25 Surprising Fashion Products Made Using Oil

With growing controversy over global oil supplies, there’s been an increased focus on what oil is used for, and whether or not it’s a serious threat to the environment. Sure, everyone knows that oil powers planes, trucks and cars, but did you know that it’s also a staple in the inventories of fashion manufacturers? Yep, oil is a key ingredient in a myriad of products that most people wouldn’t dream of associating with petroleum. Even the greenest, most eco-conscious of consumers may not realise that their world is peppered with petroleum. While petroleum itself isn’t necessarily a raw ingredient, its by-products have become a hugely popular way for manufacturers to pad out their creations.

So where could it be making an appearance in your life? Read on for 25 surprising fashion products that are made using oil.  

Your wardrobe

Nylon

Polyester

Garments with coated formaldehyde finishes

Socks

Buttons

Running shoes

Stretchy jeans

Elasticated underwear bands

Rubber shoe soles

Your accessories

Plastic jewellery

Bobby pins

Hair bands

Sunglasses

Hair brushes

Your bathroom

Tanning lotion

Hair conditioner

Bobby pins

Hair bands

Lipstick

Mascara

Nail polish

Hair spray

How the world’s love affair with oil affects the planet

For the planet, the global use of petroleum in every day products is a growing cause for concern. Not only are non-renewable resources running low, but they also release underhand mercury emissions as a result of the oil production process. ‘Unconsidered Mercury Emissions from the Oil and Gas Industry’ examines the issue in further detail, looking at the highly toxic element that is found both naturally and as a globally dispersed contaminant in the environment.

Once released into the atmosphere mercury is gradually dispersed and can circulate for years. This means that its presence isn’t necessarily limited to the geographical area in which it was released. When it comes into contact with water mercury can be converted from one form to another. Parts enter the food chain while others are distributed into water ways. For people, wildlife and the environment as a whole, this is a major cause for concern.  

Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credits: Peter Fey