Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers — all of which are forms of plastic — are now about 60 percent of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide. These fibers contribute to ocean plastic pollution and according to the World Resources Institute, world polyester production releases greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 185 coal-fired power plants every year.
Repairing clothes, buying secondhand (you can find some real gems at second hand stores – and it’s especially great for kids!), doing clothing swaps and investing in ethical clothing and natural fibres when buying new are some ways to reduce the impact. Also – let’s all just own much less and wear it over and over in all kinds of fun ways. We’ve also seen a few new local startups for hiring baby clothes and then returning them for different seasons.
Does anyone have any ideas for during the teenage phase when so many of us hit the shops and spend on fast fashion? If we could get a few of these ideas and facts in from an early age we might well stem the flow and force some huge companies to change their strategies (new styles every few weeks for massive wardrobes).
