Save the Fish
Cloth T-shirt: how long does it take to break down in the sea?
Estimated time to break down in the sea: > 1 month. Source: U.S. National Park Service (nps.gov). The source gives 1–5 months. We show the lowest figure, so the item never looks safer than it is. This figure comes from a US National Park Service guide for children about litter on land; it is not specific to the sea.
Cloth T-shirt: why is it harmful to the sea?
Rots in months, but dyes leach and loose cloth can snag animals.
Cloth T-shirt: does it really disappear?
Yes, cotton rots within months, but dyes and finishes leach into the water.
Cloth T-shirt: how harmful is it compared with other trash?
Harm score 2 out of 10: lasts 0/4, toxic 1/3, wildlife 1/3. It ranks 27 of 31 on our list. This score is our own simple scale for comparing items in the game. It is not an official index.
Cloth T-shirt: what is it made of?
Material: Cotton. A typical one is about 45 cm long and weighs about 150 g.
Cloth T-shirt: what can I do?
Give away, mend or drop old clothes at a collection point instead of dumping them in rivers.
Cloth T-shirt: what lasts longer, and what breaks down sooner?
Lasts longer: Newspaper, Milk carton, Wool glove. Breaks down sooner: Paper bag, Cardboard box.
Cloth T-shirt: where does this figure come from?
From “Do I Recycle or Upcycle?”, U.S. National Park Service, First State National Historical Park (Junior Ranger Online). Checked on 2026-10-04.
The source's limits (in English): Educational estimates for litter on land, written for children.