I have seen a lot of discussion on the Internet about the environmental impact of natural fibers and synthetic fibers used to make clothing. Synthetic fabrics are made from oil, just like plastic is. According to the attached article, “Petrochemical-based synthetics make up 65% of all fibers produced annually, with polyester by far the most widely used synthetic fabric. Despite the serious environmental impacts of cotton production, a T-shirt made from cotton produces 2.1 kg CO2-eqemissions while a polyester T-shirt emits an estimated 5.5 kg CO2-eq.” Synthetic fabrics also contribute to plastic pollution. Washing clothes breaks off microfibers that contribute to microplastic contamination in waterways. Coatings on fibers or clothing contribute to pollution when they wash off and some are made with chemicals that are harmful to us and the planet.
However, sometimes you need the qualities produced by synthetic fabrics and the treatments/coatings applied to the fabric, such as waterproofing. Here are some ideas on how to reduce the environmental impact of clothing made with synthetic fibers.
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