By Sarah Currie-Halpern, Co-Founder and Partner, Think Zero LLC
The microplastic pollution problem is bad and getting worse—for the planet and for our individual health. Every new piece of research published about microplastics seems somehow more drastic than the last. Microplastics were first discovered in human blood in 2022, and have since been detected in lungs, hearts, throughout the digestive system, in stool, and even in placenta. Lately scientists have seen an increase in the amount of microplastics found in brain tissue, which is rising in tandem with the increase of microplastics in the environment itself.
Microplastics coat the ocean floor, pollute soil, damage coral reefs, and even carry pathogens between land and water, infecting land animals and marine animals in the process. One of the biggest sources of microplastic pollution, particularly in waterways and the oceans, is fabric. Clothes, bedding, and textiles made of synthetic fibers shed microplastics each time they’re washed. Those tiny plastic particles enter the wastewater system and, eventually, the waterways and oceans.
There’s no way to simply prevent synthetic fabrics from shedding microplastics, although we have seen some interesting innovations like the Guppyfriend bag, which reduces synthetic fiber shedding in the washing machine. The best way to keep this from happening, however, is to stop filling our wardrobes with synthetic fibers altogether. Wear and wash clothes made out of natural fibers like cotton, silk, wool, hemp, and jute. It’s becoming easier and more affordable than ever to do this, with more clothing companies committing to manufacturing with natural fibers.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are five brands powering that paradigm shift:
Pact
Pact may be famous for its non-toxic underwear, but these days it’s a one-stop shop for organic cotton garments of all kinds. In addition to full wardrobes for men and women, Pact has ventured into home goods with cloth napkins, bath towels, and duvet covers. Best of all, orders arrive in boxes that encourage customers to send back old clothes (from any brand!) for donation.
Boody
Between the elastic waistbands and plastic underwires, underwear and lingerie can be a synthetic material minefield. The Australian company Boody found its niche not just in underwear but specifically in underwear made from bamboo viscose, which is particularly sustainable thanks to bamboo’s naturally low water consumption and rapid growth rate.
Smartwool
Virtually every garment the Colorado-based outerwear company Smartwool makes uses Merino wool, especially the skiing and hiking socks they’re known for. Wool is not only microplastic-free but biodegradable and renewable. Merino wool in particular has the added benefits of regulating temperature and sweat-wicking, which is non-negotiable when you’re on the side of a mountain.
Groceries
To make stretchy and breathable activewear, brands tend to use artificial fabrics like Spandex that shed microplastics, can’t be recycled, and aren’t biodegradable. One brand that’s looking to do this better is Groceries, with its activewear made from primarily organic cotton. The brand even creates its plant-based dyes out of locally-sourced food waste.
Blueview
Shoes are among the trickiest fashion items to make plastic-free—let alone non-toxic—but Blueview does it with a combination of plant-based fabrics and oils. With the problem of closing the shoe life cycle of shoes still somewhat unresolved, the brand’s emphasis on not only durability but total biodegradability is nothing short of essential.
Comments