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Microplastics on Human Health – Part 1: Understanding the Problem

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A Deep Dive Into the Milan Event on Microplastics and Health


We’re excited to share the first instalment of a three-part series from the event  Microplastics and Human Health – Part 1. Held in November 2024, this gathering of experts highlighted a pressing global issue: the pervasive presence of microplastics and their impact on human health. Months later, the findings remain critically relevant.

Microplastics are no longer just an environmental concern—they’re in our stomachs, blood, and even the umbilical cords of newborns. This alarming reality was the focus of research presented by the University of Milan at the Civic Aquarium of Milan, during a scientific outreach day promoted by the University of Milan in collaboration with the Presidency of the Milan City Council. Specifically, the event Microplastics and Human Health brought together researchers, immunologists, physicists, microbiologists, and engineers to discuss the latest scientific discoveries in an accessible way. Cultural Project by Natasha Calandrino Van Kleef; Scientific Direction by Claudio Fenizia.

Microplastics on Human Health: Why this initiative matters

  1. Environmental Sustainability: Addressing the long-term impact of plastic pollution.
  2. Interdisciplinarity: Combining expertise from diverse fields for a holistic approach.
  3. Community Engagement: Involving citizens and the Milan Municipality to raise awareness.

The goal? To spark awareness and action on the growing threat of microplastics to human health. Plastics take an extremely long time to degrade, leading to an accumulation of microplastics that affect human health.
You can watch the conference here and here.

“Plastics: these unknown entities”


Alberto Milani, Physicist, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta,” Polytechnic University of Milan, explained how these materials permeate every aspect of modern life. The visible issue is the vast floating plastic islands in our oceans. But an even more insidious problem lies in the microscopic particles we unknowingly ingest.

  • Plastics are omnipresent: They have transformed daily objects, design, sports, and transportation.
  • More accurately termed polymeric materials: These include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), among many others.
  • Advantages: Lightness, ease of transformation, and lower energy consumption compared to other materials.
  • Disadvantages: Weak mechanical properties and long-term environmental persistence.

Currently, global consumption trends are increasing. However, once a polymer is created, it cannot be reversed. It remains in nature, initially in visible form, then breaking down into smaller and smaller particles due to mechanical wear and atmospheric conditions—eventually becoming microplastics.

Bioplastics: a potential solution?


One of the solutions proposed is bioplastics, but defining them is complex. At the European level, bioplastics are categorised as:

  1. Biobased: Derived from plant-based raw materials.
  2. Biodegradable and compostable: Able to break down naturally under specific conditions.
  3. A combination of both: Biobased and biodegradable.

In Italy, bioplastics are defined only as biodegradable and compostable, regardless of whether they originate from plant-based or fossil sources.

The issue is complex, with open-ended possibilities. With bioplastics, we can tackle the problem either at the source or at the end of the material’s lifecycle. Specifically, bioplastics derived from plant-based sources address the problem at the source by using renewable materials that bypass the need for petroleum. On the other hand, biodegradability addresses the problem at the end of the lifecycle, as it allows materials—whether derived from fossil fuels or plants—to break down naturally after use.

While bioplastics offer a potential solution, they raise further questions:

  • Biodegradability Conditions: How easily do these materials break down in natural environments? Do they require industrial processing?
  • Environmental Impact: Do they truly decompose into harmless molecules, or do they form even longer-lasting compounds?
  • Human Health Effects: Could residues from biodegradation accumulate in the body through the food chain?


Conclusion


Plastics, or polymeric materials, are substances composed of macromolecules known as polymers. These polymers consist of long chains of repeating molecular units called monomers, chemically bonded together through polymerisation. Their chemical nature, molecular structure, and solid-state aggregation define their properties and applications, making them incredibly diverse materials.

However, the term bioplastic is ambiguous, covering a broad spectrum of plant-based or biodegradable materials—or sometimes both. While they offer a step toward sustainability, they are not a perfect solution and require further research to fully assess their impact on both the environment and human health.

The Microplastics and Human Health panel highlighted the urgent need to address this issue, bringing together experts from diverse fields to explore the pervasive presence of microplastics and their effects on human health. In the next instalment of this series, we will delve deeper into the health risks posed by microplastics and what science has discovered so far. Stay tuned!

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Being a Sustainability Critic: What does it really mean?

