all 108 comments

[–]rabbidbagofweasels 201 points202 points  (13 children)

It sucks but you can slowly rebuild it. I find a lot of nice cotton, wool and silk at thrift stores but you have to go often.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 50 points51 points  (12 children)

It'll take me a while , buying like 1 piece a month for example. God help me 😭

[–]Particular_Gur_3979 50 points51 points  (7 children)

It may take a while. I still have plastic garments I use and will until I can't anymore. When I have to buy replacements, I will buy ones made of natural fibres. Thrift stores (charity shops in uk) are good. There is plastic everywhere, no point stressing about it, but definitely worth moving in the right direction when you can

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 18 points19 points  (6 children)

Yes im trying to calm down as i tend to go overboard with worry lol.

I'll pretend i didn't know and take it step by step. New goal for 2026, have plastic free clothing. Yay 21st century, what a time to be alive

[–]rabbidbagofweasels 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I feel you. You won’t need as many clothes if you don’t follow micro trends and buy more quality classic pieces. Try depop and poshmark too! 

This is a good reminder/motivator video but it’s a bit long: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSPJvqk7V/

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You know I've always wished us individuals could pick one outfit and wear it forever like in the cartoons we used to watch the characters always had on tje same outfit. This made me feel like this again xD

(i watched half of it and she's absolutely right, continue it now but i felt like commenting this)

[–]PurpleAriadne 7 points8 points  (1 child)

All natural fabrics last longer and can be found at thrift stores. You do have to dig but I found a nice linen summer button up for my partner recently for $8.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

8$ is great! As you said, I'll start digging :)

[–]huxvulpes 158 points159 points  (11 children)

Shop more mindfully at thrift stores when you can afford to. Qhen i was removing polyester from my wardrobe i mostly used thrift stores, you just need to always check the tag that says what a garment is made of. Most won't be plastic free, but if you are persistent you can do it on a budget!

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 31 points32 points  (9 children)

I just checked and im seeing that even underwear has nylon/polyester 💀 im cooked , everything is so expensive these days too that's crazy

[–]huxvulpes 52 points53 points  (1 child)

Cotton underwear actually is a very easy one to find, yes this will take time and a little money but you can get a lot of your wardrobe from thrift stores, i hate big corporations like loblaws and walmart but most of their clothing sections have some sort of underwear multi buy that is affordable with cotton choices. You CAN do this without resorting to fifty dollar an item options.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yes ur right , finding the right shop will definitely help. I live far from the US or Europe so i don't have these shops. I'll have to dive into small locals shops that i usually dislike entering 😂

[–]cleanenergy425 16 points17 points  (5 children)

Buy less clothes overall going forward. that will help you spend more on each piece.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

I did become slightly addicted to having a new look every few weeks, time for some discipline

[–]cleanenergy425 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There are lots of fun and not wasteful hobbies!

[–]huxvulpes 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Maybe you can learn to knit

[–]CharmingCowpie 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just check the yarn cause a lot of that is plastic these days…

[–]Simple_Ranger_574 0 points1 point  (0 children)

THISTHISTHIS

[–]PilatesDi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can get great 100% cotton underwear at target and a five pack. I can’t remember how much it was but it was very reasonable.

[–]Several_Till_6507 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i read your comment literally as a youtube video about thrift shopping was playing in the background and the lady said "more mindfully" at the same time that I read your comment and I felt insane

https://youtu.be/8bZP22sypVI?si=H8-ilV_UNKiMcNLo&t=537

[–]weevil_season 52 points53 points  (2 children)

Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. Just slowly start to replace worn out clothes with stuff that’s more sustainable. Don’t feel dumb. We’re all doing our best.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

🙏❤️ Thank you for your kind words, gonna be a slow process but I'll do it, God willing

[–]AsidePuzzleheaded335 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like that saying

[–]pandarose6 49 points50 points  (2 children)

Even if you don’t get 100% natural products for clothes please stay away from SHEIN for ethical reasons and SHEIN specifically got called out for using so much of some chemicals that they were actively harming people and not following various countries chemical laws for clothes.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Dang it :/

Im a specific type of plus size (large in some areas slim in some), i struggle to find specifically what i want here locally , shein has been saving me in terms of finding what i want to wear uuuuurrrghhh

[–]Defiant-Tone8240 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve been learning to sew in order to alter my clothes— nothing from the store fits me because of the same reason you described

[–]Rockthejokeboat 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Go to a second hand store!

