Both natural and synthetic fabrics have their own ecological footprint, but they affect nature in different ways. Here is a comparison:
►Cotton – Natural, but “thirsty”. Cotton production requires a lot of water. For just one cotton T-shirt, about 2,700 liters of water are needed. However, cotton is biodegradable, it breaks down naturally over time. However, traditional cotton farming uses 10 – 16% of the world’s consumption of plant protection products, which destroys soil and biodiversity.
Cotton is pleasant to the skin. If we choose cotton, organic cotton is a better choice, because it is produced without toxic chemicals and with less water consumption.
►Synthetics (polyester, nylon, etc.) – Durable, but polluting. Synthetics use less water in production. They are produced from petroleum, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It takes centuries to decompose and releases microplastics. A full load of synthetic fabrics can release 700,000 microfibres into the water. Recycled polyester (rPET) also continues to release microplastics.
Which fabric is a more sustainable choice?
There is no perfect fabric, but organic cotton has a smaller environmental footprint if it is grown responsibly.
How to make a better choice?
– Buy less clothes, buy consciously.
– Choose fabrics made from 100% organic cotton.
– Wash synthetic clothes in a machine with a microfibre filter*.
*Microfibers cannot be recycled with other items, such as plastic and aluminum. However, some companies are working on solutions to recycle or repurpose them. As a temporary solution, it is recommended to dispose of them in a closed, non-recyclable container, reducing the risk of them ending up in the water.
The action “Fashion with Higher Awareness” is implemented by the Institute for Good Governance and Policies in the Environment and Climate Change – IPECC Skopje, in cooperation with the NGO Info-center, within the framework of the project “United for Active Citizenship”, supported by the European Union.