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Challenging greenwashing and holding brands accountable


Today, we want to explore the concept of being a sustainability critic: taking a critical approach to sustainability. What does it really mean?  Is being a sustainability critic about disregarding sustainability altogether? Or is it about caring so much that we refuse to be deceived by corporations and their marketing strategies?

Sustainability is often positioned as a key solution to climate change. However, can we really talk about solutions? Climate change is already a harsh, irreversible reality. As Rupert Read puts it, our only choice is to adapt to a world of climate extremes.

The point of being a sustainability critic


Being a sustainability critic means looking beyond surface-level claims and greenwashing to assess the real impact of brands, policies, and movements. It’s about:

1. Questioning corporate narratives
2. Exposing contradictions
3. Holding companies accountable for their environmental and social claims

A sustainability critic doesn’t just applaud “eco-friendly” initiatives. Instead, they ask: Is this truly sustainable, or just another marketing ploy? This attitude demands curiosity, scepticism, and a commitment to transparency.

Sustainability vs. corporate reality


Yesterday morning, we came across this news from The Business of Fashion:

“Patagonia, Nike and others have tried but failed to eliminate labour exploitation at key Taiwanese suppliers.”

“Brands like Patagonia, Nike and Lululemon have been working for years to address the exploitation of migrant workers at key fabric suppliers in Taiwan. Despite some progress, the issue has persisted.”

But isn’t Patagonia the brand that truly cares about sustainability? At least, that’s what they claim. Yet, time and again, the gap between corporate promises and actual practices is enormous. In fact, their actions simply do not match their words.

The truth about sustainable fashion


This is exactly why we need sustainability critics. It’s about cutting through corporate rhetoric, challenging greenwashing, and demanding real ethical standards.

The truth is simple:

• There is no sustainability in overproduction.

• There is no sustainability in exploited labour.

And for brands that continue to push their sustainable lies, there’s only one response: this is greenwashing.

Final thoughts


In conclusion, being a sustainability critic — or taking a critical approach to sustainability — is essential to avoiding deception by brands and corporations. In fact, if we want genuine sustainability in fashion, we must move beyond empty promises and hold brands accountable. It’s time to rethink the way we consume and demand radical transparency.

And you? Do you consider yourself a sustainability critic? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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suite123 Goes Bilingual: A Global Conversation #ForModernHumans

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Bridging cultures, uniting voices


Announcing a global conversation #formodernhumans: suite123 goes bilingual!

We launched the suite123 blog in 2021 during a challenging time when we were reimagining our business for the online world. However, we soon realised that posting only in English wasn’t inclusive for many Italians. To truly honour the spirit of Italian culture and connect more deeply with our community, we’re excited to announce a new beginning: a bilingual journey that reflects who we are and who we serve.

A brief history


Since 2006, in Milan’s Porta Romana area, we’ve curated a unique selection of pieces from international designers and independent brands, offering our personal perspective on fashion. Our goal has always been to help you craft a distinctive, individual style that reflects who you are.

After 15 years in our physical store, the pandemic prompted us to reflect on the shifts in our own lifestyles and inspired us to embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion—without compromising on great design and quality. This led us to transition to the online world, where we found new ways to connect with our community.

On 18 May 2021, we launched our blog as a platform to question the fashion industry and explore contemporary culture in the context of climate change. At the time, we chose to write in English to ensure our content was accessible to an international audience. As a small business, focusing on one language also made our operations more manageable.

Our turning point: listening to our community


However, every choice has its drawbacks. We acknowledged that our decision excluded a significant part of our community, as not everyone could access content in English. Feedback from our Italian readers underscored the importance of communicating in our native language—because every voice matters.

So, we decided to adapt our approach. Today, we’re thrilled to announce that every post will be published in both Italian and English, ensuring that everyone feels part of our community. Simply click the flag in the top right of the homepage and choose your preferred language.

suite123 bilingual: what to expect


• Quality and Inclusivity: Our editorial focus—questioning the fashion industry, exploring contemporary culture in the context of climate change, and showcasing niche fashion and meaningful garments—remains unchanged, but with greater attention to linguistic inclusiveness.

• Bridging Cultures: This choice not only makes the blog accessible to a wider audience but also creates a bridge between different cultures.

