Unfortunately, the fast fashion industry has greatly contributed to the development of synthetic fibers by using these materials in their productions.
These chemically treated fibers are indeed very harmful to users, the environment and also workers in the clothes making companies. Also, wearing a synthetic made fiber on your body may be a dangerous choice.
More so, synthetic fibers are extremely hazardous to the environment. These fibers are made from chemicals. Nylon, an original true synthetic fiber, is obtained from crude oil. Also, synthetic fibers are majorly used on commercial product in form of nylon, acrylic, polyester etc..
Recently, an ecologist brought about a very alarming study indicating that tiny fibers could be the biggest source of plastic found in oceans. He examined for months several shorelines around the world and noticed fibers everywhere.
About 85% of all human-made material found on those shorelines was microfibers, especially ones used in clothing – nylon and acrylic. This kind of development contentiously introduces toxic pollution.
Zero Waste Fashion Alternatives
One great way to achieve zero waste fashion is to apply the practice of plastic free living by switching to all natural fair trade fibers. This one change alone can have a huge impact on your contribution to the synthetic fiber waste problem. Organic all natural fibers are also better for your health.
Natural fibers are any fibers that come from plants or animals. This type consists of varieties including
- pina cloth
- wool
- cotton
- silk
- linen
- angora
When shopping it is good to take into considering the fact that the natural fibers are less toxic. Because they are not treated with chemicals, they are eco-friendly and help to reduce your exposure to carcinogens.
Natural fibers are renewable resource, when processing, they generate mainly organic waste and leave residues that can be used to make other ecological housing materials. Also, at the end of their life cycle, they are 100% biodegradable.
Fast Fashion has contributed to mountains of clothing in our landfills and billions of synthetic micro fibers in our oceans.
Extensive research about the environmental and human effects of fast fashion have been documented. An eye opening documentary on this topic is The True Cost.
Now, waste comes in many shapes and sizes, including tiny fibers. There have been records and different studies that showed the massive increase in the level by which waste is accumulating daily.
Obviously, this is very alarming – especially with plastic waste, the numbers are so enormous. It is therefore necessary to implement effective zero waste management methods for best results to be achieved.
A Commitment to Ethically Made Clothing
There are many great companies that offer eco-friendly, ethically made, sustainable zero waste fashion. One of our favorites is a Canadian company called Encircled.
One of the beliefs that Encircled is committed to is :
- “We believe that style, function and ethically-made can all go together. You can have it all. Eco-fashion can be beautiful. Travel clothing can be stylish. Choosing ethically-made clothing doesn’t have to mean compromising on anything that you’d expect from your wardrobe.”
[eafl id=”250″ name=”” text=””]
