Clothing Choices: Reducing Microfiber Pollution And Saving Oceans

Microfibres are polluting our food chain, our oceans, rivers, soil, and the air we breathe. They are potentially harmful to human health and hurt marine life and crops. Our clothes shed microfibres constantly, just by being worn, and even more so when we wash them. The best way to reduce microfiber pollution is at its choke point – the washing machine. But there are other ways we can reduce microfiber pollution, such as buying clothes made from natural fibres, reducing the amount of polyester in our clothing, and avoiding fast fashion.

Buy clothes made from natural fibres, such as cotton, linen and wool

Synthetic clothing is a major contributor to microfiber pollution. Each time we wash our clothes, hundreds of thousands of tiny microfibers are shed, which end up in our oceans, rivers, and soil. These microfibers are harmful to marine life, crops, and potentially human health.

To reduce microfiber pollution, it is recommended to buy clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and wool. Natural fibres will eventually break down in the environment, whereas plastic fibres will not. By choosing natural fibres over synthetic ones, we can help reduce the amount of microfiber pollution in our environment.

Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft, breathable, and durable. It is a good choice for clothing as it is comfortable to wear and can be washed and dried easily. Linen is another natural fibre that is strong and durable. It is made from the flax plant and is known for its coolness and freshness, making it ideal for warm weather clothing. Wool is a natural fibre that is soft, warm, and breathable. It is a good insulator and can help regulate body temperature, making it a versatile choice for clothing.

By choosing clothing made from natural fibres, we can not only reduce microfiber pollution but also enjoy the benefits of these fibres' natural properties.

Avoid purchasing cheaply-made, 'fast fashion' clothing

Microfibres are polluting our food chain and our water. They are harmful to human health and hurt marine life and crops. They are released into the environment when we wash our clothes, but also just by being worn.

To help reduce microfiber pollution, avoid purchasing cheaply-made, "fast fashion" clothing. Fast fashion is often made from synthetic materials such as polyester, which release microfibres into the environment when washed. Instead, opt for clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and wool. These fabrics will eventually break down in the environment, whereas plastic fibres will not.

Cheaply-made clothing is also more likely to shed microfibres during washing. Look for clothing that is well-made and constructed from quality materials. This will help to reduce the amount of microfibre shedding and prolong the life of your clothing.

You can also reduce microfiber pollution by changing your laundry practices. For example, using a laundry bag can help to capture microfibres before they enter our waterways. Additionally, consider reducing the amount of polyester in your wardrobe. While polyester has its benefits, it is a significant contributor to microfiber pollution.

Reduce microfiber shedding in laundry

Reducing microfiber shedding in laundry is an important step towards tackling microfiber pollution. Our clothes shed microfibers constantly, whether they are being worn or washed. However, since it's not practical to stop wearing clothes, we can focus on reducing microfiber shedding in the laundry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of polyester in our clothing. Polyester is a synthetic material that sheds microfibers when washed. Instead, opt for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool. These natural fibers will eventually break down in the environment, unlike plastic fibers.

Another way to reduce microfiber shedding is to avoid buying cheaply made, "fast fashion" clothing. These items are often made with synthetic materials that shed microfibers. Additionally, try to support clothing companies that are taking steps to reduce microfiber pollution. Some companies are using coatings designed to reduce fiber loss during manufacturing.

When doing laundry, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce microfiber shedding. Firstly, use a laundry bag designed to capture microfibers. This will prevent the microfibers from ending up in our oceans and rivers. Secondly, consider using powder detergent instead of liquid detergent. Powder detergent comes in cardboard boxes, reducing the number of plastic bottles in the environment.

By following these steps, we can all play a part in reducing microfiber shedding in laundry and tackling microfiber pollution.

Reduce the amount of polyester in your clothing

Reducing the amount of polyester in your clothing is one of the most effective ways to reduce microfiber pollution. Polyester is a plastic fibre that does not break down in the environment. Instead, it sheds microfibers into the air and water, which can be harmful to human health and marine life.

To reduce the amount of polyester in your clothing, you can:

• Avoid purchasing clothes made from synthetic materials, such as polyester. Instead, opt for natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool.
• Buy fewer, higher-quality clothing items. Cheap, "fast fashion" items are often made with polyester and other synthetic materials, which contribute to microfiber pollution.
• Support clothing companies that are taking steps to reduce microfiber pollution. For example, some companies are using coatings designed to reduce fibre loss during the manufacturing process.
• Spread awareness about microfiber pollution and its impact on the environment. By educating others, you can encourage more people to make changes to their clothing choices and support sustainable practices.

By reducing the amount of polyester in your wardrobe, you can help minimise microfiber pollution and its potential harm to the environment and human health.

Change the way you wash your clothes

The way we wash our clothes has a huge impact on microfiber pollution. Each time we do laundry, our clothes shed microfibers in the amount that equals the surface of a pack of gum. These microfibers mostly don't get filtered so they end up in our oceans, rivers and soil, where they hurt marine life and crops. They are also potentially harmful to human health.

The best way to reduce microfiber pollution is at its choke point – the washing machine. There are lots of small but powerful actions we can take to reduce microfiber shedding in laundry.

Firstly, avoid purchasing cheaply-made, “fast fashion” clothes, whenever possible. Secondly, buy clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool. Natural fibers will eventually break down in the environment. Plastic fibers will never go away.

You can also use a laundry bag to capture microfiber pollution.

Frequently asked questions