What It Means for the Environment and Human Health 🧬
Plastic has become deeply embedded in modern life, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat. In the fashion industry, plastic is present in countless forms — polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic — and it’s not only harming the planet but also our bodies. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of plastic have led to its extensive use, but as we learn more about the long-term consequences, it’s clear that this material is causing damage that we can’t ignore.
Plastics in Fashion: Ubiquitous and Problematic
Over half of the world’s textiles are made from synthetic fibres, and many of these are derived from petroleum-based plastic. Polyester alone accounts for about 60% of fabric production in fast fashion, prized for its durability, low cost, and versatility. Synthetic fibres like nylon, acrylic, and spandex have similar properties and are favoured in everything from workout wear to outerwear.
But while these fabrics may seem convenient, they come at a high cost:
Non-biodegradable: Synthetic fibres do not decompose, and they persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When discarded clothing made from polyester or nylon ends up in landfills, it contributes to long-term pollution.
Microplastic Shedding: Every time we wash synthetic garments, tiny microplastics shed from the fibres and flow into water systems, contaminating rivers, oceans, and ultimately entering the food chain.
The plastics embedded in fashion are therefore not only contributing to pollution but are also entering our ecosystems, where they’re nearly impossible to remove.
The Environmental Cost of Plastic-Based Fabrics
The fashion industry is already notorious for its environmental impact, and plastic fibres make up a huge part of the problem. Here’s how plastics in fashion contribute to pollution and climate change:
Water Pollution: Microplastics from synthetic fabrics make their way into waterways, impacting marine life and contaminating drinking water sources. Studies show that microplastics are now found in nearly all oceans, rivers, and even in Arctic ice.
Carbon Emissions: Producing plastic-based fibres like polyester requires fossil fuels, with significant carbon emissions released during extraction and processing. According to estimates, polyester production emits more greenhouse gases per kilogram than cotton, making synthetic textiles a major contributor to climate change.
Energy-Intensive Manufacturing: Plastic-based textiles require large amounts of energy to produce. From petroleum extraction to the fibre processing stage, each step is energy-intensive, adding to the resource strain and pollution associated with these fabrics.
Plastic Absorption in the Body: The Human Toll
One of the lesser-known risks of plastics in fashion is that they don’t stay on the surface. Microplastics released from synthetic clothing have been found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even in our bodies.
Inhalation of Microplastics: When synthetic fibres are manufactured, worn, or washed, they release microplastics and microfibres into the air. These tiny particles are easily inhaled, particularly in indoor environments where synthetic textiles are prevalent. Over time, these particles build up in our lungs and may lead to respiratory issues.
Skin Absorption: Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and prolonged contact with synthetic fabrics can allow microplastics to be absorbed into the skin. Although research is ongoing, studies suggest that chemicals in these plastics may penetrate the skin barrier, potentially leading to hormonal disruptions and other health issues.
Ingestion via Food and Water: Microplastics shed from synthetic clothes end up in water systems, which then contaminate our food supply. Plastic particles have been found in everything from bottled water to seafood, meaning that with every meal, we could be ingesting tiny fragments of plastic. Studies suggest that the average person consumes up to 5 grams of plastic per week — the equivalent of a credit card.
Health Risks of Plastic Exposure
While research is still emerging, scientists are finding that exposure to plastic particles and chemicals can have profound health effects. Here’s what we know about how plastics in fashion may impact human health:
Endocrine Disruption: Many plastics contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, known to disrupt the endocrine system. These chemicals mimic hormones in the body and can interfere with natural hormonal functions, potentially leading to reproductive issues, thyroid disorders, and developmental problems.
Respiratory Issues: Inhaling plastic particles from textiles can lead to respiratory issues and inflammatory responses. Chronic exposure to airborne microplastics, particularly for those who work with synthetic fibres, may contribute to lung disease over time.
Potential Carcinogenic Effects: Some studies have suggested a link between microplastic exposure and increased risk of certain cancers. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the presence of harmful additives in plastic textiles poses significant risks.
Is There an Alternative? The Case for Natural Fibres
Given the negative environmental and health impacts of synthetic fibres, there is a growing push to return to natural, biodegradable fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and linen. Unlike synthetic fibres, natural textiles:
Decompose Naturally: Natural fibres biodegrade over time, reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Natural fibres don’t require the same level of chemical processing as synthetic fibres, meaning they have a much lower chemical footprint.
Support Human Health: Natural fibres are less likely to release harmful particles into the air, making them safer to wear and handle long-term.
Among the natural fibres, hemp stands out as a particularly sustainable choice. Not only does hemp use far less water than cotton, but it’s also naturally resistant to pests, reducing the need for pesticides. It’s a durable, breathable, and eco-friendly option that offers an alternative to the plastic-laden fabrics dominating fast fashion.
The Future of Fashion: Time to Cut Out Plastic
The true cost of synthetic fibres extends far beyond the price tag. The convenience of plastic in fashion comes at the expense of our health, our environment, and the future of our planet. As we become more aware of the dangers associated with plastic-based textiles, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability in the fashion industry.
The fashion industry has a choice: to continue down a path of pollution and health risks or to embrace sustainable alternatives that benefit both people and the planet. At The Hemp Theory, we’re committed to providing quality, plastic-free options that prioritise the well-being of our community and the environment.
Choosing natural fibres over synthetic ones isn’t just a style choice — it’s a statement about the kind of future we want to build. By opting for sustainable alternatives, we can help reduce our exposure to harmful microplastics, support healthier ecosystems, and move closer to a world free from plastic pollution.
Conclusion: Break the Plastic Habit
Plastic has embedded itself in every aspect of our lives, but it’s not too late to break the cycle. By choosing natural fibres and supporting sustainable brands, we can reduce our exposure to plastic and help shift the industry towards a cleaner, healthier model. Join us at The Hemp Theory in our mission to create a sustainable, plastic-free future in fashion. Together, we can make a change — one natural fibre at a time.