Latest news with #Contis
Forbes
6 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
From Closet To Bloodstream: The Silent Microplastics Crisis In Fashion
Clothing shopping Every time we wash our clothes, an invisible crisis unfolds. According to Eco Standard, polyester, acrylics, nylon and polypropylene are synthetic fibers and make up 70% of the fiber market. As a result of this composition, 35% of all primary microplastics in the ocean come from the aforementioned synthetic textiles. Moreover, these plastic threads less than 5 millimeters long, are released in billions with every laundry cycle. The scale is staggering. A research published in Science Direct indicated that an average can release up to 700,000 microfibers. A recent 2022 Environmental Technology and Innovation research indicated that Wastewater plants capture only about 65% of these fibers leaving a significant amount to flow into rivers and oceans. TOPSHOT - French scientist and member of the association "4P Shore & Seas" Edgar Dusacre shows ... More microplastic waste collected on the Aquitaine coast on the beach of Contis, southwestern France, on August 17, 2020. - (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH / AFP) (Photo by MEHDI FEDOUACH/AFP via Getty Images) This invisible pollution doesn't stop at marine ecosystems. According to a University of New Castle research, humans consume an estimated 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is equivalent to the weight of a credit card. In 2022, research in Environmental International found microplastics in 77% of human blood samples. Microplastics have also been found in lung tissue and human placentas, raising concerns about toxicity and chronic inflammation. Certain plastic additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), often present in synthetic fibers, are known endocrine disruptors linked to infertility and cancers according to the National Library of Medicine. Globally, the fashion industry is heavily reliant on synthetics and found in over 70% of clothing produced today uses fossil-fuel-derived fibers, with polyester alone accounting for about 52% of total fiber production. Moreover, the demand for synthetic fibers is expected to grow to 93 billion USD by 2030 up from 63.93 billion USD in 2022 according to Statista. The microplastic crisis is woven into the very fabric of modern fashion. With synthetic fibers dominating the market and billions of microfibers escaping into waterways and human bodies, the environmental and health risks are undeniable. As consumers, small shifts such as choosing natural fibers, washing more carefully, capturing waste, and investing in better-quality clothing can collectively drive meaningful change. Addressing the invisible waste from our wardrobes is no longer optional; it is essential for protecting both the planet and public health.
West Australian
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Your Week: A great line-up of events across WA this week
Saturday, May 31, to September 28, The Art Gallery of WA, Perth The first Australian showing from this acclaimed US photographer brings together three main bodies of work, Deep Springs, Overpass, and Cross Country — giving a view of the artist's practice over 12 years and 85 works. Contis will be opening the show on May 31 from 5pm to 7pm, and giving an artist talk on June 1 from 11am. Free. But registration required for opening night at Saturday, May 31, 7pm, State Theatre Centre WA, Northbridge The American singer-songwriter comes to WA in support of her latest album Lemons, Limes And Orchids which sees her delve further into her jazz influences. She will also perform key songs from throughout her career. Tickets $98 from Sunday, June 1, 6pm, Freo Social, Fremantle A fundraiser for ocean conservation in Shark Bay hosted by Indigenous owned business Tidal Moon which harvests and exports sea cucumbers. Comedian Kevin Kropinyeri is flying in from South Australia to MC, the concert will include performances by Stephen Pigram (of The Pigram Brothers), Phil Walleystack, Prita Grealy, Morgan Joanel, Natasha Eldridge and Emma Sibosado. Tickets $49.70 from Moshtix Thursday June 5, 7pm, Regal Theatre, Subiaco The Aussie rock legends are back on the road in support of their new album, Straight Into The Sun. They also promise to play a range of Cruel Sea classics. Tickets $109.90 from Ticketek Wednesday, June 4, to Sunday, June 15, Yagan Square Get a taste of the best of the WA foodie scene with this festival that highlights the best of hospitality from across our great State. There will be drag bingo, slow-cooked brisket paired with bourbon, progressive dinners that hop between venues, and Italian feasts with a side of opera. For more info and to buy tickets, visit Thursday June 5, 7.30pm, Buffalo Club, Fremantle This winter music festival kicks off this week with a great line-up of local music curated by some of WA's most in-the-know music heads. Held over three weeks, if you can't make it down this week, there will also be shows on June 12 (at North Freo Nook) and 19 (at Hilton Trove). Tickets $34.70 from Oztix. For more info visit Thursday, June 5, at Freo Social, Fremantle, Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, Regal Theatre, Subiaco. Aussie-Italian comedian Joe Avati is touring a new ensemble stage show featuring a powerhouse cast of Australian comedians. Joining Avati are comedians George Kapiniaris, Tahir, Sashi Perera, Joe White and Ting Lim in a celebration of culture, identity and everyday life. Tickets to the Fremantle show $75.60 from Moshtix, Subiaco shows $69.90 to $99.90 from Ticketek
