There is an entire category of fashion waste which is neglected and is deemed as small and therefore harmless, however when culminated over a period of time they create alarming volumes of waste and release toxic gases. Most of these items are made from synthetic materials like polyester, foam and plastic which releases methane and microplastics, thereby polluting soil, air and waterways. The irony lies in the lifespan of these components – used for hours yet decomposing for centuries. These deemed to be “invisible components” quietly contribute to an entire generation of global environmental crises.
These one time offenders are incorporated in our everyday life :
- Hotel slippers that last a night but take centuries to decompose
- Sheet masks and eye patches that come wrapped in non- recyclable packaging
- Single use face wipes, and spa headbands which are discarded after one client use in the name of hygiene or convenience
These items are a routine. They frame the way we view luxury, wellness and convenience. And simply because they seem small, that does not justify their excessive usage. It’s time we name these items for what they are : carbon traps in our closet disguised as care products.
This makes us question how we view waste – it is not just stained jeans or old items, it is all those one time wear items that trap you under the impression of convenience and ease. We at Respun address these issues by pushing for recycling, reusing and repurposing. We believe that comfort should not come at the cost of climate. Just because some PR packages seem inviting because they are free of cost does not mean that monetary cost is the only one involved.
It all comes down to conscious consumption, even in the smallest of choices. Short use does not mean negligible waste, it is rather the most overlooked contributor of long lasting waste. These products quietly mask a much larger carbon cost. Let’s start treating every product – big or small – as something that leaves a mark, and stop letting comfort excuse consequences because luxury and comfort is not how disposable something is but rather how responsibly it exists.
