591: The Toxic Truth About Modern Textiles With Michel May

What if one of the most important health decisions you make every day has nothing to do with food—and everything to do with what touches your skin?

Michel May, founder of AIZOME Textiles, joins us to explore the hidden world of modern fabrics, synthetic dyes, and the chemicals woven into many of the clothes, bed sheets, towels, carpets, and other textiles that surround us. After witnessing his mother's reaction to conventional textiles during cancer treatment and discovering traditional Japanese dyeing practices, Michel began a journey that led him to question the materials most of us rarely think about.

In this episode, Michel explains why many clothing labels may be far more misleading than informative, how synthetic dyes and fibers became the industry standard, and what researchers are learning about microplastics, the skin microbiome, and the potential health effects of modern textiles. He discusses athletic wear, fast fashion, indoor air quality, environmental pollution, and why textile fibers make up a surprisingly large portion of the dust in our homes.

We also explore the differences between natural and synthetic fibers, the role of traditional plant-based dyes, and why Michel believes the items that touch our skin the longest deserve the closest attention. In fact, he argues that the most important place to start isn't your wardrobe at all—it's your bed. Since we spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, Michel believes our sheets may be one of the most significant textile choices we make.

Whether you're concerned about microplastics, interested in creating a healthier home, or simply curious about what's really in your clothing, this conversation offers a fascinating look at an often-overlooked piece of the health puzzle—and practical steps you can take starting today.

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To learn more about Michel May and his company AIZOME Textiles visit https://aizome-textiles.com

As a special thank-you to Wise Traditions listeners, Michel May at AIZOME is offering 10% off your order with the code WISE10 at checkout. This discount is valid whenever another sitewide promotion is not already running. Enjoy the opportunity to experience Aizome's beautifully crafted, naturally dyed textiles at a special savings.

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