Plastic Fibers in Clothing
Plastic fibers from synthetic clothing can enter waterways and oceans, making sustainable fabric choices part of responsible ocean protection.
Plastic Fibers
Did you know that many of our clothes are composed of polyester and polar fleece, two ‘fabrics’ that are completely made from synthetic fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, a kind of plastic?
Most of these fabrics have been treated with detergents, petrochemical dyes (even more plastic), formaldehyde, bleach and a host of other additives that are toxic to both humans and the environment. So what should we do?
Look for these instead:
- Cotton
- Tencel
- Silk
- Linen
- Hemp
- Wool
- Cashmere
Synthetic Clothing and Microfibers
According to The Guardian, researchers at the University of California at Santa Barbara found that, on average, synthetic fleece jackets release 1.7 grams of microfibers each wash. It also found that older jackets shed almost twice as many fibers as new jackets.
“These microfibers then travel to your local wastewater treatment plant, where up to 40% of them enter rivers, lakes and oceans,” according to findings published on the researchers’ website.
Choose Natural Fibers Where Possible
Choosing natural fibers where possible is one small way to reduce plastic microfiber pollution and support cleaner rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Continue the Plastic Free July Series
Explore more practical ways to reduce everyday plastic pollution and support cleaner oceans.
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