Positive Actions Toward Reductions in Microplastics: Part II

Microplastic pollution is a significant global concern, especially stemming from the textile and fashion sectors. There is a growing necessity for effective and innovative strategies to mitigate microplastic production throughout the entire product lifecycle. This chapter examines a comprehensive approach to addressing microplastic pollution through the integration of sustainable consumption, characterized by the acquisition of fewer but more durable garments, alongside green purchasing behaviors and responsible end-of-life management practices aimed at extending product lifespans. This approach includes a shift toward hyperpersonalization and digital fashion through the Metaverse, providing alternatives to physical clothing consumption, which reduces the demand for fast fashion and decreases microfiber release. The adoption of emerging business models, including product-as-a-service, rental platforms, and resale marketplaces, facilitates textile circularity and reduces superfluous production. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) serves as a regulatory mechanism to ensure that brands are accountable for the environmental impact of their products, particularly concerning microplastic emissions during the disposal phase. This chapter highlights the potential of integrating technological innovations, including virtual try-ons, AI-driven personalization, and non-physical fashion assets, with policy interventions and consumer awareness to transform the textile ecosystem. This integrated approach aligns economic viability with environmental sustainability, offering a framework for mitigating microplastic pollution and advancing a more resilient fashion industry prepared for the future.