Want to celebrate Earth Day? Rethink your fashion.

The fashion industry is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution, with synthetic materials shedding millions of microplastics and microfibers into the environment with each wash. To combat this, designers are promoting sustainable fashion by using natural materials and upcycling old clothing. Minneapolis-based designer Danielle Everine emphasizes natural materials, such as linen and cotton, and proposes looser-fitting workout pants without stretch. Everine's new spring collection was released on April 11 at Evolve, a bi-annual showcase of sustainable designers. Other local designers, such as Caitlin Roth and Daisy Aung, are also creating eco-friendly fashion by transforming old clothing into new pieces. At the Metamorphosis Earth Day event on April 15, designers showcased upcycled clothing and accessories, highlighting the potential for sustainable fashion to reduce waste and pollution.