Researchers have discovered that waste from the global apparel industry is leaking millions of tons of plastic into the environment each year and may be getting worse over time.

    • purplemonkeymad@programming.dev
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      5 days ago

      I literally can’t wear it. Along with other artificial fibers (viscose and polyester especially) they cause me to come out in hives where it touches my skin. Cotton and soft wools are pretty much the only thing what I can wear.

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      I switched to cotton t-shirts 5-10 years ago, thinking the same thing. However my first set of cotton t-shirts has worn out and needed to be replaced, whereas I still have polyester t-shirts from before that that look much nicer.

      Polyester has advantages in durability, stain resistance, wrinkle resistance, and can be much thinner and lighter. I’m not entirely sure cotton is really better

      • Imacat@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        5 days ago

        Some studies estimate about a third of microplastic pollution comes from synthetic textiles. Cotton may require more water and land but at least it doesn’t produce more microplastics.

      • Hawke@lemmy.world
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        5 days ago

        Polyester might look nicer longer but it feels all gross and like… almost slimy on the skin. Plus it stinks.