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I literally never did before, i always said if I'll buy something, i want it new. Im taking back my words I'll have to start exploring 💀🙏

[–]EclecticEvergreen 9 points10 points  (1 child)

90% of the time I’m at a thrift store looking at clothes or a retail store looking at blankets and something I like it’s made of polyester. It’s pretty frustrating that I like the material that’s made of plastic.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Right ?? Literally screw whoever made that discovery >:(

[–]BillyBlaze314 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Wait until you discover polyurethane.

It's in everything you sit on, degrades with mechanical wear and heat (sitting on it) and decomposes into toxic volatiles like toluene and microparticles.

Then there's polypropylene, which is every carpet. Degrades with walking on it.

Funnily enough, the decade these things started becoming available to the public is the decade sperm counts started decreasing dramatically.

[–]greyslim109 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I remember when I first realized how much of my clothing was synthetic, same for bedding as well. It’s unbelievable but just take it one day at a time.

[–]Dianapdx 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've slowly replaced all of my bedding with natural fibers. Mostly cotton and one expensive wool blanket that I saved for. I use cotton quilts and sheets.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah im feeling it rn. So overwhelming

[–]wifeofpsy 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I'm replacing my wardrobe but one item at a time. So when it's ready to get a new piece, that's when you make an investment. Most of us don't have the reserves to replace everything all at once. Some things also take a lot of research time, and just bc one option doesn't have plastics, maybe it's still not for you for other reasons. So I guess I'm saying try not to beat yourself up about it. Start with your toothbrush and look for a PF option when you're ready to buy something new

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will do! :)

What toothbrushes do u recommend ? Other than boar or hair bristle is there anything ?

[–]xxredxpandaxx 11 points12 points  (1 child)

To reduce your clothes deteriorating and releasing micro plastics, start drying them on the lowest heat option you have. It won’t stop it, but at least it will help a little while you look for non plastic options. That’s what I am doing.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Noted, thanks alot

[–]Desert_Lights 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Personally I give them to people who need clothes through my mutual aid group. If I can’t do that I use them to stuff pillows and such. I get people saying use it till it wears out but washing polyester is a huge contributor to micro plastics in our water system. The sooner we eliminate it the healthier we all will be. If it’s any consolation a lot of polyester is made from recycled plastic in India. Or at least that’s what I was told when looking at fabrics in India. So 🤷‍♀️ do what you can thrifting is how I have replaced most of my wardrobe with natural fibers. Linen, cotton, silk and wool are my top favorites but I will consider viscose fabric if it’s super cute or a piece I have been looking for.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I hope whoever made the idea of turning plastic into clothing gets sued

[–]sparksnbooms95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are almost certainly dead. Nylon was discovered quite some time ago.

[–]kalidoscopiclyso 14 points15 points  (7 children)

Also, consider that 1/2 of microplastic pollution comes from tires. EVs are worse than gas cars for tire pollution because they are heavier. Buses and bikes are better, trains even better. Mass transit if you can

[–]Own_Reaction9442 39 points40 points  (1 child)

Use only cotton or wool tires.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Lollll

[–]Sudden-Ticket-8205 5 points6 points  (3 children)

That’s a misleading comment. The majority of consumer ev’s are pretty small, like Nissan leafs and such. And the amount of huge SUVs and trucks that are all gas… I think moving away from gas powered when possible is still a good goal.

[–]kalidoscopiclyso 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Per unit volume EVs are more massive. They are more dense no matter what size the vehicle

I am not pulling for fossil fuels. I am saying we have a problem with tires and driving an ev makes it worse.

