Two-Thirds of Our Wardrobe is Made from Plastic
It may come as a surprise, but nearly two-thirds of the garments we wear are made from synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels. Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and elastane are all common materials used in our clothing, and they have a significant impact on the environment. These materials release microplastics, which are harmful to ecosystems, and they take hundreds of years to break down.
The Plastic Problem in Our Wardrobes
Considering the global effort to reduce single-use plastic, the prevalence of plastic in our wardrobes is concerning. Each year, over 100 billion garments are produced, and approximately 70 percent of our clothes end up in landfills. This waste disproportionately affects countries in the Global South, where the majority of plastic waste ends up. George Harding-Rolls, campaign manager at the Changing Markets Foundation, highlights the issue: “It’s plastic waste in disguise.”
The Influence of Fast Fashion
The dominance of plastic in our clothing can be attributed to the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion relies on cheap labor and materials, with little consideration for the end-of-life of its products. Synthetic fibers are favored due to their low cost and specific performance properties that are difficult to replace in activewear, outdoors wear, and underwear.
Transitioning to Recycled Polyester
To address the environmental impact of plastic in the fashion industry, brands like H&M, Adidas, and Zara-owner Inditex have committed to ensuring that 100 percent of their polyester is recycled by 2025. This transition from virgin polyester to recycled polyester aims to reduce waste and lower the industry’s carbon footprint. Textile Exchange’s Recycled Polyester Challenge has set the goal of achieving this target.
The Challenge of Recycled Polyester
However, the majority of recycled polyester currently comes from plastic bottles. While plastic bottles can be easily recycled into new bottles, the same cannot be said for polyester clothing. This means that plastic is being taken out of a closed-loop system and transferred to a linear model, ultimately contributing to landfill waste. George Harding-Rolls emphasizes that this is only a temporary solution and not a long-term answer to the plastic problem.
Conclusion
The prevalence of plastic in our wardrobes is a significant environmental challenge that needs to be addressed. With the fast fashion industry relying on cheap labor and materials, finding sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers is crucial. While the transition to recycled polyester is a step in the right direction, it is essential to explore innovative solutions that minimize waste and encourage a circular fashion economy. Only by taking proactive measures can we reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry and create a more sustainable future.
Original Story at www.vogue.com – 2023-08-01 14:17:49