Smart Fashion Looks in the 'Age of Plastic'

A new study released this week in the journal 'Anthropocene' says that as humans have become the dominant force in shaping the planet's environment, we create 'techno fossils'.

Humans have already manufactured enough plastic to cover the entire Earth in a single layer of plastic wrap. It's estimated that by 2050 there will about 40 billion tons of plastic on Earth -- enough to wrap the Earth six times.

The results won't be half as fashionable as Daphne Groeneveld's 'Fantastic in Plastic' images for Vogue Japan's March issue.

It's estimated that more than 1 trillion bits of microplastic could enter the marine environment in the next 10 years from the Arctic alone. One study concluded that one in four fish currently consumed by humans contains plastic.

I adore the futuristic 60s vibe of Daphne's images, but they veil an alarming truth about consumption on our planet. It's easy to say wear cotton, but the future of natural fibers is minor compared to the growing dominance of plastic. And don't assume that natural fibers clothes are easily biodegradable.

There are no easy answers to insuring the future health of our planet. Especially in America and now growing in China, the mantra to 'consume less' sounds un-American.

Yet, we know that obesity kills with a host of physical diseases that limit the potential of the human body to act as it was designed. Why can't we consider our planet as obese, too -- at least in certain regions spanning sea to shining sea. ~ Anne

Read on: If your clothes aren't already made of plastic, they will be.