Polyester is a non-biodegratable fiber that is durable and heat resistant. It comes from petroleum and involves many chemicals like phthalates, solvent and PFCs. This fiber is extremely unsustainable and has a large impact on our environment.
Most people think of polyester as being just clothing; however, most non-clothing textiles also include it. Car parts, blankets, active wear, curtains and seatbelts are all made up of polyester. Overall, polyester seems to have surged in popularity as a mainly used fiber.
In order to create polyester, it must endure an extremely high heat, which takes up a lot of energy. It can be rather difficult to produce enough energy to create this very high heat. Fossil fuels, oil and coal need to be burned to get the chemical reaction to happen. The burning of fossil fuels can bleed into our atmosphere and ultimately hurt our environment. As a society, we must decide if having the coolest fashion piece is worth hurting the climate.
Not only does polyester take a lot of energy to create, but it also pollutes water. When a polyester piece is put in the wash, microfibers bleed into the water system and get distributed into oceans. Most polyesters get dyed in chemically based solutions, which can be toxic to us. Furthermore, polyester is non-biodegradable,meaning that when one decides to get rid of a piece of clothing it is most likely going to end in a landfill, where it will stay forever.
Polyester has a low production cost, which makes it easier for big businesses to create trendy pieces without inconvenience. SHEIN, H&M, Zara and Calvin Klein, are all notorious for making a wide variety of polyester clothing. With a growing fashion industry, polyester is a great tool for manufacturers because it allows all kinds of consumers access to the newest and coolest pieces. It gives them the ability to create pieces fast and sell them cheap. Polyester only really benefits manufacturers, they are not concerned about the planet and only care about their profit. Companies use their ability to create popular pieces to their advantage, which sticks out to paying customers.
Furthermore, it’s unnecessary to avoid brands that make polyester clothing, as that can be a difficult task, but it is important to look at what material a piece of clothing is, before it is purchased. When going to a store, it is important to look at the inside tag to see what fibers one is buying. If one limits the polyester they buy then companies will stop mass production of polyester. Similarly, less clothes will flood landfills and water systems. An alternate option to polyester is cotton, which is more of a natural, breathable fiber. Cotton also works great for people who have very sensitive skin. Some people prefer cotton while others enjoy the cheaper option, polyester.
Even though polyester is an inexpensive fiber, it is not necessarily the best. Polyester is non-biodegradable and causes microfibers to leak into water. It can be irritating to have to look at the tag first, but this way one can save the planet and avoid pollution. This will also stop big companies from abusing their power and taking advantage of polyester.
