Helena Joyce
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are major sources of microfiber pollution. When these fabrics are washed, they release millions of microfibers into the water that are too small to be filtered out by waste treatment plants, ultimately ending up in our oceans and other waterways. To combat this issue, individuals can take several measures, such as purchasing a washing machine lint filter or using a wash bag that traps microfibers, like the Guppy Friend or Cora Ball. Additionally, buying clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool is recommended, as these fibers are biodegradable and less prone to shedding. While these solutions may not solve the global problem of microplastic pollution, they can significantly reduce wastewater pollution on an individual level and raise awareness about the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash synthetic clothes less frequently and for a shorter duration | Less microfibres are released into the water |
| Fill up your washing machine | Reduces friction between clothes, which causes fibres to break off |
| Use liquid detergent sparingly | Reduces friction between clothes, which causes fibres to break off |
| Use a Guppy Friend wash bag | Traps fibres inside the bag, which can then be removed by hand and placed in the trash |
| Purchase a washing machine lint filter | Benefits your septic system and the environment |
| Buy clothes made from natural fibres | Natural fibres will eventually break down in the environment |
| Avoid buying cheaply-made, "fast fashion" clothes | Cheaply-made clothes don't last and are more prone to shedding |
| Speak up and tell clothing designers to choose natural fabrics that aren't prone to shedding | Encourage clothing designers to use natural fabrics that are less harmful to the environment |
| Install a Lint LUV-R Washing Machine Discharge Filter | Removes 87% of microfibres from washwater |
| Use a Cora Ball | Designed like a piece of coral, this plastic ball captures microplastic fuzz so you can see it and throw it away |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Buy a washing machine lint filter
The issue of plastic pollution in the environment is a pressing problem. Every time we wash synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and combo-synthetic fabrics, very small pieces of plastic microfibres break off and flow down the drain into our local waterways. These microfibres are too small to be filtered out by waste treatment plants, so they end up in our oceans, wreaking havoc on marine animals and the environment.
One way to prevent this is to buy a washing machine lint filter. These filters require more of an investment, but they will benefit your septic system and the environment. Lint filters for washing machines are available on Amazon and Home Depot. Before purchasing a washing machine lint filter, check your washing machine to see if it already has a built-in filter. Top-load washer lint traps are usually located inside the drum, whereas filters in front-loaders are typically accessed from the exterior. Some modern, high-efficiency machines may not have a filter at all.
If your washing machine does not have a built-in filter, you can purchase a separate lint filter to attach to your washing machine. One such product is the Guppy Friend wash bag, which traps fibres inside the bag, which can then be removed and placed in the trash. Girlfriend Collective, a clothing company that makes leggings from recycled polyester, also sells a microplastics filter that you can attach to your washing machine.
While these products won't single-handedly solve the massive global problem of microplastic pollution, they may help reduce wastewater pollution on an individual scale.
Hydrologists: Unveiling Pollution's Impact on Marine Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Purchase clothing made from natural fibres
Purchasing clothing made from natural fibres is one way to help prevent microfiber pollution. Natural fibres will eventually break down in the environment, unlike plastic fibres. However, it is important to note that even textiles labelled as "100% natural" may contain chemical additives for stain resistance, water repellency, fire retardancy, and antimicrobial properties. These chemicals can be toxic and act as transport vectors for other pollutants. Therefore, it is best to look for clothing that is labelled as completely untreated.
Fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, hemp, viscose, modal, and TENCEL are not made from oil and do not shed microplastics. However, the application of chemicals and dyes can impact their ability to biodegrade, and some natural fibres, like cotton, have other harmful environmental costs. For example, the production of cotton requires large quantities of insecticides and water. Additionally, while viscose is made from trees, its production also involves harsh chemicals.
When choosing clothing made from natural fibres, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the specific fibre and its production process. For example, wool is warm but heavy, and cotton is light but wears out quickly. There are also concerns about the environmental impact of leather production.
By choosing clothing made from natural fibres that are sustainably produced and free from chemical additives, you can help reduce microfiber pollution.
Nutrient Pollution: Understanding the Sources and Causes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid synthetic clothing
Synthetic clothing is a major contributor to microfiber pollution. Synthetic microfibers, such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester, are released into the water every time synthetic fabrics are washed. These microfibers are too small to be filtered out by waste treatment plants, ending up in waterways, oceans, and the environment. They are ingested by marine animals and are now found in shellfish and fish sold for human consumption.
To avoid contributing to this issue, it is best to refrain from purchasing synthetic clothing. Opt for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool instead. These natural fibers will eventually break down in the environment, reducing the impact on the ecosystem.
