Over 380 million tons of plastic is produced each year, according to recent figures. Approximately 35.7 million tons is used by the U.S. alone, most of which consists of plastic bags. In addition to plastic, cotton also has a large ecological footprint as 4% of all world pesticides are used in its cultivation. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology hoping to combat both issues have developed an ingenious solution to turn plastic bags, wraps and other supermarket waste into textiles.
Sportswear, shoes, army uniforms and perhaps even spacesuits can be formed from fabric created out of plastic bags, scientists say. The eco-friendly, recycling textile could revolutionize fashion as it resists dirt and can be washed on a cold cycle in just 10 minutes.
