It is said that the yoga industry is amongst the most pollutive in the world, as all that stretch we’ve come to enjoy having sculpted against our bodies does more harm than good to the world.
What most of us don’t realize as we stretch and sweat in our workout gear (and regular clothing) is that the polyester, acrylic, nylon, spandex, rayon, ect .. in our clothing … is all made from plastic. What’s worse is every time we wash it, particles of plastic end up in our waterways, dispersing themselves all over the planet like an army of tiny jerks.
Once there, it harms the flora and fauna above and below, making its way through nature’s systems to pollute the seas and soil. As most of you already know, plastic is derived from oil, a non-renewable resource which is mostly responsible for our climate’s change. In 2015 alone, ninety-eight million tons of oil were used in the textile industry, by 2050, that number is expected to be 300 million.
WE ARE DRINKING, BREATHING, AND EATING PLASTIC
Plastic particles (and pieces) have been found in our food, our water, and in our air. In a recent study, the USA was found to have plastic found in 94% of their tap water, another found a daily rate of 365 microplastic particles per square meter falling from the sky in the Pyrenees Mountains in southern France, another still found over 600 microplastics in 1 kilogram of salt, as well as particles throughout seafood.
We have no idea what the health impacts we’ll face as these microplastics make their way through human and animal internal systems, but they could potentially deliver chemicals to the lower parts of our lungs and make their way through our circulation.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
By choosing to wear regenerative / organic fibers instead, or items made with recycled plastic fibers (which you will still need to wash in a microfiber catching bag as they will still shed microfibers, but at least avoid virgin petrochemicals) whether it is for yoga, spin, or everyday life, you ensure you’re dressing responsibly.
Though there are almost zero workout brands that are completely plastic-free (because spandex/elastic is also plastic), but there are plenty of amazing sustainable and ethical brands out there that are as close as you can get to good and green.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE; HOWEVER, that one ought not go Marie Kondo on the stretchy gear we already have. The best step forward for any kind of workout gear or fabrics produced through petrochemicals is to get a microfiber safe washing bag like GUPPY FRIEND or CORA BALL so you can wash your clothing responsibly.
6 ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE ATHLETIC WEAR BRANDS
Though not a traditional activewear company, Sustain By Kat makes a pair of Organic Cotton Harem pants I do yoga in. Her company is completely climate neutral, and any dyes she uses are botanical.
Creating activewear a wide selection of organic women’s activewear, Asquith London produces its collection both ethically and sustainably.
Buy Me Once carries a brand called Starseeds, an activewear brand creating a collection of innovatively designed and durable athletic wear made from used coffee grounds and recycled polyester.
SHOP >
AZURA BAY | GMO-free Organic Cotton / Thiuram and caba-free spandex
Azura Bay carries a consciously curated collection of activewear made from 87% GMO-free organic cotton, 13% Thiuram and caba-free spandex, as well as loungewear and lingerie for any body type.
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German brand OGNX creates a super stylish collection of recycled plastic and recycled spandex athletic gear.
With fabric knit and dyed in Los Angeles, then cut and sewn in New York, Reprise Activewear produces completely in the USA.
Made in the USA, Faire Shop carries the ethical and sustainable brand, Woven Threads, who create their garments from OEKO-TEX certified Recycled P.E.T. fabric (RPET), a fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABLE FABRICS?
If you want to learn more about what fibers are sustainable, and which are not, purchase Tortoise & Lady Grey’s extremely affordable and incredibly informative ebook on Sustainable Fabrics HERE.
SPONSORED POST: This post was sponsored by multiple brands, each of which I personally selected and approached for this collaborative post. The story, including all content, experiences, suggestions and opinions, are my own.
PHOTOS: SHANE WOODWARD
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