The earth is home to a colossal 5.5 billion tons of plastic waste infiltrating our land and seas, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances. If the image of a polluted plastic planet perturbs you, pay attention. The study revealed that of the 9.1 billion tons of plastic produced since 1950, only 9 percent has been recycled. We can — and must — do better.
One such brand leading the way is Rumi X. Named after the 13th-century mystic and poet, Rumi X is turning plastic bottle and recycled coffee ground waste into eco-conscious activewear, one sports bra, pair of leggings and headband at a time.
Plastic Bottle Wearable Workout Wear
After plastic bottles are sent for recycling and cleaned, they’re then shredded into tiny flakes that are pulled into yarn. Next, this yarn is spun into fabric, which is how Rumi X’s signature fabric is constructed. In case a four-way stretch fabric isn’t enough, this material is also soft, quick-drying and breathable. Oh, did I mention sustainable? Yep, that too.
If spinning or down-dogging in plastic bottle fabric doesn’t perk up your workout routine, then perhaps wearing recycled coffee grounds will.
You can celebrate National Coffee Month this August with Rumi X’s raglan gym tops with built-in support or Wise tank tops that use recycled coffee grounds to create a high-performance fabric. We all know the superpowers of coffee, but here’s one you probably weren’t aware of — through a patented green technology known as S. Café, the collection of sports bras and tops boasts breathability properties. What’s even cooler is the finished fabric offers UV protection, odor control and fast-drying abilities. Oh, and don’t worry, you won’t smell like a barista; an extraction of oil from the grounds eliminates any coffee scent. And you thought foamy soy milk was impressive.
Benefits of Wearing Recycled Coffee Grounds
Did you know that coffee-grounds-infused fabric has three times the odor-absorbing abilities of polyester?
And, while coffee doesn’t like to brag, it can’t help itself. This S. Café fabric even boasts a 50 percent higher moisture-wicking ability than cotton. This material is great outdoors since it also offers a staggering five times’ greater UV protection than cotton.
Eco-Conscious Activewear
Rumi X was born out of founder Melissa Chu’s three passions: spirituality, yoga and nature. As a former yoga instructor, Melissa had a goal to create a brand that that was environmentally impactful and part of the solution. Every part of Rumi X is thoughtful from start to finish. Eco efforts include using recycled plastic bottles, upcycled coffee grounds and water-based ink dyes. What would normally be heading to a landfill is being transformed into something useful, beautiful and practical.
All of the pieces are designed by women in fitness who know what’s comfortable and what works. Plus, the company only works with globally certified factories that specialize in green technology fabrics and sustainable manufacturing. They promise their clothes are machine washable and will not stretch out of shape or shrink. Learn more about their promise as well as their green accolades, including that their factories support fair work force treatment and reduce carbon emissions.
You already know you should be the change you wish to see in the world — now you can wear it, too.
Read More:
How Old Bottles Are Recycled into Clothing
3 Myths About Recycling Plastic Bottles
Green Your Workout