Why Are We Paying So Much for Plastic?
From fast fashion staples to high-end designer collections, this synthetic fiber infiltrates closets and runways alike. But beneath its shiny façade lies a troubling reality: polyester is plastic.
The Plastic Truth About Polyester
Polyester is derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same polymer used to produce plastic bottles. While its affordability, durability, and ease of production make it a favorite among brands, the implications for human health and the planet are alarming. By wearing polyester, we’re effectively draping ourselves in plastic, exposing our skin to synthetic materials and the chemicals used to create them. The question of whether polyester or its associated chemicals can contribute to cancer remains under study, but the inclusion of known endocrine disruptors in its production is cause for concern.
A Narrative Deserving of Scrutiny
Polyester is touted by some as a “sustainable” choice when made from recycled plastic bottles. While recycling plastic into fibers may divert waste from landfills, it does not eliminate polyester’s environmental footprint. Polyester production relies on petroleum, a finite and environmentally damaging resource. Additionally, polyester is non-biodegradable, taking centuries to break down and contributing to the growing crisis of textile waste.
Moreover, the energy-intensive processes required to recycle plastic into fibers still emit greenhouse gases, perpetuating climate change. The claim of sustainability is further undermined when polyester garments are priced exorbitantly by luxury brands, despite their reliance on cheap materials.
The Ethics of Polyester Pricing
How can brands justify high price tags for clothing made from polyester? The material’s low production cost starkly contrasts with its markup in the retail space, raising ethical questions about transparency and fairness. High-end designers often promote their garments as luxury items, yet the use of polyester is a contradiction, prioritizing profit margins over quality and sustainability.
For consumers, this is a form of usury. By charging premium prices for inexpensive, environmentally harmful materials, brands exploit both their customers and the planet. This exploitation undermines the principles of ethical and sustainable fashion, betraying the trust of conscientious buyers.
Rethinking “Sustainability”
To those who argue that turning plastic into polyester fibers is a sustainable solution: it’s time for a deeper conversation. True sustainability involves reducing reliance on plastic altogether, not repurposing it into another form of pollution. Polyester’s impact on water systems, ecosystems, and human health is undeniable. Continuing to champion this material under the guise of sustainability perpetuates harm rather than addressing the root causes of our environmental crisis.
