Woven Clean: Why I choose natural fibres in a world of microplastic pollution

Every time we wash our clothes, tiny invisible threads make their way into our waterways. Microplastics—fragments from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic—might be unseen, but their impact on the environment is anything but.

“Plastic particles washed off from products such as synthetic clothes contribute up to 35% of the primary plastic that is polluting our oceans. Every time we do our laundry, an average of 9 million microfibres are released into wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter them.”(Ocean Clean Wash, 2023)

Fast fashion, with its reliance on cheap, synthetic materials, is a major contributor to this pollution.

“Synthetic fibres have dominated the fibre market since the mid-1990s, when they overtook cotton volumes. With around 72 million tonnes of synthetic fibres, this fibre category made up approximately 64% of global fibre production in 2021.”(Textile Exchange, 2022)

Unlike natural fibres, synthetic ones don’t biodegrade—they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces, finding their way into rivers, oceans, marine life, and even our food chain. The problem is colossal. And with fast fashion brands continuing to pump out plastic-based clothing with no genuine desire to change, it’s time for consumers to take matters into their own hands.

What You Can Do

• Choose natural fibres when you shop.

• Wash your clothes less often and at lower temperatures to reduce shedding.

• Use a microfibre-catching laundry bag or filter.

• Support slow fashion makers and menders.

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The Uig Seamstress Approach

At The Uig Seamstress, I exclusively work with materials made from natural fibres—wool, linen, cotton—sourced as locally as possible, and always within Britain. These fibres are not only biodegradable, but they also honour the heritage of textile production in these islands.

Wool, in particular, is a wonder-fibre: breathable, insulating, and it returns to the earth without leaving behind a toxic trace.

By choosing British-milled wool woven in the UK, I’m not only reducing my carbon footprint—I'm also supporting traditional industries and local economies. Every metre of fabric I use carries a story—one rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and care.