The fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to the plastic waste crisis. From fast fashion to synthetic fabrics, the industry has a massive environmental impact.
Microplastics, shed from synthetic materials, make their way into waterways and oceans, causing serious harm to marine life. This blog will discuss preparing for a plastic-free wardrobe and reducing your contribution to the plastic waste crisis.
The Problem with Plastic in Fashion
The fashion industry is accountable for around 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, significantly contributing to climate change. The industry generates immense waste, with an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste generated yearly.
Synthetic fabrics, including polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are made from plastic and are cheap to produce, making them popular in fast fashion. The problem with synthetic fabrics is that they shed plastic microfibers that make their way into the waterways and oceans when you wash them. These microfibres harm marine life and can even end up in your food chain.
How to Identify Plastic in Your Wardrobe
The first step to creating a plastic-free wardrobe is identifying which items in your closet are made from synthetic materials. Look for labels that indicate the fabric content of the garment.
Polyester, nylon, and acrylic materials are synthetic and made from plastic. Avoid purchasing clothes made from these materials in the future. Instead, look for clothing made from natural materials such as organic cotton, wool, linen, or hemp.
Sustainable Fabrics for a Plastic-Free Wardrobe:
Choosing sustainable fabrics for your wardrobe is an excellent way to reduce your contribution to the plastic waste crisis. Organic cotton, wool, linen, and bamboo are excellent alternatives to synthetic materials. These fabrics are biodegradable and do not shed microplastics, and they are also more durable and can last longer than synthetic materials.
Some sustainable fabrics are made from recycled materials such as recycled polyester or recycled nylon. These fabrics help to reduce waste and keep plastic out of oceans and landfills.
Care for Your Clothes to Reduce plastic microfibers
Even with a plastic-free wardrobe, washing your clothes can still contribute to the plastic waste crisis. Tiny microfibers can break off when you wash your clothes and end up in celebrities agen waterways.
Use a laundry bag to catch microfibers to reduce the microplastics in your clothes shed. You can also wash your clothes in cold water, which is less likely to break down the fibres. Avoid using the dryer and air dry your clothes instead. The dryer can cause fibres to break down and release plastic microfibers into the air.
Find Sustainable Fashion
There are plenty of sustainable fashion brands to choose from, making it easier than ever to create a plastic-free wardrobe. Look for brands that use sustainable materials, including wool, organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel.
You can also shop second-hand to reduce the demand for new clothing production. Shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces can help you find unique and sustainable clothing at a fraction of the cost of new clothing.
Why a Plastic-Free Wardrobe Matters?
Creating a plastic-free wardrobe is not just about reducing your environmental impact. It’s also about supporting sustainable fashion and promoting ethical labour practices. Fast fashion has a devastating effect on the environment and on the people who produce your clothes.
Wrapping up
Preparing for a plastic-free wardrobe is an excellent way to reduce your contribution to the plastic waste crisis. You can make a significant impact by identifying plastic in your closet, choosing sustainable fabrics, and caring for your clothes. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference, and by choosing sustainable fashion, you are helping to create a better future for the planet.
