How to Make Your Wardrobe Plastic Free Beyond July 👍
/LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: On August 27, 2026 Mikie Sherrill expanded an existing ban on PFAS to include apparel. While the original bill was signed in January this new bill extends the protections and means that New Jersey is the third state to provide an extended ban for PFAS following California and New York.
PFAS were originally added to household items like cookware since the 1940’s because of their ability to repel water, grease and other items. These same properties forever chemicals were also useful at repelling stains which led them to be added to clothing production lines in the 1950s. In clothing these chemicals can repel rainwater, soil, or grease stains.
This durability is what makes these chemicals so hard to break down and led to them being dubbed “Forever Chemicals”. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they can stay in the environment and human body for decades. Ongoing research has shown that PFAS can cause increased risk of cancer, developmental impacts, and even fertility issues.
What You Can Do Now
The law doesn't take full effect until 2028, which means there's a real gap between now and then. A few practical steps in the meantime:
Check labels on cookware, especially anything marketed as "nonstick" — look for PFOA / PFAS-free claims, though be aware that labeling requirements are still catching up.
Be cautious with stain- and water-resistant products, from carpets to raincoats to "stain guard" furniture treatments, until the ban takes effect.
Support local and state efforts to monitor drinking water quality — Jersey City's water comes primarily from surface reservoirs, and PFAS monitoring data is publicly available through the New Jersey DEP.
Stay engaged as the DEP rolls out its promised education campaign — Sustainable JC will keep tracking updates and will share resources as they become available.
New Jersey is now among a growing number of states pushing PFAS out of the products we use every day. It's a slow moving but significant shift, and one that puts our state ahead of most of the country on this issue.
Enjoy these Sustainable Fashion Tips - there is an opportunity to do things differently !!
This past month was Plastic Free July, a month dedicated to bringing about a world without plastic waste and we want to keep the conversation going !
The July awareness month is often associated with reusable water bottles, cloth shopping bags, and saying no to single-use plastics. But one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution is hiding in plain sight—our closets.
Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, and Spandex are some of the most common materials used to make our everyday clothes and all derived from petroleum. Every time they are washed they release tiny microplastics into the water.
1. Check the Clothing Label
Fast fashion encourages us to constantly buy new clothes at low prices, but many of these garments are made from synthetic fabrics that wear out quickly and contribute to plastic waste.
Instead of chasing every trend, invest in timeless, well-made pieces you'll wear for years. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Will I still be wearing this next year? Buying fewer, higher-quality items saves money in the long run and keeps clothing out of landfills.
2. Choose Natural Fibers When Possible
When shopping for new clothes, check the label. Whenever you can, opt for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp, or wool instead of synthetic materials.
Natural fibers generally biodegrade more easily than plastic-based fabrics and don't shed the same type of persistent microplastics during washing. While no fabric is completely impact-free, choosing natural materials is one way to reduce your plastic footprint.
3. Don't Be Fooled by Greenwashing
Many clothing companies now advertise "eco-friendly" collections, but not all sustainability claims tell the full story.
Look beyond buzzwords like "green" or "conscious." Check whether brands are transparent about the materials they use, how their clothing is produced, and whether they have credible certifications such as GOTS or OEKO-TEX®. Taking a few extra minutes to research a brand can help you make more informed choices. The website Good On You has a directory of different clothing brands, materials that are used in production, and their supply chain .
AND FINALLY,
If you are truly inspired to take a deep dive, READ THIS TERRIFIC ARTICLE by The Guardian, but please note … we have written to them to correct an item they referenced in their article which is that Bakelite is NOT a plant-based plastic, and traditional versions of this material are not sustainable. It is a synthetic polymers primarily derived from fossil fuels (petrochemicals) **
Quick AI search on Bakelite below …
Environmental Realities
Fossil Fuel Dependence: Standard production relies heavily on coal, natural gas, and crude oil extraction. [1]
Lack of Biodegradability: These polymers do not naturally break down; they persist in the environment for centuries and fragment into hazardous microplastics. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Suhas Vittal is a Core Team Member for Sustainable JC. He was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, and is a graduate of NJCU, where he received his BA in Marketing & Public Relations. He is passionate about educating and encouraging others to care about the environment and to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
