Debunking the Myths: The Hidden Dangers of Recycling Clothing
Recycling clothing is often hailed as a sustainable solution to fashion waste, but the reality is more complex. While recycling may seem like a safe and eco-friendly option, it can have hidden dangers for our skin, the workers involved, and the environment. In this blog, we’ll explore the myths surrounding recycled clothing and break down the potential risks associated with different fashion materials. By understanding the truth behind these practices, you can make more informed, ethical choices in your wardrobe.
Myth 1: Recycled Clothing is Always Safe for Our Skin
The Reality: While recycled clothing helps reduce waste, it doesn’t automatically guarantee safety for your skin. The process of recycling textiles often involves breaking down the original material, which can lead to the introduction of chemicals and contaminants. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are particularly concerning, as they are derived from petroleum and retain harmful residues even after recycling.
Material Breakdown:
- Polyester: Derived from petroleum, recycled polyester can still contain chemical residues such as antimony, which can irritate the skin. Additionally, the mechanical recycling process can degrade the quality of fibers, making them rougher and more likely to cause irritation.
- Nylon: Another petroleum-based fiber, recycled nylon can also retain harmful chemicals from its original production. The fibers are often treated with chemical dyes and finishes, which can be absorbed by the skin.
- Acrylic: This synthetic fiber is known for its softness, but it is also derived from polyacrylonitrile, a carcinogenic compound. Recycling acrylic can exacerbate the release of these harmful chemicals, posing risks to both skin and overall hormonal health.
Myth 2: Recycling Clothing is Harmless to Workers
The Reality: The recycling process for textiles involves direct interaction with toxic PFAS and other carcinogenic chemicals. Sorting, shredding, and chemically treating recycled fibers expose workers to these chemicals in the form of dust and inhale it, causing lymphatic and respiratory health conditions (much the same as fire fighters). In countries where regulations are lax, workers may not have adequate protection, leading to higher health risks than in western countries.
Material Breakdown:
- Cotton: While it’s a natural fibre and not polyester, farmers that grow regular cotton farms are exposed to the countless synthetic pesticides they have to spray, that harms their health. If the recycled original cotton was not organic, it would still contain residues of pesticides and fertilizers. Workers handling recycled cotton are also exposed to dust and particles that can cause respiratory and lymphatic conditions that may lead to cancer.
- Wool: Recycled wool is often processed in environments with high levels of dust and lanolin, a natural oil found in wool that can cause allergic reactions. Workers in these conditions are the safest and most protected.
- Rayon/Viscose: Derived from wood pulp, rayon and viscose are often recycled using chemical processes that can release toxic substances like carbon disulfide. Workers exposed to these chemicals face significant health risks, including neurological damage and cancer.
Myth 3: Recycling Clothing is Always Environmentally Friendly
The Reality: While recycling clothing reduces waste, the process itself can have environmental drawbacks. The energy and water required for recycling textiles can be substantial, and the use of chemicals in breaking down fibers can lead to pollution. Additionally, the quality of recycled fibers is often inferior to that of virgin materials, leading to a shorter lifespan for the product and contributing to a cycle of continued waste.
Material Breakdown:
- Polyester: Recycling polyester can reduce the demand for new petroleum-based fibers, but the process is energy-intensive and can result in the release of microplastics into the environment. Once polyester also known as plastic is created, it cannot be destroyed. Microplastic particles are contributing to animal extinction in countries like Ghana, miscarriages in women (from fetuses having too much microplastics making them incompatible with life) and hormone based autoimmune diseases and conditions. Microplastics can get so tiny that they’re detectable in our air and drinking water.
- Nylon: is another type of polyester, also known as plastic. When recycled, nylon can release microplastics during the recycling process and when the final product is washed. The chemical treatments used to recycle nylon can also contribute to the microplastic catastrophe noted above.
- Leather: Recycling leather often involves using toxic chemicals like chromium in the tanning process. These chemicals can contaminate water sources and pose serious environmental hazards. Additionally, the recycling process can produce leather of lower quality, leading to products that wear out quickly and contribute to waste.
How to Shop Ethically: A Guide
To shop ethically and avoid the hidden dangers of recycled clothing, it’s essential to understand the materials and practices behind each garment. Here’s how to make informed choices:
- Choose Organic and Natural Fibers: Look for clothing made from certified organic cotton, hemp, or linen. These natural fibers are grown without harmful chemicals, making them safer for your skin and the environment.
- Opt for Certified Products: Certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) ensure that the entire supply chain meets strict environmental and ethical standards. Look for certifications that guarantee both organic content and ethical practices.
- Support Ethical Brands: Choose brands that prioritize transparency, fair labor practices, and environmentally friendly production methods. Research the brand’s commitment to sustainability and worker welfare before making a purchase.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality clothing that lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This approach helps minimize waste and supports a more sustainable fashion industry.
- Be Cautious with Recycled Synthetics: Unless it’s a must-have item, vote with your wallet so companies offer more ethical choices, because recycling is not ethical to the consumer. Recycling was a term created by big corporations to profit off their factory waste. Look for products that disclose their recycling process and consider the environmental impact of microplastics.
Conclusion
Recycling clothing may seem like an easy solution to fashion waste, but it comes with hidden dangers that can affect your skin, the workers involved, and the environment. By understanding the complexities of recycled materials and making informed, ethical choices, you can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. Choose natural fibers, support ethical brands, and prioritize quality to ensure that your clothing choices align with your values and protect both people and the planet.