You could have seen we’re having a little bit of a climate crisis, however we’re having a trash crisis as properly. Trash is polluting our oceans, lining each metropolis and rural streets, and harming animals which can be simply attempting to go about their day. We can cut back our personal plastic utilization, particularly single-use plastics. But fortunately, some corporations have found out learn how to flip a few of that trash—principally plastic bottles and outdated garments—into new garments and equipment.

Here, we record the favorites that we have tried up to now. Be certain to take a look at our different guides just like the Best Recycled Bags, Best Everyday Products Made of Recycled Materials, or the Best Reusable Products.

How Plastic Becomes Thread

Most corporations use post-consumer plastic, which implies it comes from plastic that has been used and recycled. Pre-consumer means it comes from waste within the manufacturing course of earlier than anybody ever buys it.

Plastic bottles are collected, dried, shredded, and turned into tiny pellets. Then the plastic goes by way of an extruder machine, which spins and pulls it like taffy to turn it into yarn. This does nonetheless use fairly a little bit of vitality and assets, however produces far much less waste. Everyone wants garments, so they could as properly be extra sustainable.