Fashion and plastic - not so fantastic

Can you remember the times when there was no synthetic clothing? I’m pretty sure I know your answer. There are not many people left who actually could remember the introduction of plastic-based fibers into the apparel industry. It all started in 1935, when DuPont (a chemical company) introduced nylon, the first truly synthetic fiber, at the New York World's Fair. Nylon stockings quickly became a popular fashion item. Followed by polyester and acrylics, synthetic fibers revolutionized the fashion industry by providing cheap, durable textiles that don’t shrink or wrinkle.

Evolution of synthetic fibres in fashion - timeline

Sounds like a dream, right? Not quite. As much as I hate ironing and would like to avoid it at all costs, I couldn’t just ignore the negative health and environmental impact of plastic-based materials in fashion industry. Let me shed some more light on that matter:

Environmental Impact:

• Microfiber Pollution: Synthetic fibers release tiny plastic particles known as microfibers during washing, which find their way into water bodies and harm aquatic life*.
  

• Non-Biodegradable: Unlike natural fibers, synthetics do not biodegrade easily, contributing to landfill waste. Pro tip: Blends are much more complicated to recycle than single-fibre clothing.

• Energy and Resource Intensive: The production of synthetic fibers is energy-intensive and relies on petrochemicals, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
  

• Low Durability: While synthetic fibers are durable, they are more prone to pilling and wear over time compared to natural fibers like cotton or wool.
  

Health Concerns:

• Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation and discomfort when wearing synthetic fabrics, as they do not allow the skin to breathe as well as natural fibers
  

• Chemical Exposure: The production of synthetic fibers involves the use of chemicals, some of which may remain in the fabric and come into contact with the wearer's skin.

Next time you update your wardrobe, make sure to check the care label. If you wish to make more conscious fashion choices try to avoid buying clothing made of:

• Polyester Polyester is one of the most commonly used synthetic fibers in the apparel industry. It is known for its moisture-wicking properties and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking.
  

• Nylon Nylon is another popular synthetic fiber used in clothing. It is prized for its strength and elasticity, making it a common choice for activewear and hosiery.
  

• Acrylic: Acrylic fibers are often used as a substitute for wool in sweaters and other cold-weather garments. They are lightweight and retain their shape well.
  

• Spandex: Spandex, also known as elastane or Lycra, is widely used in stretchy and form-fitting garments, such as swimwear and athletic wear. Pro tip: Choose clothing that has no more than 5% elastane - it's easier to recycle.

While synthetic fibers offer numerous advantages in terms of cost and performance, it's important to consider their environmental and health impacts. As consumers become more conscious of these issues, there is a growing interest in innovative, more sustainable natural alternatives and recycled synthetic fibers.

It all comes down to our daily fashion choices. The more natural and sustainable clothing we buy, the more we contribute to decreasing the demand for synthetic fibers. Are you ready to make the change?

References: *Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., & Galloway, T. (2011). Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: Sources and sinks. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(21), 9175-9179.

Genderless Parenting: Nurturing Children's Well-Being and Potential Based on Personal Experience

Genderless parenting, also known as gender-neutral or gender-inclusive parenting, is an approach that seeks to remove societal gender expectations and stereotypes. I have to admit that the first time I heard that term when I was still a student I didn’t fully grasp the whole concept. That’s why I never looked into it further until recently. That’s when I found out I was practicing genderless parenting all along. It just came to me naturally. Before I became a mom it always bugged me that girls are always associated with everything that’s pink. I used to say that if I had a daughter she would never wear that color. I could never understand why people are so concerned about whether something is meant for a girl or a boy. What difference does it make? When Laurent was born I knew I would like to give him the opportunity to explore the world on his terms. It hasn’t always been easy since a big part of our environment still tends to fall into old-fashioned stereotypes but I knew that the struggle will pay off in a long-term run. I want to share my experience so far to demystify genderless parenting and show you what it’s actually about. Below you can find some of the major benefits of gender-neutral parenting backed with some real-life scenarios:

Encouraging Self-Discovery and Authenticity:

Genderless parenting allows children to explore and discover their authentic selves without the limitations of gender stereotypes. In other words, it simply means listening to your child and embracing their interests without judgment. One day Laurie expressed his interest in joining a ballet class which, let’s face it, is predominantly considered a feminine activity. Rather than finding him some more society-approved “masculine” hobby, I signed him up for a trial lesson. He changed his mind at the very last minute but I was still very content that I gave him the space to explore various options. Such freedom of self-discovery promotes a strong sense of self and self-acceptance, leading to increased confidence and resilience in the face of societal pressures.