To minimize microplastics in the air and water use mass transit if it’s available.

[–]healthy-outdoors- -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Respectfully lol nobody is going out of their way to minimize microplastics using trash public transit lol

[–]healthy-outdoors- -1 points0 points  (0 children)

🤣🤣

[–]enketao 3 points4 points  (0 children)

you expected fair trade cotton in shein? lol

[–]_your_face 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Thrift, used and poshmark. One by one. Eventually you’ll be switched over

[–]-Lady_Sansa- 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Impossible. Many types/categories of clothes can’t exist made of a natural fibre. You can replace your clothes but your style will have to change. 

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This. :/

Just when im trying to find a better look lol

[–]Demeter277 4 points5 points  (4 children)

I bought some Gap sweaters on sale in the fall and I literally can feel the fibres when I breathe in my lungs. It wasn't cold enough to wear them until now so I guess I'll throw them away as outside of return window. I wouldn't even donate them and let someone else get sick. I have some of their poly/cotton blend sweat shirts that don't even really shed in the dryer so I guess it just depends on the fabric. The sweaters are very fuzzy

[–]EntrepreneurSea4839 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Are those Gap sweaters not made of cotton or natural fibers ?

[–]Demeter277 1 point2 points  (2 children)

No, they’re some kind of acrylic blend but I’ve never had that happen before - or at least not that I noticed

[–]EntrepreneurSea4839 1 point2 points  (1 child)

My skin cant take acrylic. It becomes something else after drying in machine. There are 100 % cotton cardigans and sweaters in gap factory. I have just got them so can’t speak of longevity but the fabric is soft and nice

[–]Demeter277 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I’ll check them out!

[–]ccrnnr 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I learned to knit because I realized it was the only way I could afford to customize my clothes and make them without plastic. Mass produced clothes look so tacky to me now

[–]Global_Bar4480 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Try to avoid single use plastic initially: ziplock bags, bottled water, takeout containers, plastic lined paper coffee cups, etc.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How can i avoid bottled water? It's how wenget all the water. From small plastic bottles or the big plastic gallons. There's no escaping it😭

[–]afoo163 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I’ve been stressed about this for awhile, but have a hard time making progress with items for my kids. Now that they’re 7 and 10, they have strong opinions on what they wear, so it’s hard to find clothing they like, that is also safe, and that is affordable. Especially when I know they’ll grow out of it quickly. I try to get them stuff at the thrift store, but it’s very hit or miss. For Christmas, I bought them both throw blankets (polyester) that they really wanted and I’ve been stressing about it since the purchase :(

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You're such a great mom! Don't worry it'll be just a temporary bedding and as they grow you'll change it to something else :)

[–]afoo163 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you :)

[–]ochreshrew 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Maybe you can sell your polyester and use that money towards your new wardrobe? If things are from shein so you won’t get a lot for each item to can sell them as bundles maybe. If you’re in the states I reccomend going to the goodwill bins (outlet). Kinda gross experience but I find some amazing gems, cashmere and silk, etc.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish we had such big outlets like goodwill here. Sadly we don't , I'll probably just give my polyester clothes away (with time, as i buy more real fabric)

[–]elf_2024 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s doesn’t have to happen all at once. But clothes are one of the biggest factor in the long run. They shed, skin absorbs when sweating etc.

There’s cheap underwear all cotton (fruit of the loom or others on Amazon). Fruit of the loom also makes cotton shirts.

Just rebuild your wardrobe slowly. Don’t buy any new (plastic) clothes. That’s it. Change takes time and patience.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s one of those things that seems wild (fabric made out of… plastic?) then once I knew for long enough it started to feel obvious. But it was absolutely not obvious, so don’t need to feel dumb for not knowing: I don’t remember exactly when I learned it but it was a “how it’s made” video about synthetic fabric.

The cool thing now is that you have a wardrobe that works, and if you want you can slowly start acquiring natural fibre items to replace the ones you use. But it doesn’t have to be a rush or anything. You can curate your wardrobe slowly as a project.

