As the world marks Earth Day, attention is turning not just to oceans, forests, or carbon emissions—but to something far closer to home: the clothes we wear. While many associate plastic pollution with discarded bottles or packaging, experts are sounding the alarm over a lesser-known but increasingly urgent threat—synthetic clothing.
According to environmental advocates, including Rachael Z. Miller, founder of the Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, much of the modern fashion industry is built on plastic. “Most of the clothing that we all wear is made out of synthetic or plastic-based materials,” Miller explains. “That may come as a surprise to people who think about cotton t-shirts and wool, but the way it’s all evolved is that the majority of our clothing is synthetic—and the majority of that is polyester.”
Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers dominate global textile production, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total clothing output. While durable and cost-effective, these materials are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to widespread microplastic pollution.
Microfibers: The Hidden Threat in Your Laundry
Each time synthetic garments are worn, washed, or tumble-dried, they release microscopic plastic fibers—known as microfibers—into the environment. These tiny particles are so small that they bypass water filtration systems, ending up in rivers, lakes, and eventually, the ocean.
Marine animals ingest these fibers, mistaking them for food, and in doing so, pass plastics up the food chain—eventually reaching humans. “It’s a complete cycle,” says Miller. “What we wear doesn’t just affect our closets; it ends up in the bodies of wildlife, and even in our own.”
A 2022 study by the Ocean Wise Research Institute estimated that a single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microfibers into the water system. With millions of households washing clothes daily, the cumulative environmental toll is staggering.
Simple Changes for a Big Impact
While the scope of the problem may seem overwhelming, experts agree that there are immediate steps individuals can take to reduce their contribution to microfiber pollution.
“One of the easiest things people can do is wash their clothes less frequently and opt for cold water instead of hot,” Miller advises. “Hot water breaks down fabrics faster, leading to more shedding.”
Additionally, choosing air drying over tumble drying and using shorter, gentler wash cycles can significantly decrease fiber loss. But for those looking to make a more active contribution, Miller has developed a unique tool designed specifically to tackle the issue.
Introducing the Cora Ball: A Laundry Innovation
Inspired by coral reefs, which naturally filter debris from seawater, Miller invented the Cora Ball—a simple yet powerful device designed to reduce microfiber pollution during laundry. This laundry ball can be tossed into a washing machine, where it gently agitates clothing to prevent friction and collect loose fibers.
“The Cora Ball is designed to protect our ocean and our public waterways by preventing the problem of microfiber pollution,” Miller explains. “It works in two ways: First, it reduces shedding by keeping clothes from rubbing against each other. Second, it captures some of the broken fibers before they wash out through the drain.”
Since its launch, the Cora Ball has gained international recognition as an easy-to-use solution for environmentally conscious consumers. It’s now used in homes across North America and Europe, with a growing user base in Africa and Asia.
“People want to help, but they often don’t know how. The Cora Ball makes it possible to be part of the solution just by doing your laundry,” Miller adds.
Industry Accountability and the Call for Change
While individual actions are vital, environmental experts emphasize that systemic change is also essential. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that the fashion industry must move toward sustainable production models to combat its heavy environmental footprint.
In a recent report, UNEP called on manufacturers to adopt more eco-friendly practices—including the development of biodegradable fabrics, reduced reliance on fossil fuel-based materials, and better filtration systems in washing machines and industrial laundries.
“The responsibility cannot fall solely on consumers,” said Ligia Noronha, UNEP’s Director of the Economy Division. “Policymakers, manufacturers, and fashion brands must collaborate to establish stronger regulations and adopt cleaner technologies.”
Several clothing companies have responded to growing pressure by launching lines made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, or natural fibers like hemp and bamboo. Yet environmentalists argue that the scale of transformation remains too small to offset the industry’s current trajectory.
Conscious Fashion: A Growing Movement
Despite challenges, a growing number of consumers are embracing the “slow fashion” movement—prioritizing quality over quantity, buying secondhand, and supporting brands committed to sustainability.
“Every choice we make matters,” says Miller. “Whether it’s rethinking how we shop or how we wash our clothes, small changes can collectively lead to big results.”
Social media platforms have also played a role in raising awareness, with influencers and eco-activists using Earth Day to educate followers on the hidden environmental costs of fast fashion.
As Earth Day 2025 prompts reflection and action across the globe, the message is clear: protecting the planet doesn’t start in the rainforest or the ocean—it begins right at home, in our closets, washing machines, and shopping carts.
The Future of Fashion is Green
Looking ahead, advocates like Miller hope innovations like the Cora Ball and consumer-led demand will accelerate the shift to sustainable clothing practices. “We all wear clothes. That means we all have the power to make a difference,” she says.
With plastic pollution threatening ecosystems and human health alike, Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder that even the clothes we wear carry environmental consequences—and that real change is possible, one outfit at a time.
