In a world of fast fashion and blink-and-miss-it trends, textile waste is growing exponentially—to the detriment of the environment and our ability to live within it. Researchers at Cornell University, including Juan Hinestroza, the Rebecca Q. Morgan ’60 Professor of Fiber Science & Apparel Design at the College of Human Ecology, are working to prevent clothes from reaching landfills by upcycling polyester for new products.

Hinestroza explores the problem and this innovative solution with host Nicholas Phillips in this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast from eCornell.

Tune in for insights on:

• Environmental impacts of textile waste
• Microfiber pollution
• Fast fashion’s global effect
• Process and growth of polyester production
• Disposal and recycling challenges
• Consumer awareness among younger generations
• Corporate and customer responsibility
• Greenwashing and sustainability claims
• Sustainable fabrics
• Polyester upcycling

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