Help save the turtles with this recycled plastic swimwear

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Madewell's new collection has already stopped 50,920 bottles from entering landfills or the ocean. Madewell

Save the turtles! There’s no arguing that our modern world has a plastics problem: A stunning 18 billion pounds gets dumped into the ocean each year, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems.

So rather than contributing to the plastic waste, try and do the exact opposite. Why not splash in the sea this summer with a clean conscience, in an (environmentally) clean swimsuit?

This week, Madewell launched its first ever sustainable swimwear line called “Second Wave,” composed of 32 bathing suit styles for women. Ranging from fun prints (stripes or florals) to classic solids, the pieces retail at friendly price points of $100 or less.

The entire collection has stopped approximately 50,920 bottles from entering landfills or the ocean so far: A one-piece suit is equal to about eight bottles, while the ‘kinis are equal to four.

Upcycling plastic water bottles isn’t an entirely new idea — Patagonia has been doing this since ’93, and Everlane recently got into the business with its ReNew line — but it’s notable that a brand like Madewell, whose original ethos isn’t based in sustainability, has hopped on the trend.

It’s part of a growing trend of fashion brands adopting sustainable practices.