Washing Clothes: A Hidden Source Of Plastic Pollution?

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, and our clothes are a major contributor. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are now prevalent in our wardrobes, release microfibers into the water supply when washed. These microfibers, measuring less than 5mm in length, are too small to be caught by wastewater treatment plants, allowing them to bypass filters and ultimately reach the oceans. There, they contribute to microplastic pollution, posing risks to marine life and even ending up in our food and drink. With each load of laundry potentially releasing hundreds of thousands of these fibers, the cumulative impact on the environment is significant. As we tackle plastic pollution, it's crucial to recognize the role our clothing plays and explore solutions to mitigate this hidden source of pollution.

Microfibers from synthetic fabrics are released during washing

Synthetic fabrics are now about 60% of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide. These fabrics are cheap and versatile, providing stretch and breathability in athleisure and warmth and sturdiness in winter clothes. However, the microfibres from these fabrics are contributing to ocean plastic pollution. Each time we wash our clothes, millions of microfibres are released into the water system and make their way into the oceans. These microfibres are tiny strands of plastic that shed off synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and nylon.

The number of microfibres released during washing can vary depending on several factors, including the type of fabric, its construction, thickness, and weight. For example, a study found that polyester fleece sweaters can shed millions of fibres in a single load of laundry, while tightly woven performance gear made of 100% polyester may not shed as much. Another factor is the type of washing machine used; one study found that top-loading washing machines release seven times more microfibres than front loaders, and pulsator laundry machines release more microfibres than platen laundry machines. The washing temperature and the use of detergent also affect the number of microfibres released, with an increasing trend observed as temperatures rise and more microfibres released when detergent is used.

The microfibres released during washing are small enough to bypass filters at wastewater treatment plants, allowing them to enter waterways and eventually the ocean. There, they contribute to microplastic pollution, accumulating in the food chain and being ingested by marine wildlife and potentially even humans. While some companies are working to develop fabrics that lose fewer microfibres, there is currently no perfect solution to this issue.

These microfibers are ingested by marine life and end up in our food

The microfibers released during the washing of synthetic clothes are not effectively filtered out by wastewater treatment plants. As a result, they end up in recycled "biosolids" used as fertilizer or are pumped directly into waterways. These microfibers are then ingested by marine life, such as fish and other seafood that humans consume. This contributes to the microplastic pollution that is accumulating in the food chain.

The microfibers are so small that they bypass filters at wastewater treatment plants, allowing them to pass through and enter the ocean. Once in the ocean, they are ingested by marine organisms, including fish and other seafood that are part of the human diet. This transfer of microplastics into the food chain poses potential health risks, although the specific impacts on human health are still being studied.

Research has found microplastics in various environments, including sea ice, a remote Mongolian mountain lake, and sludge at the bottom of the deepest oceans. Water samples have shown that plastic fibers make up a significant proportion of marine and freshwater particles. Additionally, the presence of synthetic fibers in human feces confirms that plastic pollution is entering the human body through food, drink, or both.

While the exact amount of plastic pollution released per load of laundry varies depending on factors such as garment construction and water temperature, it is estimated that a single load can release hundreds of thousands to millions of microfibers. These microfibers, measuring less than 5 millimeters in length, contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans and the food chain.

Some efforts are being made to address this issue, such as the development of microfiber filters for washing machines and the investigation of fabrics that shed fewer microfibers. However, there is still much to be done to prevent and mitigate the impact of microfiber pollution on the environment and human health.

Modern washing machines don't have lint traps to capture microfibers

Modern washing machines typically do not have lint traps to capture microfibers, which means that lint from our clothing is released into the water waste from our washing machines. Lint is made up of tiny bits of thread from our clothing that have become dislodged and are caught by a mesh screen in dryers. However, when we wash our clothes, these microfibers are released into the water system and make their way into oceans and other water bodies.

Microfibers are strands of plastic that shed off synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and nylon when clothes are washed. These fabrics are now about 60% of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide. Synthetic plastic fibers are cheap and extremely versatile, providing stretch and breathability in athleisure and warmth and sturdiness in winter clothes.

The fabrics they make, along with synthetic-natural blends, leach into the environment just by being washed. A single load of laundry could release hundreds of thousands of fibers from our clothes into the water supply. These fibers are less than 5 millimeters in length, with diameters measured in micrometers (one-thousandth of a millimeter). They can bypass filters at wastewater treatment plants and end up in recycled "biosolids" used as fertilizer or be pumped directly into waterways.

Some companies, like Patagonia, are working to develop fabrics that lose fewer microfibers. Consumers can also place their synthetic clothing inside a Guppyfriend bag, which collects some of the released microfibers, before putting it in the washing machine.

Microfibers bypass filters at wastewater treatment plants

Microfibers are tiny strands of plastic that shed off synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and nylon. They are released into the water system each time clothes are washed in a washing machine and eventually make their way into the oceans.

The microfibers released during the washing process range from 124 to 308 mg for kg of washed fabric, depending on the type of garment. A single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of fibers from clothes into the water supply. These fibers are less than 5 millimeters in length, with diameters measured in micrometers (one-thousandth of a millimeter). Due to their small size, these microfibers bypass filters at wastewater treatment plants and end up in recycled "biosolids" used as fertilizer or are pumped directly into waterways.

The spread of these tiny fibers is challenging to control, and they have been found in various environments worldwide, including at the North Pole, Antarctica, the top of mountains, and even at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. They are also ingested by marine wildlife, leading to plastic accumulation in the food chain.

While some companies are working on developing fabrics that lose fewer microfibers, there is currently no perfect solution to this issue. However, consumers can take some measures to reduce microfiber release, such as using products like the Guppyfriend bag or the Cora Ball, which collect released microfibers during the washing process.

The use of natural fabrics has its own environmental impact

While natural fabrics are often considered more sustainable than synthetic alternatives, their production and use can still have a significant environmental impact. The sustainability of natural fabrics depends on the specific type of fabric and the processes used in its production. For example, conventional cotton, the most commonly used natural fibre, is considered unsustainable due to its high water consumption, use of chemical pesticides, and contribution to soil degradation. The cultivation of cotton requires large amounts of water, chemical pesticides, and fertilizers, leading to adverse environmental impacts such as water degradation and competition for agricultural land.

Additionally, the processes involved in transforming natural fibres into clothing, such as bleaching, dyeing, and finishing, can also be energy-intensive and polluting. These processes contribute to water pollution and can negatively impact the health of agricultural and craft workers.

The specific environmental impact of a natural fabric depends on its life cycle, including the growth or raising of the raw materials, the manufacturing processes, and the eventual disposal of the product. For instance, linen, kapok, recycled cotton, and organic linen are considered more sustainable options within the spectrum of natural fabrics.

Furthermore, the impact of natural fabrics extends beyond their production and use. As microfibers from synthetic fabrics are released during washing and contribute to ocean plastic pollution, natural fabrics that are biodegradable can still contribute to water pollution if they end up in landfills.

While natural fabrics may be a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics, it is important to recognize that their production and use can still have ecological repercussions. The key lies in understanding the life cycle of different fabrics and making informed choices to minimize our environmental footprint.

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