10 Reasons You Should Never Buy a Polyester Garment Again Polyester is currently the most widely used clothing fiber in the world, as it is cheap and doesn’t crease. But most people don’t know that this synthetic material is made from plastic - and that other than it requiring a lot of energy to produce, and is highly water and air-polluting, it also affects our health more than most think. Unfortunately, as fast fashion dominates today’s market, when the cost is so low, most consumers fall for the trap of purchasing cheap items they don’t really need; which will likely never be worn or worn more than once before being donated or thrown out. Here are 10 reasons you should never buy clothing made from polyester again and what alternatives are: Unsustainable: Polyester is a petroleum-based synthetic fiber that is not biodegradable. This non-renewable resource significantly contributes to the pollution of the planet. Polyester is a finite resource making it non-recyclable, meaning it cannot be reused or repurposed after it has been used. Microplastics: The production process of polyester releases harmful chemicals into the environment, contributing to global warming, water pollution, and soil contamination. When washed polyester microplastic fibers are released into the environment, which ultimately end up in our waterways and natural habitats, and therefore, our food, leading to pollution and harm to both us and the wildlife. Research accounts polyester for 85% of marine debris material. Non-breathable: Polyester does not allow for proper ventilation, making it uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It partially dissolves with sweat, causing it to be absorbed into our skin or even inhaled, causing a possibility of an array of issues to different organs. Effective Contraception: Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) belongs to a class of chemicals that are known as endocrine-disrupting in particular, they disrupt testosterone production. Many studies show that polyester garments lead to sterility in men and have an injurious effect on ovarian and placental function, which in turn causes low serum progesterone and spontaneous abortions. Irritating: Polyester can cause skin irritation and rashes, especially for those with sensitive skin resulting in rashes, eczema, and dermatitis. Sex drive: The researchers found that the 100% polyester and polyester blend underwear conducted electrostatic charges, resulting in harmful effects on sexual activity. They also discovered that the sexual desire and amount of activity in the same subjects were “significantly reduced.” Poor Durability: Polyester is not a durable fabric and can easily wear, tear, and pill. This means that polyester garments will not last as long as natural fiber garments, and will likely need to be replaced more frequently. High Carbon Footprint: The production of polyester globally has doubled in the past 20 years, though the population has only grown by 25%, and is the most used textile today. The production of polyester creates a high amount of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change with up to 2,300 kg per tonne of polyester. It requires lots of fossil fuels and energy to produce. In fact, according to one study, polyester production releases more than twice the amount of greenhouse gases as cotton production. Occupational disease: Research done in 1975 shows respiratory disease caused by synthetic fibers naming it a “new Occupational disease “. Seven patients exposed to the inhalation of synthetic fibers presented with various bronchopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, extrinsic allergies, chronic bronchitis, spontaneous pneumothorax, and chronic pneumonia. Nowadays, health hazards in the sector affect both men and women, but some are gender-specific, including breast cancer, spontaneously aborted pregnancies and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. If we continue this way, the quantity of textile waste and emissions will increase by 50% by 2030 which is not that far. While ultimately, breaking the fast fashion model lies within policymakers, we as consumers still have an important role to play. By refraining from compulsive shopping and intentionally selecting brands and materials we can avoid synthetic materials such as polyester which are bad for the entirety of our planet, including us humans. We can make a difference by ensuring not to support exploitive practices, environmental harm, and unsustainable consumption - the actual cost of fast fashion. In conclusion, there are many reasons to avoid polyester and choose natural fiber alternatives. By choosing sustainable and ethical fashion options, we can all make a difference for the planet and for our own health and well-being. One step you can take today is to support brands like Gaea Collective, which opt to create healthy products with healthy measures. We use 100% organic hemp fiber - a crop that absorbs loads of CO2 and can be used to create clothing that is strong, breathable, naturally antimicrobial, biodegradable, and long-lasting. Stay updated to learn more about our brand, and watch out for our next post on Thursday.