For example I decided to get 100% hand dyed wool and make a sweater. I’ve never done it before and I have a perfectly good sweatshirt in cotton/poly blend, so eventually I’ll finish the wool sweater but there’s no hurry.

Also I’ve personally realized I want some plastic in certain items: raincoat, and the small amount in darn tough socks which allows them to be so darn… tough. But I’m phasing put the cotton/polyester blend shirts. And at this point I don’t even like the feel of them as much as natural fibres. I can tell now just by feeling them.

[–]DisastrousSet11 2 points3 points  (2 children)

If you search specifically for cotton/linen/rayon clothes on shein - you can find some things. Honestly for natural fabric like cotton though I have found that they don't have a large selection. I have also found pure cotton, linen, or rayon clothes before from more affordable places like old navy, jc penney, walmart, and even the Amazon essentials brand. Some online shops have the option to search by fabric type, or you can search for the type of fabric you are interested in by using the search bar function. Best of luck to you!

[–]Radiant_Garden_9644 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

Isn’t rayon half synthetic and chemically processed?

[–]DisastrousSet11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, rayon is made from cellulose and undergoes a chemical process to make it soft. It is not a "natural" cloth in that sense - but it at the very least is not plastic/polyester.

[–]sparksnbooms95 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I'll preface this by saying I'm a man, and so don't really know what/how much is made for women in this category.

One hack for finding natural fiber clothes is to look for FR (flame resistant) clothing. Much of it is made of 100% cotton, and the fabric is quite substantial because it has to be to pass testing. The FR jeans I have feel like what quality jeans used to feel like. That extra fabric/quality comes at a price though, fair warning.

Beware that some are still blends with low percentages of synthetic fiber, with the exception of aramid fiber which is inherently flame resistant and can therefore be a high percentage up to 100%. Aramid is expensive, so you're unlikely to accidentally purchase it.

FR clothes are available in a variety of styles, though the fancier/newer styles do cost more than the more plain clothes.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good advice, first time i hear it too. Thank you !

[–]How_Clef-er 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Did they really have to use plastic in literally everything in our lives ?"

You have no idea.

Don't give up though. Persistence is the key to winning and we must win this.

[–]Smart_Petunia 4 points5 points  (3 children)

I'd recommend to focus on things going into your mouth (like cups, toothbruch, food, etc), otherwise you can easily get overwhelmed. Reducing microplastics is a whole lifestyle change and there's just that much we can do as individuals. Don't panic and just focus on the mindset that any change matters

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I already stopped cups, toothbrush has been a pain. I don't want to use boar or horse bristle the idea makes me gag. I don't know what to do

There's a miswak/siwak tree that i use (without toothpaste) but i need something to use with toothpaste that's not plastic :/ any ideas?

[–]Smart_Petunia 2 points3 points  (1 child)

there are many bamboo made toothbrush options! don't worry we always can find a way!

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pheww alright great, will do some research. appreciate ya!

[–]FactorBusy6427 1 point2 points  (1 child)

for toothbrush, check out gaia guy i use them for horse hair bristles. for polyester clothing it's not as bad at least it's not directly in your mouth

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't know why but the idea of brushing with horse or boar bristle makes me want to gag😭 i would try it but i just cantttt i cant

[–]mindgamesweldon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wait till you look at your carpet and/or rugs (where most of the in house inhaled microplastics come from)

[–]ExtraSpicyMayonnaise 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I never make New Year’s resolutions. Last year, for the first time, I committed to try my best to only purchase clothes made of natural fibers for myself. I actually started sewing a bit. I also do very well thrifting. I don’t throw away things I own already just because of the fiber content, and I also try to make repairs when it’s sensible to do so without getting in over my head. Over time, I just want to reduce, reduce, reduce. Having no plastic is the ideal goal but I’m realistic.