This transformation is a step towards a more direct and interactive dialogue, one that values diversity and encourages active participation, breaking free from social media’s dictatorship, where algorithms enforce conformity and stifle dissent.

suite123 goes bilingual: join the conversation


We invite you, our readers, to share your comments and suggestions below or on social media using #ForModernHumans.

Each contribution helps shape our future and ensures that suite123 remains a space for meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring conversations.

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De Sarno Leaves Gucci: A Different Perspective

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Was the previous tenure worth the ride? And what game are corporations really playing with fashion?


As Sabato De Sarno abruptly leaves Gucci, the fashion world is abuzz with speculation about the brand’s future. But beyond the headlines, his departure raises deeper questions about the state of the luxury fashion industry and the role of creative directors in shaping iconic brands. While most are focused on who will take the reins next, we’re asking a different question: What is this game truly about?

As the fashion industry remains engrossed in a never-ending game of musical chairs—currently involving other maisons like Dior and Fendi—we can’t help but question the very foundation of the industry itself.

Specifically, in Gucci’s case, we ask: Was the previous tenure—Alessandro Michele’s era—worth the ride?

Retracing Gucci’s path before De Sarno


Alessandro Michele transformed Gucci’s image, imposing his own aesthetic—a chaotic, flea-market-inspired vision where anything was possible but which bore little resemblance to the brand’s heritage. Worse, he flooded the market with products that became repetitive, overexposed, and ultimately unsellable, even at steep discounts.

When the game was over, Michele was dismissed. It was a matter of ego rather than thoughtful stewardship—a failure to honour Gucci’s history and values.

He left, but the damage was done. Gucci’s legacy was diluted, its market oversaturated with items like furry slippers that no one wanted anymore.

The House of Gucci: Enter Sabato De Sarno


De Sarno was tasked with performing a miracle: cleaning up the mess in less than two seasons. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen—and not because of him. Rebuilding a brand’s identity and value takes time. But for corporations, time is a luxury they can’t afford. They are even ignorant about fashion; money is their only focus. They demand immediate results, immediate profits. And in the face of a luxury market slowdown, those profits didn’t materialise.

On this matter, we particularly admire Fecondazione Prada’s satirical take on Instagram:

“Large luxury company looking for new scapegoat.
er… creative director.”

This biting commentary nails the reality of how luxury brands often treat creative directors as disposable, shifting blame when strategies fail.

On De Sarno leaving Gucci


Destroying the legacy of a fashion house might have seemed like a bold move—even a fun game. In reality, it’s a dangerous gamble, one that leaves lasting scars.

As Sabato De Sarno leaves Gucci, we’re not asking who will replace him. Instead, we’re left wondering: What was the point of Michele’s game? Was it ever worth replicating at Valentino? And, ultimately, what game are corporations really playing with fashion?

🖤 We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, we’re all ears.

📲 Connect with us on WhatsApp, by e-mail, or by commenting below (just register first).

Let’s start a conversation #formodernhumans

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Preserving the Brain at Fondazione Prada

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Choosing Words – The Lexicon of Neurodegenerative Diseases


Yesterday, we attended Preserving the Brain: A Call to Action—a compelling roundtable on neurodegenerative diseases held at Fondazione Prada. This particular session delved into Choosing Words – The Lexicon of Neurodegenerative Diseases, highlighting the profound impact of language in the discourse surrounding these conditions.

The latest edition of Preserving the Brain, a crucial part of the Human Brains project—Fondazione Prada’s ongoing commitment to neuroscience since 2018—focuses on the prevention of widespread yet still incurable neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis.

In collaboration with fifteen leading neuroscience institutes from international universities and six Italian patient organisations, Preserving the Brain: A Call to Action features a scientific conference (16–17 October 2024), an exhibition (16 October 2024–7 April 2025), and a series of meetings (November 2024–April 2025), all hosted at Fondazione Prada in Milan.

The power of words in the context of disease


This edition of Preserving the Brain examines how language shapes our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. It addresses communication at multiple levels: from the intimate realm of the family to broader societal concerns, including patient rights, diagnosis disclosure, and the promotion of preventive measures.

A commendable initiative by Miuccia Prada ensures that Cinema Godard remains freely accessible for discussions on these critical topics, reinforcing the foundation’s role in bridging culture and scientific discourse.

