Whether you shop for preloved or brand-new clothes, I’m sure you’ve seen new trends around organic or recycled synthetic garments. Indeed, both types of materials are meant to be much more sustainable; however, the question arises which one is better for the environment or are they equally beneficial. Below, we are going to explore both types of materials.
Organic Natural Materials
Organic is great for the environment than non-organic material, mainly because organic means without pesticides, free from synthetic materials and supports ethical and fair-trade farming. Natural materials are biodegradable and, after a short time, will decompose into the ground, unlike synthetic materials. However, an argument also highlights the high cost, energy consumption, and resources in creating these organic materials. Overall the process of making virgin materials still releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Recycled Synthetic Materials
Purchasing recycled synthetic materials is a great way to prevent materials from going to landfill only to be added to the heaps already there. Additionally, less oil is extracted from the ground to create more items. The challenge is polyester and other synthetic materials release tiny plastic particles, which is terrible for our atmosphere. Additionally, recycling synthetic materials like organic will need specific treatments such as dyes and softening, releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
The argument is complicated; buying recycled synthetic materials or organic material is more sustainable than creating virgin materials.
However, the fact is, around 80 billion clothes on the planet are currently being circulated every year. So it would make sense to always choose preloved initially instead of brand-new, whether that is organic or recycled synthetic.
Author @fashionresellerdiary
