are man-made materials that are created from chemical compounds. They are often used in place of natural materials, such as wood or cotton. Synthetic materials are cheap to produce because they are made from inexpensive raw materials and are produced very efficiently. For example, nylon and polyester are often manufactured from by-products of oil and are produced in enormous quantities efficiently. Synthetic fibres are also more resistant to stains, and some are even engineered to avoid staining. The resulting fabrics are more stain-resistant, making clothing made from synthetic fibre more useful for everyday wear.
Synthetic materials are also less expensive than natural materials because their production is not dependent on seasons or farms affected by rainfall or heatwaves, as is the case with cotton and wool. Without synthetic materials, fast fashion and mass-produced luxury, as well as the incredible waste they generate, would almost certainly not exist.
However, it is important to note that synthetic materials have some disadvantages. They can be harmful to the environment and can release harmful chemicals when burned. They can also be difficult to recycle. Despite these disadvantages, synthetic materials are still widely used today due to their low cost and convenience.
The environmental impact of synthetic materials is becoming an increasing concern, and there is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives. Synthetic materials contribute to plastic pollution, as they can break down into microplastics that can be ingested by marine life and humans. Even when washing synthetic clothing, microplastics can be released into the water, contributing to pollution.
To reduce the impact of synthetic clothing on the environment, individuals can take steps such as reducing the number of clothes purchased, washing clothes less frequently, and opting for air drying instead of tumble drying to minimise the shedding of plastic fibres.
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Plastic clothing is highly flammable
Plastic is prevalent in the clothing industry, with two common plastics, polyester and nylon, accounting for 69% of all materials used in clothing globally. This number is expected to increase to 75% by 2030. The use of plastic in clothing is concerning due to its negative environmental impact, with plastic microfibers from clothing contributing to ocean pollution and endangering marine life.
Plastic clothing poses a significant flammability risk, which has led to the establishment of mandatory flammability standards. The Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA), enacted in 1953 and amended in 1967, aims to protect individuals from burns, fires, illness, and death caused by highly flammable clothing. The Act covers various plastic items, including clothing textiles, vinyl plastic film, and children's sleepwear.
Vinyl plastic film, a common material in garments like disposable diapers and raincoats, is subject to minimum flammability standards to ensure consumer safety. The FFA establishes three classes of flammability and sets forth requirements for textiles to meet these standards. This includes methods for testing the flammability of clothing and textiles to ensure they do not pose a danger to consumers.
The presence of plastic in clothing increases the risk of flammability, and it is crucial for manufacturers to adhere to the established standards to mitigate this risk. While the FFA provides mandatory regulations, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential hazards of plastic clothing and make informed choices to prioritize their safety.
To reduce the flammability risk and overall environmental impact of plastic clothing, consumers can opt for natural fibers or second-hand clothing. Buying second-hand clothes helps reduce the demand for new plastic-based synthetic materials and contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry. Additionally, consumers can advocate for change by questioning their favorite brands about the materials used in their products and requesting more sustainable alternatives.
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Ways to reduce plastic in clothing
Plastic is everywhere, and it's in our clothes too. From the elastic in our waistbands to the polyester in our activewear, plastic is a common feature in our wardrobes. But why is that a problem? Well, when we wash our clothes, tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics are shed and make their way into rivers and oceans, contributing to plastic pollution. These microplastics can be toxic to wildlife and end up in our food systems, with negative consequences for both animal and human health.
So, what can we do about it? Here are some ways to reduce plastic in our clothing:
- Reduce plastic consumption: The most effective way to reduce plastic in clothing is to buy less clothing. This reduces the demand for plastic-based clothing and helps curb the overproduction of clothes.
- Choose natural fibres: When buying new clothes, opt for natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, ramie, kapok, jute, or tencel. These fibres are free from microplastics and are safer for the environment.
- Support sustainable brands: Look for brands that use recycled and sustainable materials for their clothing and packaging. By supporting these brands, you encourage others to follow suit and reduce their plastic consumption.
- Wash responsibly: Washing clothes less often and using cold water can help reduce the shedding of microplastics. When you do wash, opt for full loads, shorter cycles, and air drying to minimise friction and the release of microplastics.
- Catch microplastics: Use products like Guppyfriend bags and Cora Balls to catch microplastics during washing. Remember to recycle the captured microplastics instead of washing the bag.
- Recycle clothing: When clothes are no longer usable, recycle them responsibly. Websites like Recycle Now can help you find the best way to recycle your clothes based on your location.
By following these steps, we can all play a part in reducing the impact of plastic in our clothing and creating a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Synthetic materials are cheap and easy to produce, making them a popular choice for the fashion industry. However, their environmental impact is significant and often overlooked.
Between 1980 and 2014, polyester production increased by nearly 900%. Two common plastics, polyester and nylon, account for 69% of all clothing materials globally. By 2030, this number is expected to reach 75%.
Plastic clothing releases toxic microfibers into the ocean and our waterways, which can then enter the food chain. These microfibers have been found in marine life, human blood, placenta, and baby poop. They can cause respiratory distress, inflammation in the digestive tract, and potentially lead to immune disorders.
Read the tags on clothing items and opt for natural, regenerative materials such as cotton, wool, hemp, or linen. Buy from sustainable brands that are transparent about their processes and choose second-hand clothing whenever possible.
Fill up your washing machine and use low spins and lower temperatures to reduce fiber shedding. Air dry your clothes instead of tumble drying, and consider using products like Guppyfriend bags and Cora Balls to catch microfibers during washes.
