The fashion industry has been undergoing intense scrutiny due to the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment. In an effort to mitigate these impacts, the industry has turned towards sustainability, with the use of recycled plastics in clothing and footwear gaining traction. This solution has raised concerns among experts and activists about its effectiveness and environmental impact.
Making recycled polyester clothing involves breaking down plastic bottles into small plastic flakes, which are then melted into tiny pellets and spun into threads. While using recycled plastic reduces the amount of plastic waste in landfills, it does not address the issue of plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted approach to manage it effectively.
Are Clothes Made From Recycled Plastic Actually Eco-Friendly?
Clothing made from virgin or recycled plastic releases microplastics when laundered. These microplastics enter our oceans, waterways, and soil and eventually end up in our food and bodies, which can cause adverse reactions on a cellular level in our bodies.
Some experts believe that brands are simply patching over fashion’s environmental harms by using recycled yarns in their garments. Maxine Bédat, Executive Director of the New Standard Institute, points out that recycled and sustainable are not synonymous, and we have been led to believe they are. Despite these concerns, environmentally conscious brands increasingly turn to plastic as a sustainable resource.
Fast fashion retailers are the worst offenders, as they continue to sell clothing made from synthetic fibres without educating consumers about the impact of synthetic clothing on the environment. The problem is compounded by the fact that fast-fashion retailers have no plans to decrease the amount of clothing they produce, and their production volumes continue to increase yearly.
An Imperfect Solution
While using recycled plastic in fashion products can reduce the industry’s environmental impact, it should not be viewed as a silver bullet solution. The fashion industry and consumers should prioritise reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of natural and biodegradable materials while also exploring innovative solutions like bioplastics and closed-loop production systems.
On the other hand, using recycled plastic in fashion products can have positive social impacts. Organisations such as The Ocean Cleanup and The Empower are working to collect and recycle plastic waste in developing countries, providing employment opportunities for local people and reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.
Consumers Role
For consumers who are wondering what to buy instead of clothing made from recycled plastic bottles, you can make many other sustainable choices.
The first is not buying anything you don’t need. The most sustainable items of clothing are the ones you already own. Re-wearing your clothes repeatedly, looking after them, and fixing them if they rip is 100% the most sustainable solution.
If you need new clothes, try swapping with your friends or participating in an organised clothes swap.
Shopping secondhand is also a great sustainable option that’s low impact.
Finally, buying clothes made from natural fibres from sustainable clothing brands is another environmentally friendly way of buying new clothes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of recycled plastic in fashion products can be a positive step towards sustainability, but it is not a complete solution. Fashion companies and consumers alike should prioritise reducing plastic waste, increasing the use of natural and biodegradable materials, and exploring innovative solutions. Consumers can do their part by making conscious purchasing decisions, supporting sustainable brands, and properly disposing of their clothing and other plastic products. A more sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion industry can be achieved by working together towards a healthier planet.