RPET Clothing
Plastic was invented to last, but unfortunately it is lasting far too long. 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, and due to overproduction and mismanagement, it now makes up 80% of the ocean's debris. Our oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface and it has become our largest dumping ground. Plastics in our landfills take thousands of years to break down, leaching toxic chemicals into our Earth. These chemicals can breakdown into groundwater, endangering both animals and human health. Machinery, cars, eye glasses, and even micro beads found in toothpaste are all made with plastic. Several chemicals used in the production of plastic materials are known to be carcinogenic and harmful to our body’s system. It can cause developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders in both humans and wildlife.
What can be done?
Our plastic problem is big and change needs to happen. Reducing the amount of plastic we use is a must but in the meantime let's recycle what we have, so it can be repurposed.
PET is polyethylene terephthalate; which is basically the plastic found in many of your everyday plastic containers (ie: water bottles, food jars, household liquid containers etc..). This plastic, if recycled, can be turned into RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) products such as t-shirts, hats or reusable bags. The polyester fibers used to make these products are easy to recycle!
From Plastic to Fabric
PET products are easily found by their #1 recycling label. Recycling these products gives a second life to plastics, helping reduce plastics in our landfills.
Step 1: Plastic bottles/containers/jars are cleaned from any debris or liquid leftover.
Step 2: The bottles are shredded into pellets
Step 3: The pellets are crushed and melted
Step 4: The melted plastic is spun into thread
This doesn't solve the entire problem of the longevity of plastic on this planet, but it gives new life to the already-made products we have. When customers buy RPET products they are sending a message to companies who value their sustainability efforts. This creates a demand for recycled goods and values the recycling product production.
Trying to do our part at SOL TERRA SHOP, all our apparel is made from recycled plastic RPET, hemp or 100% organic cotton. Feel good about your sustainable contribution to our planet and look stylish while doing it! Check them out-- you won't be able to tell the difference!