However, it is important to note that even textiles labeled "100% natural" may contain chemical additives. These additives are often applied for stain resistance, water repellency, and fire retardancy. Due to a lack of transparency in the textile industry, it can be challenging to know the exact chemical composition of clothing.
To further reduce microfiber pollution, it is recommended to wash synthetic clothes less frequently and for shorter durations. When washing synthetic items, ensure your washing machine is fully loaded to reduce the number of washes.
Additionally, you can explore second-hand or vintage clothing options, upcycle existing clothes, or support companies that prioritize natural fabrics and sustainable practices. By making conscious choices, we can collectively reduce microfiber pollution and its impact on the environment and human health.
Ohio River Pollution: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Support companies that address the issue
While individual actions can help reduce microfiber pollution, the most impactful steps must be taken by the companies that wield the most power. The key to addressing this issue will be up to textile manufacturers and fashion companies.
You can support companies that are actively tackling microfiber pollution. For example, Surfrider is working with companies like Patagonia and the Outdoor Industry Association to gather and interpret the latest science, help coordinate solutions, and promote policies and legislation that will reduce microfiber pollution.
You can also support companies that are transparent about their plans to address microfiber pollution. When you're in a store, ask an associate about their company's plan to tackle the issue. You can also let companies know what you think about this issue through their customer service channels.
Additionally, you can support companies that produce clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and wool. These natural fibres will eventually break down in the environment, unlike synthetic fibres. However, be aware that even textiles labelled "100% natural" can contain chemical additives, so prioritize companies that are transparent about their production processes.
Finally, you can support companies that are developing innovative infrastructure solutions to capture microfibers before they enter our oceans. For example, washing machine companies could create filters to trap microfibers, reducing the amount that goes down the drain.
Governments' Strategies to Combat Noise Pollution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a microfibre-catching device
The use of microfibre-catching devices is a crucial step in preventing microfiber pollution. These devices are designed to capture microfibers that are released during the washing process, preventing them from entering our waterways and oceans. Here are some ways to utilise microfibre-catching devices effectively:
Install Washing Machine Filters
Washing machine filters, such as the PlanetCare filter, are designed to attach to your washing machine and capture microplastics before they enter the drain. These filters can stop up to 98% of microfibers from reaching the water supply, significantly reducing microfiber pollution. They are easy to install, requiring only about 10 minutes of your time, and are compatible with most domestic washing machines. Remember to change the cartridge after 30 washes or when it's full of fibres.
Utilise Laundry Balls
Laundry balls, like the Cora Ball, offer a unique way to prevent microfiber pollution. Inspired by coral's filtering ability in the ocean, the Cora Ball collects microfibers into visible fuzz, making proper disposal easier. Simply toss the Cora Ball into your washer, and it will gently protect your clothes while effectively preventing and catching microfiber pollution. It's durable, easy to use, and can last up to five years.
Washing Machine Lint Filters
Investing in a washing machine lint filter is another way to capture microfibers. These filters benefit your septic system and the environment by trapping lint and microfibers before they enter the water supply. While they may require a more significant financial investment, they are worth considering for their environmental impact.
Wash Bags
Using a wash bag, such as the Guppy Friend wash bag, is an effective way to trap microfibers during the washing process. The bag contains the microfibers, which can then be removed and disposed of properly. This prevents the microfibers from entering the wastewater stream.
By utilising these microfibre-catching devices, individuals can play a significant role in reducing microfiber pollution. These devices help capture microfibers that would otherwise end up in our oceans and the environment, causing harm to marine life and potentially entering the human food chain.
The Carbon Footprint of an Individual: How Much?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can prevent microfiber pollution when washing your clothes by using a washing machine filter, such as the Lint LUV-R, which catches 87% to 99% of microfibers. Alternatively, you can use a Guppy Friend wash bag, which traps fibers inside the bag, or a Cora Ball, which captures microfibers that can then be removed by hand.
You can reduce microfiber pollution by buying clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool, rather than synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. You should also avoid buying cheaply-made "fast fashion" clothes.
Microfiber pollution occurs when synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are washed, causing small pieces of microfiber to break off and flow down the drain into our waterways and oceans.
Microfiber pollution is harmful because microfibers act like sponges, sucking up other pollutants such as motor oil, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. These toxic microfibers are then ingested by marine animals and humans through the consumption of fish, water, and other food products.
Efforts to address microfiber pollution include advocating for policy changes, such as the bill passed in Connecticut, and supporting organizations like Surfrider that work with companies to develop solutions and promote legislation to reduce microfiber pollution. Some companies, like Girlfriend Collective, offer products that aim to reduce microfiber pollution, such as microplastics filters for washing machines.
