The Benefits of Clothing Made from Recycled Fabrics • 333+ Inspiring Lifestyle Ideas

Our clothes have a significant environmental impact due to the water, pesticides, and chemicals used in producing fabric and dyeing clothing. The fashion industry produces around 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide. Using recycled fabrics helps reduce this impact. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing clothing made from recycled textiles.

Reducing Waste

One of the biggest advantages of recycled fabric clothing is reducing textile waste. According to Earth.org, around 85% of unwanted textiles in the US end up in landfills each year. Using recycled polyester, nylon, and cotton reduces the amount of clothing ending up in landfills.

Recycled polyester, such as the fabric used to make Prodigy Black Dress Pants, is made from used plastic bottles that are cleaned, shredded, and turned into new fabric. Recycled cotton and nylon come from used clothing that is respun into new fabric. Choosing recycled fabrics helps give textile waste a new life and is better for the environment.

Saving Energy and Water

Producing recycled fabrics uses far less energy and water compared to virgin polyester or cotton. Manufacturing recycled polyester uses less energy and water versus virgin polyester. Recycled cotton also has lower energy demands compared to growing and processing new cotton, which is a water-intensive crop. By choosing recycled textiles, you can save significant amounts of energy and water resources.

Reducing Chemical Use

New polyester and cotton fabrics require the heavy use of chemicals and dyes which contain toxins that pollute waterways. Recycled polyester and cotton go through less dyeing and chemical processing, reducing the harmful effluents that are released into the environment. Many brands use eco-friendly dyes for coloring recycled textiles as well. Overall, recycled fabrics mean less use of hazardous chemicals compared to most new fabrics.

Preventing Microplastic Pollution

When synthetic fabrics like polyester are washed, tiny plastic microfibers shed and end up in the ocean and waterways. More than 700,000 microfibers can shed off one synthetic garment per wash. Microplastics absorb toxins and are consumed by wildlife. Using recycled polyester and other synthetics helps re-use plastic that could become ocean microplastic pollution. It also reduces the demand for new synthetic fibers.

Supporting Circular Fashion

Choosing recycled fabric clothing supports the circular fashion movement that aims to eliminate textile waste. Circular systems keep fabrics in use through recycling and upcycling used textiles into new garments. Buying recycled fabrics helps reduce virgin resource extraction and moves the fashion industry towards a more sustainable and circular model. It’s an easy way to make your fashion choices more eco-friendly.

Opting for recycled fabrics in your clothing offers many benefits for the environment. It reduces waste, energy use, water use, chemical pollution, and microplastic pollution. Check clothing labels to find items made using recycled polyester, nylon, cotton, or other recycled textiles. Support brands that incorporate recycled materials to make the fashion industry more sustainable. With some simple choices, we can reduce the environmental footprint of what we wear.