Eco-Friendly Materials: Reducing Pollution, Saving The Planet

The production of everyday items and clothing has a significant environmental impact. From the breeding and cultivation of natural fibres to the creation of synthetic fibres, almost every stage in the transformation chain of a garment is a source of pollution. Natural fibres such as cotton have an alarming environmental impact due to the use of pesticides and the amount of water needed for cultivation. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution, with an estimated 60% of clothing being made from plastic that ends up in landfills or incinerators. To reduce pollution, consumers can opt for recycled and plastic-free clothing options, and reusable alternatives to single-use items such as disposable coffee cups. In addition, the use of certain materials in production can help reduce pollution, such as hemp, which is a super-resistant fibre that hardly pollutes and has beneficial effects on the soil.

Hemp and Tencel are alternatives to cotton

Materials that cause less pollution include those that can be recycled, such as glass, aluminium cans, and many types of plastic. Paper can be recycled and broken down into new paper, and recycling it reduces the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills, incinerators, and waterways.

Hemp and Tencel are more sustainable alternatives to cotton, which is a crop that requires a significant amount of water and pesticides. Organic cotton farming uses 62% less energy and 88% less water than conventional cotton, but it still pales in comparison to hemp and Tencel. Additionally, organic cotton is grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and it is processed without chemicals, making it eco-friendly and less damaging when decomposed.

While cotton is a natural fabric, it is a water-intensive crop, and the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers can be detrimental to the environment. Hemp, on the other hand, is a natural fabric that is carbon-negative, meaning it absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere instead of emitting it. It is also naturally sun-protective and antimicrobial. Tencel, or Lyocell, is a semi-synthetic material or cellulosic fabric that is also carbon-negative.

Hemp and Tencel offer promising alternatives to cotton, providing more sustainable options for the fashion industry. As consumer and corporate demand for sustainable fabrics increases, and with technological advancements making natural fibers easier to transform into wearable fabrics, the market share of these eco-friendly textiles is expected to grow.

Plastic pollution from clothing

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and it is important to consider the sources of this pollution and how it can be mitigated. One significant source of plastic pollution that is often overlooked is clothing.

Clothing is a major contributor to plastic pollution, particularly in the oceans. Many of our clothes are made from synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are all forms of plastic. These synthetic fibres are cheap, versatile, and prevalent, accounting for about 60% of the materials used in clothing worldwide. They offer stretch and breathability for activewear and athleisure, as well as warmth and sturdiness for winter clothes. However, these plastic fibres pose a substantial environmental challenge.

The problem arises when these synthetic fibres shed from our clothes, both during washing and through everyday wear. A single load of laundry could release hundreds of thousands of microfibres into the water supply, and these tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5mm in length, can bypass filters at wastewater treatment plants. Consequently, they end up in recycled biosolids used as fertiliser or are pumped directly into waterways, eventually reaching the ocean. This is a significant issue because these microplastics are ingested by marine wildlife and can even find their way into the seafood that humans consume.

The durability of plastic means that it can take hundreds, if not thousands, of years to degrade, so the plastic pollution we create today will persist for generations. While it may seem that the solution is to simply opt for natural fibres or buy fewer clothes, this is not a feasible option for everyone, as synthetic clothing is often the more affordable choice. Therefore, systemic solutions are required, such as redesigning washing machines to reduce fibre emissions, developing fabrics that shed less, and implementing fibre filters.

Addressing plastic pollution from clothing is crucial, and it requires collective efforts from individuals, manufacturers, and policymakers alike. By recognising the role of clothing in plastic pollution, we can work towards more sustainable practices and protect our environment for future generations.

Coffee cups and pods waste

Coffee is the world's second most traded commodity, and our global caffeine addiction has a great environmental cost, contributing to the increasingly urgent plastic pollution crisis. The single-serve coffee market has surged in recent years, with coffee pod machines becoming standard in many households. The global footprint of coffee capsule waste is about 576,000 metric tons, and 56 billion coffee pods and capsules end up in landfills every year.

The good news is that coffee pods and capsules are not significant polluters if recycled or composted. Compostable coffee pods and capsules are 100% sustainable, degrading in 2-3 months. If recycling is too polluting, switching to a different drink is best. Reusable pods are a better option, and some companies now offer a collection service to recycle them. Consumers can also carry their own reusable stirrers to reduce plastic pollution.

