Plastic now makes up nearly 70% of U.S. clothing — and those synthetic fibers from acrylic, polyester, nylon, elastane & their blends, are polluting our water, soil, air, and even our bodies.
Clothes Shouldn’t Start at an Oil Well…
Most synthetic fabrics begin as fossil fuels. These materials may be lightweight, comfortable & affordable, but they are far from harmless. The entire process—from extruding & refining the oil, to cracking & polymerizing the molecules, to melting, spinning, texturing and weaving into our favorite clothing—produces significant toxins that impact humans and the planet!
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Synthetic fabrics are non-breathable and often contain toxic chemical additives such as BPA & phthalates (used as plasticizers to make them stretchy & durable), PFAS (for “stain resistance”), formaldehyde (to prevent wrinkles & stains),and azo dyes (for bright, long-lasting color).
How does this affect YOUR health?
You are likely absorbing these chemicals through your skin when you wear synthetics.
Heat and sweat accelerate the breakdown and absorption of plastic chemicals into your body (think tight-fitting athletic wear).
Synthetic fabrics are unstable and shed while you WEAR them and when you WASH them— these fibers can enter your body via absorption,ingestion and inhalation.
Over time, exposure to these plastic toxins can contribute to hormone disruption,reproductive issues, immune dysfunction, and even certain cancers.
Beaches Go Green founder Anne Marie Moquin believed her healthy habits were keeping her chemical exposure low— so in late 2024, she tested her toxin levels to prove it. The results were a wake-up call. Several everyday chemicals showed up higher than she expected, including BPA, lead, mercury, arsenic, and PFAS.
Instead of ignoring it, Anne Marie made simple, intentional swaps:
-Choosing natural fabrics over synthetics for clothing.
-Saying no to paper receipts (emailed instead).
-Eating cleaner — less take-out & processed foods, more whole ingredients.
Just 8 months later, her follow-up labs showed significant drops in these common toxins. Small changes can make a big difference!
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Better for You, Better for the Planet
Next week, we’ll share which fabrics to shop and which textile certifications to look for to protect your health and the planet’s health.
