5 Swaps to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint
1. Swap fast fashion for forever pieces
The fast fashion cycle is built on short-term trends and overproduction. It thrives on the idea that more is better. But more often means more waste — and more plastic.
One of the most effective ways to shift your impact is to buy less, and buy better. Choose timeless, well-made pieces from brands that prioritize quality over quantity.
At Bahía Blues, our swimwear is made with regenerated nylon sourced from ocean-bound waste like fishing nets and industrial plastic. We produce in small batches with local artisans in Colombia, prioritizing craftsmanship, not mass production.
2. Avoid virgin polyester
Polyester is one of the most commonly used textiles in the world — and most of it is virgin, meaning it's made directly from petroleum. The alternative? Recycled polyester or ECONYL®, which uses post-consumer plastic waste to create new fibers, reducing the need for new raw materials and keeping plastic out of landfills.
Always check the fabric label. If it just says “polyester,” ask where it’s coming from. Words like “recycled” and “regenerated” matter.
3. Choose natural fibers when possible
Cotton, linen, hemp, and wool are all biodegradable options that break down much more quickly than synthetics. When sourced responsibly, these fibers have a smaller environmental footprint and feel better on your skin, too.
Not all natural fibers are automatically sustainable, so it’s worth looking for certifications like GOTS (for organic cotton) or OEKO-TEX.
In short: build a wardrobe that’s rooted in materials designed to last, not linger in landfills.
4. Wash smarter
Even sustainably-made synthetic fabrics can release microplastics when washed. One of the simplest changes you can make is how you care for your clothes.
Use a microplastic-catching wash bag like Guppyfriend, install a filter in your washing machine, or wash your synthetic pieces less often and on a gentle cycle. Air-drying helps, too.
A more thoughtful laundry routine helps your clothes last longer and keeps microplastics out of waterways.
5. Embrace circular fashion
The most sustainable item is the one you already own. But when you’re ready to move on, explore secondhand options, clothing swaps, or platforms for resale. Renting can also be a smart option for one-time outfits.
Also, look for brands that design with circularity in mind — from recyclable packaging to materials that can be regenerated again and again.
At Bahía Blues, we’re committed to closing the loop. Our packaging is 100% compostable and recyclable, and we design our swimwear with longevity in mind — so it lasts season after season.
Final Thought: Fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful
Plastic is everywhere in fashion — from the threads in our clothes to the packaging they ship in — but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Reducing your plastic footprint isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being more intentional. About choosing pieces you actually love, keeping them longer, and caring for them better. About supporting brands that respect the planet and the people behind the product.
At Bahía Blues, we’re here to do it differently. Our swimwear is proof that sustainability and style don’t have to compete. You can care deeply about the planet and wear something beautiful while doing it.
Explore our latest collection, meet the artisans behind each piece, and learn more about how your closet can be a tool for change.
Written by the Bahía Blues team: for ocean-lovers, minimalists, and anyone tired of plastic-wrapped everything.