However, progress to ensure coffee pods don't contribute to pollution is slow. In 2015, a YouTube video titled "Kill the K-Cup" warned that there were enough K-cups to circle the Earth more than 12 times. Following pressure from environmental campaigns, coffee companies have developed capsules made from aluminum or compostable fiber. Still, many consumers are unaware that disposable coffee cups are not always recyclable, despite industry claims. While mostly made from paper, they are lined with polyethylene plastic.

In 2016, Hamburg, Germany, banned coffee pods to limit waste and pollution, and in 2021, Keurig, the company that produces K-cups, converted all its pods to polypropylene, a recyclable plastic. However, consumers must peel off the lid, empty the grounds, and deposit the pods in recycling bins, which may not always be recycled, depending on the location. In Brazil, only 11% of used capsules were recycled in 2017. Old-fashioned brewing methods like French press, moka pots, and Turkish coffee makers create no plastic pollution, and filter coffee only requires a biodegradable paper filter.

Wet wipes and plastic bags

Plastic bags and wet wipes are two of the most common pollutants, with devastating effects on the environment.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, particularly in our oceans. It takes 1000 years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill. Unfortunately, they don't break down completely but instead photo-degrade, becoming microplastics that absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment. These microplastics are consumed by marine life, transferring toxins up the food chain to bigger fish and marine mammals, and eventually to humans. The production and incineration of plastic bags also contribute to air pollution and the climate crisis.

To reduce plastic bag pollution, many places have implemented legislation to regulate their use. For example, California became the first state to ban plastic bags in 2014, and as of July 2018, 127 countries have adopted some form of legislation to address plastic bags. Individuals can also play a role by using reusable bags when shopping and supporting initiatives like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which aims to phase out throwaway plastics and hold the industry accountable for its waste.

Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are another significant contributor to pollution, particularly water pollution. When flushed, wet wipes often end up in waterways and oceans, where they break down into microplastics. These microplastics are ingested by marine life, causing decreased feeding, slowed growth, and reproductive harm. They also impact wildlife, with organisms like clams experiencing population decline in areas with high densities of wet wipes.

To address the problem of wet wipe pollution, individuals should avoid flushing wipes and instead throw them in the trash. Efforts have been made to create more sustainable wet wipes, with some companies introducing Fine to Flush standards for wipes that contain no plastic and can degrade like toilet paper. Reusable alternatives to wet wipes are also an option, providing a more environmentally friendly way to maintain good hygiene.

By taking action to reduce the use of plastic bags and wet wipes, and supporting initiatives to regulate and replace these items with more sustainable alternatives, we can help reduce pollution and protect our environment.

Steel and plastic razors

Plastic pollution is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, and plastic razors are no exception. With an estimated 161.2 million Americans using disposable razor blades, billions of these razors end up in landfills annually, becoming a top plastic pollutant. The issue is further exacerbated by the razors' mixed materials, making them challenging to recycle.

Disposable plastic razors, designed for limited use before disposal, contribute to the growing waste problem. The release of the first completely disposable razor in 1975 revolutionized the shaving industry, offering convenience and ease of use. However, the environmental cost is significant, with landfills and oceans bearing the brunt of this convenience culture.

The impact of plastic razors extends beyond their disposal. The production of these razors relies on non-renewable fossil fuels, contributing to global warming and ocean acidification. The cumulative effect of millions of people using disposable plastic razors daily has a substantial impact on waste disposal systems and the environment.

As an alternative, steel safety razors, also known as double-edged razors, offer a more environmentally friendly option. These razors are typically made from brass or stainless steel and provide a versatile, close shave. Unlike plastic razors, only the blade needs to be replaced, reducing waste. Many users recycle the blades at scrap recycling plants, further minimizing their environmental footprint.

Additionally, some companies are developing eco-friendly disposable razors with handles made from wheat straw and stainless steel blades. These alternatives represent a conscious effort to reduce the impact of disposable plastic items on the environment. By being mindful of our consumption and choosing sustainable alternatives, we can make a significant difference in addressing the plastic pollution crisis.

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