Think Sustainably: Swimwear Edition
If you want to do your part to preserve this planet for future generations, then you need to think sustainably. In other words, you need to carefully choose products that create less pollution and are made in ways that help the environment — or at least do as little harm as possible. So how does this apply to your swimwear? There are two ways to think sustainably in this realm. You can choose swimwear made from more sustainable materials, and you can also take better care of it so that it lasts longer, thereby creating less waste. Take a closer look:
Sustainable Swimwear Materials
There are three big materials to explore in the world of sustainable swimwear: bamboo, recycled plastic, and organic cotton.
Bamboo has a softer texture than you might imagine. It's a very sustainable choice because bamboo grows quickly and without the need for any pesticides or herbicides. The bamboo can be shredded very finely and spun into threads that are woven to create fabric. Bamboo sheds water well and dries quickly.
Swimwear made from recycled plastic often has the best texture, as it is stretchy, supportive, and a lot like the synthetic fabrics that are used to make traditional swimwear. Some companies make it solely from plastic bottles they have reclaimed from the ocean. Its downfall is that even after you wear it for years, it won't break down quickly in a landfill.
Organic cotton is a good choice since it's grown without pesticides and herbicides and since it can be broken down naturally in a landfill when you're done with it. It's not as stretchy as most swimwear materials, but the styles it is used to make don't usually need as much stretch.
Sustainable Swimwear Practices
The longer you can make your swimwear last, the better. The most important practice is to always rinse it out thoroughly after you wear it. Do this immediately. You want to remove any chlorine or bromine from the material because if you let it sit, these chemicals will slowly break down the fabric.
Also, only wash your swimwear with a mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener, as this can build up on the fabric over time and leave it stiff. Air-dry your swimwear; never put it in the dryer.
If you buy swimwear made from sustainable materials and also take great care of it, then the Earth will thank you.