Though pitched as sustainable, recycled polyester is unfortunately part of the problem for many reasons, including the fact that laundering your polyester clothing is a significant source of micro-fiber pollution in our own Great Lakes and rivers. Tiny particles of polyester attract a multitude of toxic substances in the environment and are consumed by fish and other organisms who mistake them for food. The entire food chain is affected in ways few realize. Polyester is plastic, petroleum-based, and has toxic impacts throughout all trophic levels. Please take 2.5 minutes to watch this critical and well-informed video: The Story of Polyester
We all became more informed and empowered to make choices that prevent pollution and improve health. Participants used colorful designs to express ideas about how our sense of self and community influences our capacity to be part of the solution.
Before you buy another fleece or piece of polyester, consider the difference between what you really need and what you want. Our evening provided a delightful opportunity to leverage our creative capacity and shed light on human inventiveness and connectedness. Our Interplay designs explored intersections between who we are and what we can do to reduce apparel’s impact on our health and the environment.