When we buy clothes, we’re not just choosing colors or styles—we’re making choices that affect the planet. Every fabric has a story, and some leave a bigger mark than others. Cotton, nylon, and polyester are common, but their carbon footprints are very different.

🌱 Cotton is natural and breathable, but growing it takes a lot of water. One cotton shirt can use up to 2,700 liters of water—that’s enough for one person to drink for 2.5 years. If it’s not organic, it also uses harmful chemicals that damage soil and water. Still, cotton’s carbon footprint is lower than synthetic fabrics—about 2.1 kg CO₂e per shirt.

🧵 Polyester is made from oil. It’s cheap and strong, but its production releases 9.52 kg CO₂e per shirt—over 4x more than cotton. It also sheds microplastics when washed, which pollute oceans and harm marine life. Polyester takes up to 200 years to break down.

🧪 Nylon is even more intense. It emits up to 5.4 kg CO₂e per kg and uses energy-heavy processes. It’s durable, but its environmental cost is high.

So what should we do? Choose clothes made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, or natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, or linen. These are more sustainable and kinder to the planet. Also, buy less. Fast fashion may be trendy, but it creates waste and encourages overconsumption. Instead, invest in pieces you’ll wear often and love deeply.

Before your next shopping trip, pause. Ask: “Is this piece worth the impact?” Choose quality over quantity. Support brands that care. Your wardrobe can be powerful, poetic, and planet-friendly.

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