Growing mountains of textile waste are hard to recycle. There is scope to improve chemical and mechanical recycling methods but consumers and fashion brands play a role in reducing overproduction.

Every wardrobe tells a story and reconnecting with the clothes you already own could reduce your need to buy more fast fashion. Here are three ways to fall back in love with your wardrobe.

Simply trying to avoid synthetic clothing won’t fix our microfibre pollution problem

Polylactic acid – a popular bioplastic – does not readily break down when released into the ocean, and could disrupt marine ecosystems

A study shows that exposure to polyester microfibres inhibits growth in mussels.

Tests found PFAS in school uniforms, pillows, upholstered furniture and several other items that are often next to children’s skin and near their noses and mouths.

SEAS researchers have developed a material made from recycled wool can be 3D-printed into any shape and pre-programmed with reversible shape memory.