Words matter: rethinking communication in medicine


“Cultural transformations arise from the words and ideas they conceal,” remarked Paola Zaratin, opening a dialogue with virologist Professor Roberto Burioni (Vita e Salute University, San Raffaele, Milan) and Professor Alessandro Padovani (University of Brescia), President of the Italian Society of Neurology. Their discussion centred on the communication of prevention and the urgency of preserving brain health before the onset of disease.

A particularly striking moment was the quasi-mea culpa of medical professionals regarding their use of language when addressing patients. Professor Burioni highlighted an unsettling reality: the words used today are often careless and imprecise. “Today, sloppiness prevails” – Burioni said.

“The first word that matters is beauty. Even in the most serious conversations about health, words must be beautiful. If they are not, they alienate. The second crucial word is utility—words are not mere breath; they have consequences, shaping lives. This is why they must be chosen carefully, without negligence.”

Another pressing issue raised by Burioni was the erosion of trust in scientific communication. He pointed out the necessity of distinguishing between facts and opinions, cautioning against the human tendency to believe what aligns with personal desires rather than objective reality.

“Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, many still believe vaccines cause autism. Even in the case of the HPV vaccine, which drastically reduces the risk of cervical cancer, nearly 60% of parents refuse it. Our responsibility is not only to use comprehensible language but also to ensure that our words convince—reinforcing the undeniable truths of science and medicine.”

A new lexicon for neurodegenerative diseases


Professor Padovani proposed four essential words in the context of neurodegenerative diseases:

Creativity – connecting science, art, and fashion, disciplines that find common ground, as seen in this round table at Fondazione Prada.

Contamination – interdisciplinary learning: neurologists learning from virologists, both relying on engineers to decode the vast data patients generate through modern diagnostic tools.

Sociality – recognising that the brain is inherently social, and global health hinges on fostering social bonds.

Social Capital – acknowledging that brain health is a collective responsibility, one that must be preserved for the benefit of all.

“One brain, one health.”

The role of cultural institutions in scientific communication


In an era where social media dictates the narrative of science and medicine, institutions like Fondazione Prada play an essential role as trusted mediators, ensuring that scientific knowledge is effectively communicated to the public. As Paola Zaratin, Director of Scientific Research at FISM, noted:

“Cultural institutions can act as guarantors of scientific communication, fostering a dialogue that connects citizens with the realities of contemporary medicine.”

The lexicon as an advocacy tool


The second roundtable of the event explored the lexicon of neurodegenerative diseases as a tool for advocacy. Discussions centred on the role of language in private and family settings and its function in public communication, particularly concerning the transmission of diagnoses.

We deeply appreciated the insights of Graziella Sirabian, Psychotherapist and Neuropsychologist at ACeSM onlus Friends of the Multiple Sclerosis Centers, on the psychologist’s role as a mediator between doctor and patient in delivering life-changing diagnoses.

“When it is necessary to communicate a diagnosis that will change people’s lives, it is important that the doctor draws not only on his certainties, on what science says, on what he knows for sure, but also that he is not ashamed to draw on his own fears, his own fragilities, because this allows him to empathize with frightened and scared people and to truly help them understand what the diagnosis entails and to understand that life does not end at that moment, but can continue in an authentic way”.

Specifically, she emphasized that doctors should not rely solely on scientific certainties but also embrace their own fears and vulnerabilities. This, she explained, fosters empathy, helping patients understand their diagnosis and see that life continues in a meaningful way.

However, all the speakers paid tribute to Professor Giancarlo Comi, a visionary in the field who recently passed away. In fact, his pioneering work in emphasising the importance of preserving brain function has left an enduring legacy. As Graziella Sirabian noted, he believed in the role of psychologists at a time when psychology was still the ‘Cinderella of medicine.’

By the way, on the theme of fashion and disability, you can read our personal story here.

Our takeaways


• Care – In its etymological sense: an attentive and engaged interest that involves both the intellect and the soul.

• Person – Before being a patient, an individual remains a person. No diagnosis should erase their humanity.

Final thoughts


This event reaffirmed an essential truth: the words we use in the context of disease are not neutral. They have the power to alienate or to heal, to obscure or to enlighten. As we move forward, a conscious effort to refine our lexicon is not just a linguistic exercise—it is a moral imperative.

Moreover, Preserving the Brain at Fondazione Prada demonstrates how fashion itself can serve as a powerful cultural vehicle, fostering meaningful discussions on critical issues such as neurodegenerative diseases.

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