The 5% Problem: How Spandex Ruins 95% of Clothing

Previously on Salaaz we touched on how Polyester is a problematic plastic that is quite invasive to our wardrobe. However, it doesnt end with polyester, elastane or spandex is another synthetic part of clothes that needs to be avoided and here is why.

• Elastane is a replacement of Rubber as it is easier to produce but it is also not biodegradable or compostable and ends up in 80% of clothes that are thrown away in landfills

• The presence of even a small amount of spandex drastically complicates recycling and is often rejected with even 5%.

• The small 5% of spandex in the majority of clothing seems insignificant but the reality is due to it not being recyclable it creates a 95% of clothes with spandex to be sent to landfills and contributes to the greater textile waste issue.

• Just like polyester, spandex is derived from oil and is processed with many, many chemicals that create its stretchy and appealing look. Ultimately many of the same concerns lie in spandex as well. 

• Some of the concerning effects of spandex include causing damage to the kidneys, liver, brain, and bone marrow. It also contains formaldehyde and other toxins from the coloured dyes.

Keep in mind, Spandex sticks to your body. This is clothing that is rubbing against you for hours at a time. That is toxic chemically processed plastic consistently rubbing on your skin. A better alternative is the real, natural, organic, and sustainable rubber.

Real Rubber and Real Clothes

Here is RawGanique, where you can buy clothing that is 100% plastic free, natural, organic and biodegradable. This company truly has beautiful simple yet timeless staples that you can keep in your closet for a long time. 

RawGanique

• 100% biodegradable

• non-toxic fiber-reactive eco dyes

• natural cork labels

• organic cotton thread, tagua nut & coconut buttons

• Organic elastics

With a few of their pieces you can fill your closet with some healthy, non-toxic, and biodegradable high-quality clothing that is good for both you and the planet. It is definitely worth wearing real natural clothes rather than chemical-filled plastic!

Why Minimalism is Better Than Consumerism

A person might not realize it, but sometimes buying less is actually more. When you overconsume, products tend to lose value, get lost, barely get used, and ultimately get wasted. Physical clutter actually leads to mental clutter. When you are in a disorganized environment, there is increased anxiety, stress, disturbance with sleep, and dampened mood. 

One of the best ways of maintaining a clutter-free environment is to have a controlled level of items that can be organized efficiently and are actually meaningful. This means keeping clothes in your closet that you actually wear on a weekly basis, keeping only appliances in your kitchen that you use as a necessity, and having less junk to distract yourself. Ultimately it is fulfilling to know that if you want something, it can be found, and if you decide to wear clothes, it isn't a major decision. 

Rather than continuing to buy spandex clothing that ultimately ends up in landfills, consider adopting a more intentional and balanced approach to your wardrobe through minimalism.