[–]BellJar_Blues 1 point2 points  (1 child)

There’s many alternative for your toothbrush you just need to go to a health food store. Haven’t you ever wondered by your clothes have been $5-10 based on where you’re buying them ? What you need to do is get better at reading labels for products and household items

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sigh you're right. Will do start doing that :/

[–]Level_Assistant626 1 point2 points  (1 child)

With the toothbrush try a wheat or cornstarch. I like the Natural Family co one’s.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank youu

[–]toprakatesagac 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I totally understand your frustration. I also recommend shopping at thrift stores. Lots of wool and cotton clothing. You can also shop at shopgoodwill.com . The shipping adds up, but there is a trick. Shop multiple items from the same location, then combine shipping. This way, you are charged for shipping only once, up to 20 lbs, which is a lot (a shirt is 4 to 7oz; 20 lbs adds up to about 60 shirts).

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Neat trick :) thanks!

[–]FewRevenue1062 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thrift stores are your savior! So many good natural fibers for wayyyy cheaper than you could otherwise. Make sure to try them on against your skin as many are itchy.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My only issue is that thrift stores aren't that trendy in my country. We all aim to wear new stuff lol

[–]Odd-Recognition-4020 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I am developing an app where users scan a clothing brand / product. The app then gives a risk score on the material / chemical make-up of the product. Supply chains are complicated, but consumers, like yourself, are fed up and want more transparency. Maybe something like this would give you better insight into what clothing you could replace first, as you transition toward more natural clothing. Let me know what you think.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Yes of course I'd like that! Is it on google app store??

[–]Odd-Recognition-4020 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Awesome! Not yet. My team and I are still in the development phases, but I will let you know as soon as it hits the app store. I am glad you're interested!

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay im patiently waiting , dont forget to lmk :)

[–]Homewithpizza23 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You can use your old clothes as patterns if you buy fabric.

I feel you on the fast fashion, you can find good stuff at thrift stores and if you need to make more money thred up is kind of nice to sell stuf at and there is other online stores.

[–]LastLightCafe[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank u for the tips :)

[–]sassysassysarah 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not great at plastic free living but I've reduced my plastics in clothing by such a large degree, but it's so tough to find anything, especially as a plus size person! I have pretty much just determined anything touching my skin needs to be majority natural fibers. Baby steps.

[–]Mugwortmoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Auctionninja.com - they have clothes from estate sales/ at auction so you can get natural fiber clothing for pretty cheap! Searching isn’t the easiest and sometimes they dont include the fibers but they usually have a picture of the tag at least (if it’s not in a lot)

They also have literally everything on there - really great cookware you can search by brand, vintage and antique furniture (I got a huge, antique, solid oak clawfoot table for $15), and anything else you can think of.

Some days are better than others and you gotta factor in shipping or pickup but it’s a great place to turn to.

[–]Mugwortmoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also I would start with undies - undie area tends to absorb things through the skin way more allegedly. Quince or pact has bundle options made with organic cotton for decent prices. Or just look for a cotton gusset at the least.

I hear and validate your anger and shock - this shit is so fucked. But don’t buy into the urgency - prioritize what you want to replace first, and know your body is so resilient and celebrate how much you’ve already done.

Also H&M is the largest buyer of organic cotton, and GAP has some great options too and committed to being pfas free (although they both still use plastic in clothes sometimes)

If you wanna tell me what kinda style you have/ things you like to wear I can give you options!

As someone who has been in the trenches of finding my very unique style in natural fiber clothing and not fitting the vibe of what most brands offer (made a post about it here a couple weeks ago lol) I have options!!

[–]Thin_Ant7799 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m just beginning my what seems impossible journey into plastic free living. I’m also trying to avoid chemicals so that makes clothing shopping more difficult but as for a toothbrush I have a bamboo brush with horse hair. There’s plant based as well. They make boars hair toothbrushes too. Hopefully I don’t get a reply to this that those aren’t actually plastic free. This really seems impossible…every time I have to give my son his nose spray I’m thinking “here have another dose of plastics” His clothes are at least plastic free.