Plastic-Free July: Say No to Single-Use Plastic and Synthetic Clothing

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Plastic-Free July is a global campaign that began in 2011 in Australia and now reaches over 190 countries, encouraging people to refuse single-use plastics for a month—and ideally beyond. It’s more than a challenge; it’s a growing movement reshaping consumption habits, raising awareness, and driving systemic change around plastic use in our daily lives [1,2].

While much attention is given to single-use plastics like bags and disposable plastics like bottles and containers, a silent but significant source of pollution often goes unnoticed: synthetic clothing. This Plastic-Free July, we explore the role of fashion in plastic pollution and how choosing organic fibers like Pima cotton can help shift the narrative.

Microplastics in Your Closet

Synthetic textiles, like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, account for over 60% of global fiber production [3]. Though marketed as performance fabrics, these materials are petroleum-based plastics. And like single-use items, they don't biodegrade. Every time synthetic clothing is washed, it releases microplastic fibers that infiltrate our water systems, food chains, and even our own bodies.

• A single polyester garment can release more than 700,000 microfibers per wash [4].
• Microplastics have been found in marine species, table salt, drinking water, and even human lungs and placentas [5,6].
• Today, synthetic microfibers are the leading source of primary microplastic pollution in oceans—more than microbeads ever were [7].

This form of pollution is often invisible but increasingly urgent. It underscores that fashion, like food and packaging, must be reimagined through a plastic-free lens.

The Plastic Footprint of Fast Fashion

Despite its glittering storefronts and glossy marketing, the controversy over fast fashion is no longer theoretical. Around the world, policymakers and citizens alike are waking up to the tangible consequences of plastic-based clothing.

In France, lawmakers have taken a bold step by passing legislation in early 2025 aimed at limiting ultra-fast fashion: The Anti-Fast Fashion Law. It directly targets brands that rely heavily on synthetic materials and overproduction, such as Shein and Temu. The new regulation introduces environmental impact labels, discourages excessive advertising, and even imposes financial penalties on companies that flood the market with short-lived, petroleum-based garments [8]. At its core, the French law acknowledges what many in the industry still deny: that synthetic clothes are not just unsustainable—they are part of a growing public health and ecological crisis.

Meanwhile, in Argentina, the fast fashion landscape is undergoing a different kind of transformation. The abrupt retreat of Forever 21 from the Argentine market in 2025 is more than just a business decision. It reflects a growing disconnect between extractive, plastic-based fashion models and the economic and environmental realities of Global South countries [9]. With rising awareness around pollution, local movements have criticized fast fashion for overwhelming national markets with low-cost, low-durability imports—items often made from polyester blends that quickly end up in landfills or incinerators.

These developments expose a central truth: fast fashion’s plastic dependency is no longer just a hidden environmental burden—it is becoming a liability. As consumers demand transparency and durability, and as governments begin to act, the industry’s petroleum-soaked infrastructure is facing overdue scrutiny.

Why Organic Cotton Is a Better Alternative

Organic cotton offers a plastic-free solution rooted in natural farming systems and circular design. But not all cotton is created equal. Peruvian organic Pima cotton stands out for its long staple fibers, which make it luxuriously soft, durable, and resistant to pilling.

How Organic Cotton Compares to Synthetics:

Organic Pima cotton is grown without GMOs, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. It uses primarily rainwater, significantly reducing water stress compared to conventional cotton [11,12]. And because it's harvested manually, the integrity of each fiber is preserved—making it ideal for premium-quality clothing that lasts.

But beyond the environmental impact and fiber quality, organic pima cotton embodies a broader ethical and social commitment. Grown in small-scale, often family-run farms, organic Pima cotton supports rural economies through fair pricing, non-exploitative labor, and long-term supplier relationships. These aren’t abstract values; they translate into real benefits: families with stable income, the preservation of local agricultural knowledge, and resistance to extractive industrial models.

AYA’s Plastic-Free Commitment

At AYA, we believe that sustainability starts with the materials we choose—and how we treat those who cultivate and craft them. Our garments are made exclusively with 100% organic Peruvian Pima cotton, free of synthetic blends, coatings, or finishes.

What Makes AYA Plastic-Free:

• 100% Organic Pima Cotton: No polyester, nylon, acrylic, or blended fabrics—just natural, breathable softness.
• Natural Threads & Labels: We avoid hidden plastics in stitching or tags, opting for fully compostable components: pima cotton.
• Low-Impact Dyes: Our fabrics are colored using GOTS-certified low-impact dyes, free from petroleum-based pigments.
• Plastic-Free Packaging: All orders ship in recyclable and compostable materials—no polybags, no foam, no shrink wrap.
• Short, Transparent Supply Chain: All production takes place in Peru, supporting local farmers and artisans while reducing transport-related emissions.

We design with durability in mind: timeless pieces meant to be worn often and cherished longer. In doing so, we move away from fast fashion’s disposability and toward a regenerative model rooted in respect—for people and the planet.

Manual harvesting of organic cotton in Peruvian fields.

Beyond Plastic-Free July: Reduce Plastic in Your Wardrobe

Plastic-Free July is just the beginning. Here’s how to make lasting change through what you wear:

• Take a closer look at your clothes: Read the labels and choose garments made from 100% natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or wool. These materials are better for your skin and the planet.
• Rethink your laundry habits: Washing your clothes less often, using cold water, and air drying can help reduce microfiber pollution and extend the life of your garments.
• Watch out for greenwashing: Labels like “eco-friendly” or “made with recycled polyester” can still mean plastic. Always look for transparent brands that explain their materials and offer real certifications.
• Choose quality over quantity: One well-made natural fiber shirt you wear for years is worth more than five trendy synthetic tops that fall apart after a few washes.
• Share the Knowledge: Talk about plastic-free fashion, organize swaps, and support brands aligned with your values.

Final Thought: Wear What Matters

The clothes we wear are not neutral—they either contribute to pollution or help restore ecosystems. This Plastic-Free July, let’s go beyond the bag and the straw. Let’s start with the fabric closest to our skin.

At AYA, every thread is a commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility, and cultural integrity. We design with purpose so you can wear your values—confidently, consciously, and plastic-free.

AYA Collection: 100% organic pima cotton, plastic-free and natural dyes.

Authors & Researchers

Jordy Munarriz

Environmental Engineer with a master's degree in renewable energy and a specialization in sustainability. Researcher and writer, he combines his technical knowledge with his passion for environmental communication, addressing topics of ecological impact and sustainable solutions in the textile industry and beyond.