Reduce Microfiber Pollution: Tips For A Cleaner Environment

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and microfibers are one of the biggest sources. Microfibers are tiny synthetic pieces of plastic yarn from textiles and woven materials. They are released from synthetic clothing during washing and are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants, eventually making their way into our oceans and drinking water sources. To reduce microfiber pollution, individuals can switch to natural clothing fibers, wash their clothes less frequently, use liquid detergent, and implement laundry filters or balls. Additionally, textile manufacturers and fashion companies need to develop fabrics that do not shed tiny fibers.

Wash less frequently and for shorter durations

One of the most effective ways to reduce microfiber pollution is to wash your clothes less frequently and for shorter durations. This is because the friction that occurs when clothes rub together during the wash cycle is what causes microfibers to come loose. By reducing the frequency and duration of washes, you can significantly decrease the amount of microfiber pollution generated.

Washing machines with a delicate cycle setting tend to use a higher volume of water, which leads to increased friction between clothes and results in a significantly higher release of microfibers when compared to a standard wash cycle. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using the delicate cycle setting and opt for shorter wash cycles with lower water volumes.

Additionally, it is recommended to only run your washing machine when you have a full load. This simple step reduces the amount of friction between clothes, thereby lowering the number of microfibers that break off.

Another factor to consider is the type of washing machine you use. Front-loading washing machines produce significantly less microfiber pollution than top-loading machines. If you are in the market for a new washing machine, choosing a front-loading model can help reduce microfiber pollution.

By implementing these changes to your laundry routine, you can play a crucial role in reducing microfiber pollution and minimizing its impact on the environment.

Use liquid laundry soap instead of laundry powder

Laundry powder can be more abrasive than liquid laundry soap, as it has a "'scrubbing' effect" that loosens more microfibres. This means that using liquid laundry soap instead of laundry powder can be an effective way to reduce microfiber pollution.

Liquid detergents are generally considered to be better for your washing machine and your clothes, as they are gentler and produce less friction. This reduced friction means that fewer microfibres will be released from your clothes during the wash cycle.

However, it is worth noting that liquid detergents usually come in plastic bottles, whereas powder detergents are often sold in cardboard boxes. Therefore, switching to liquid detergent may reduce microfiber pollution but could increase plastic waste. To mitigate this, you could consider refilling your liquid detergent bottles at bulk or health food stores, or purchasing liquid detergent in recyclable packaging.

Wash with cold water

Washing your clothes in cold water is an effective way to reduce microfiber pollution. Using hot water causes clothing fibres to break down more easily, which means more microfibers will be released in the wash.

Cold water, on the other hand, makes almost no difference to how clean your clothes get. It is also a more energy-efficient option, as you don't need to pay to heat the water.

Washing in cold water is just one of many ways to reduce microfiber pollution in the wash. Combining strategies, such as washing large loads in cold water, using a microfiber-catching device like the Cora Ball, and line-drying your laundry, will help to maximise your positive impact.

Line-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer

Line-drying clothes is an effective way to reduce microfiber pollution. When possible, it is recommended to air-dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer.

Tumble dryers have been identified as a significant source of microfiber pollution. A study by Kirsten J. Kapp and Rachael Z. Miller found that electric clothes dryers emit masses of microfibers directly into the environment. The study measured microfiber emissions from home-installed dryers at two different sites. It was discovered that the majority of the fibers collected were located within 5 feet (1.52m) of the dryer vents.

By line-drying clothes instead of using a tumble dryer, you can help reduce the amount of microfiber pollution released into the environment. This simple switch can make a significant impact in reducing microfiber pollution and its harmful effects on the environment and human health.

Line-drying clothes is a straightforward and cost-effective method to reduce microfiber pollution. It does not require any additional equipment or modifications to your existing laundry routine. All you need is a suitable outdoor or indoor space to hang your clothes to dry.

When line-drying clothes, it is important to consider the following:

• Choose a sunny and breezy day for faster drying.
• Select an area with good air circulation to promote even drying and prevent musty odors.
• Use clothes hangers or drying racks to hang your clothes neatly and efficiently.
• Avoid overcrowding the drying area to allow adequate air circulation around each garment.
• Ensure that the drying area is secure and protected from rain or other weather conditions that may hinder the drying process.
• Plan your laundry routine accordingly, keeping in mind that line-drying may take longer than tumble drying.

By incorporating line-drying into your laundry routine, you will not only reduce microfiber pollution but also lower your energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your clothes.

Buy clothes made from natural fibres

Synthetic fibres are a major source of pollution in the world's oceans. These fibres are released from our clothes when we wash them, and end up in our rivers and oceans, wreaking havoc on marine animals and the environment.

To reduce microfiber pollution, it is recommended that we buy clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and wool. Natural fibres will eventually break down in the environment, unlike plastic fibres, which will remain in the environment indefinitely.

However, it is important to note that even natural fibres are treated with chemicals and dyes that can impact their biodegradability. Additionally, the production of natural fibres such as cotton can have other harmful environmental costs, such as the large quantities of insecticides and water required.

When buying clothes made from natural fibres, look for organic options such as organic cotton, hemp, and linen, or recycled options such as recycled wool. These options reduce the environmental impact of the fibre production process.

It is also worth noting that not all synthetic fibres are equal when it comes to microfiber pollution. An Italian study found that garments with a very compact woven structure and highly twisted yarns made of continuous filaments released fewer microfibres than those with a looser structure. So, if you do choose to buy clothes made from synthetic fibres, look for those with a tighter weave and avoid loose-fitting garments such as fleecy jackets, which are known to shed large amounts of microfibres.

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