The materials that go into manufacturing a towel can make a big difference in its carbon footprint. Synthetic materials like polyester — often used in traditional beach towels — contain microplastics. The plastic microfibers of such towels can cause great ecological damage as animals ingest them. The dyes used in towels may also contain harmful, toxic chemicals. While towels can be made from upcycled plastic, such as towels made from recycled water bottles, they will ultimately shed microplastic fibers back into the environment. Eco-friendly towels are made from plastic-free, natural, and renewable materials like cotton and hemp, and are dyed using environmentally friendly processes.