Your Clothes Are Shedding Plastic: The Shocking Truth About Microplastics

We all know plastic pollution is choking our oceans and harming wildlife, but did you know it's also invading our bodies through the clothes we wear? Microplastics, tiny particles shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, are finding their way into our lungs, our bloodstreams, and even our brains. And that's not all. These fabrics are often treated with harmful chemicals like PFAS, posing further risks to our health and the environment.

The Microplastic Problem:

Every time we wash synthetic clothing, millions of microplastic fibres break off and enter our waterways. These tiny particles are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants, meaning they end up polluting our oceans and harming marine life. [1] But the problem doesn't stop there. Research suggests that we're ingesting and inhaling these microplastics, with potential consequences for our health.

Dr. Rhonda Patrick, in her FoundMyFitness podcast [2], highlights studies showing microplastics can disrupt our gut microbiome, trigger inflammation, and even cross the blood-brain barrier. Similarly, Dr. Andrew Huberman, in his Huberman Lab podcast [3], discusses the potential of microplastics to disrupt hormone function and contribute to various health issues.

The PFAS Peril:

To make matters worse, many synthetic fabrics are treated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals." These chemicals are used to make clothing water and stain-resistant, but they come with a hefty price.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified PFAS as a significant human health threat. [4] These chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including immune deficiency, hormonal disruption, liver damage, increased cholesterol, and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer.

Hemp: A Safe and Sustainable Solution:

The good news is that there's a natural, sustainable alternative: hemp clothing. Hemp is a durable, versatile fibre that requires minimal pesticides and water to grow. Unlike synthetic fabrics, hemp doesn't shed microplastics and doesn't require treatment with harmful chemicals like PFAS.

Benefits of Hemp Clothing:

• Biodegradable: Hemp breaks down naturally in the environment, reducing pollution.
• Durable and long-lasting: Hemp clothing is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear.
• Breathable and moisture-wicking: Hemp fabric keeps you cool and comfortable in warm weather.
• Antimicrobial: Hemp naturally resists bacteria and odour.
• UV protection: Hemp provides natural protection from the sun's harmful rays.

By choosing hemp clothing, you're not only protecting your health but also making a positive impact on the planet. It's time to ditch the plastic and embrace hemp's natural goodness.

Margaret River Hemp Co. - Your Choice for Sustainable Style

At Margaret River Hemp Co., we're passionate about providing high-quality hemp clothing that's good for you and the environment. Our collection features a range of stylish and comfortable garments made from sustainable hemp fibres. Choose hemp, choose health, choose a better future.

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Explore our hemp clothing collection and take the first step in protecting your health and the planet.

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Citations:

[1] Boucher, J., & Friot, D. (2017). Primary microplastics in the oceans: A global evaluation of sources. IUCN.

[2] FoundMyFitness. (2021, February 1). Microplastics. [Podcast episode].

[3] Huberman Lab. (2023, July 10). The effects of microplastics on your health & how to reduce them. [Podcast episode].

[4] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.