Eliminating Gender Stereotypes and Bias: Children that participate in activities unrestricted by gender bias are more likely to develop a broader set of skills and interests, which promotes creativity, critical thinking, and well-rounded development. By consciously avoiding gender-specific labels, toys, and activities, genderless parenting encourages children to engage in diverse activities. Laurent has always loved all sorts of vehicles but also enjoyed taking care of his doll or cooking in his toy kitchen. He loves to play dress-up whether it’s a Spiderman suit or my heels and hats.

Supporting Personal and Professional Growth: Children raised without rigid gender roles are more likely to explore diverse career paths, engage in leadership roles, and challenge societal barriers. We all want our children to strive and develop their full potential. I try to encourage Laurie to pursue his passions and interests without the limitations of gender expectations. He’s not even four years old so I can only take part in the development stage but I look forward to seeing what benefits it will bring long-term.

Fostering Emotional Intelligence: Most of us had been thought to hide our “negative” emotions so we never got to learn how to handle them. Genderless parenting prioritizes emotional intelligence by teaching children to understand, express, and regulate their emotions. By dismantling gender-based expectations regarding feelings (ex. “Boys don’t cry”, “Girls shouldn’t get angry”), parents create a safe space for children to develop a full range of emotional skills. This foundation allows children to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate complex social situations with empathy and understanding.

Enhancing Relationship Building: We all know how much work it takes to build a strong healthy relationship based on mutual respect. Whether it’s with peers, siblings, or partners, relationships are a crucial part of our life. Modern society is having great difficulty maintaining mutual connections. Genderless parenting promotes healthy relationships by encouraging children to interact with others based on their individual qualities. Breaking free from traditional gender roles, children are more likely to form authentic and meaningful connections with others.

I believe that by raising our children we shape the future of our society. It’s a huge responsibility so in order to create a better world we need to consider what messages we’re passing on to our offspring. By providing a nurturing environment that prioritizes authenticity, emotional intelligence, equality, and respect, we can empower our children to thrive, forge unique identities, form meaningful connections, and become agents of positive change in a world that values diversity and inclusivity.

What does it really mean to be a sustainable brand?

I’m sure you’ve already heard about a sustainable business. It feels like more and more companies claim to care about the impact they have on the environment. You have to remember that some of those statements might not be genuine.

How to recognise those that are truly sustainable? Knowledge is the key. The more you learn about the brands you buy from, the more conscious your choices will get.

I know it’s easy to get lost in all the information regarding the environmental crisis, that’s why I created a simple guide on how to recognise a sustainable fashion brand. Here are a few important aspects that you should pay attention to:

• Transparent and honest communication This applies to social media, website as well as every other type of messaging. A sustainable brand is transparent about every aspect of the company from material sourcing to producing a final product. Try to choose brands that let you trace the whole manufacturing journey.
  

• Certified materials Preferably made of natural components, but recycled synthetics are also acceptable. The certificates that are the most sought in the fashion industry are:
  

  • OEKO-TEX — certifies that textiles are free from harmful chemicals

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) — certifies organic textiles

  • Fairtrade — certifies products made in fair working conditions

  • Cradle to Cradle® — based on the effort to create an eco-intelligent product

  • Made in Green — certifies that a product has been manufactured in factories that care about the environment and fair labor laws

The most commonly used sustainable fashion materials that you should go for are:

• Tercel

• Lyocell

• Organic hemp

• Organic linen

• Organic Cotton

• Recycled fibers

What to avoid?

• Polyester

• Nylon

• Acrylic

• Rayon

• Low volumes and made-to-order I’m sure you’ve heard that “less is more”. Following that mantra will lead you to sustainable fashion. Psst…. Just don’t mistake it with the common “LIMITED OFFER” calls to action you see everywhere ;)
  

• Local production Majority of sustainable brands tend to produce locally. Some of them might work with manufacturers overseas but they would hand-pick them, ensuring fair working conditions and good practices are in place. If they do, you’ll most likely learn about it from their website so keep a lookout.
  

• No plastic packaging I think we all know by now that we can live without plastic packaging. If your favourite clothing brand doesn’t realise it, it means it’s not truly sustainable.
  

• Steady prices Often price reductions may seem tempting, but they only mean that the product was overpriced just to be discounted in order to attract a wider audience.
  

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so read it, digest it, live it, and look out for more detailed information that is coming soon.

Thank you for letting us take you on this sustainable journey. See you soon!

Magda from YQUAL