Lately, it is getting harder and harder to find clothes that aren't laced with plastic. Like sugar in food, plastic comes in many forms with many different names. When you check a garment's fabric composition, it's not uncommon to be confronted by a list of scientific words. For example: polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene, which are all types of plastic. However, too few realize that unless you're paying close attention, most of your wardrobe contains a whole lot of plastic. Often it is invisible, like the microplastics shed by synthetic materials; while you may never see them, they have been found at the bottom of the ocean and in human blood.Despite our awareness of the perils of plastic, fashion's dependence on it persists. A recent report says between 1980 and 2014, production of polyester increased by nearly 900%. Two common plastics, polyester and nylon, account for 69% of all the materials used in clothing globally and that number is expected to increase to 75% by 2030.So why do we continue to use plastics? The main reason is, of course, cost. The market price for synthetic fibers is significantly less compared to natural fibers, creating a huge incentive for fashion brands to find ways to replace traditionally used natural fibers with synthetic ones. Moreover, making synthetic materials isn't dependent on seasons or farms affected by rainfall or heatwaves, as is the case with cotton and wool.You've likely seen a lot of brands promoting themselves as sustainable by using plastic bottles to make their clothes. But the problem is, our plastic-based textile economy has led to unsustainable overproduction of clothing that is unhealthy for our communities and our ecosystems. And plastic clothing is still going to impact our health and have a lasting effect on the environment. Textiles made from plastic fibers are responsible for microplastic fiber shedding at every stage of their lives: when they're worn, washed, and disposed of. These microplastics enter the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Plus, clothing made from plastic bottles can actually disrupt and shorten its life cycle. When a bottle is transformed into clothing, it often accelerates that bottle's journey to the landfill because we purchase and discard our clothing at such a rapid pace.While the hidden story of plastic in our clothes doesn't have the happiest of endings — yet! — we can each take measures. Reduce our overall consumption of clothing and textile products and extend the life of our favorite garment. Learning to mend can be a game-changer. When we do make textile purchases, buy and wear natural fiber products, especially those originating from land-based production systems that are working to restore and build ecosystem and soil health.
(1)
What does the author imply about the presence of plastic in clothing?
A . It is easily noticeable.
B . It is beneficial for the environment.
C . It is often hidden and not widely recognized.
D . It is only present in certain types of garments.
(2)
What is the primary reason for the fashion industry's continued reliance on plastic?
A . The durability of plastic materials.
B . The ease of recycling plastic textiles.
C . The environmental benefits of using plastic.
D . Synthetic fibers are more economical than their natural counterparts.
(3)
Which of the following best describes the environmental impact of plastic-based textiles?
A . They contribute positively to soil health.
B . They reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
C . They lead to microplastic pollution throughout the environment.
D . They encourage sustainable farming practices.
(4)
What measure does the author recommend to address the issue of plastic in clothing?
A . Increasing the production of synthetic fibers.
B . Promoting the use of more plastic-based textiles.
C . Encouraging the fast-paced purchasing and discarding of clothes.
D . Lowering our demand for new clothes and maximizing the longevity of existing items.
答案: C
D
C
D