Greta Jimenez
Synthetic clothing is a major contributor to microfiber pollution, with tiny plastic microfibers being released into the water system every time we wash our clothes. These microfibers are ingested by marine animals and are making their way into the human food chain. While wastewater treatment plants can't catch all of these microfibers, a significant amount still escapes into the environment. To combat this issue, individuals can reduce their use of synthetic fabrics, wash their clothes less frequently, and invest in microfiber filters for their washing machines.
How to stop microfiber pollution
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buy clothing made with natural fibres | Opt for clothes made from cotton, wool, linen, silk, and cashmere |
| Wash synthetic clothes less frequently and for a shorter duration | Only wash your clothes when they are dirty, and wash them for a shorter duration |
| Fill up your washing machine | Only run your washing machine when you have a full load to reduce friction |
| Wash with cool water | Wash your clothes with cool water to avoid additional shedding from hot water breaking up the fibres |
| Use liquid detergent sparingly | Liquid detergent is best, and it should be used sparingly |
| Use a front-loading washing machine | Front-loading washing machines shed way less (7x less) microfibers than top-loading machines |
| Use a microfiber filter | Install a microfiber filter on your washing machine discharge hose to capture microfibers |
| Use a Guppyfriend washing bag or Cora Ball laundry ball | These products help prevent microfiber pollution by reducing the level of agitation in the washer |
| Buy clothing made from recycled materials | Opt for clothing made from recycled polyester or other recycled materials |
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What You'll Learn
Wash less and with cooler water
Synthetic clothing, such as those made from polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, releases microfibers into the water each time they are washed. These microfibers are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants, eventually making their way into our oceans and the marine food chain.
One way to reduce microfiber pollution is to wash clothes less frequently and for shorter durations. This is because the friction that occurs when clothes rub together causes microfibers to come loose. By reducing the number of washes and the time spent washing, you can lower the amount of friction and decrease the release of microfibers.
Additionally, using cooler water temperatures during washes can help reduce microfiber pollution. Water above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) causes textiles to break down more easily, leading to increased microfiber shedding. By opting for cooler wash settings, you can minimize the breakdown of textiles and reduce the number of microfibers that escape into the water.
To further minimize microfiber pollution, consider investing in a front-loading washing machine instead of a top-loading one. Front-loading machines produce significantly less microfiber pollution, up to seven times less, compared to top-loading machines. Alternatively, you can explore the use of microfiber filters, such as the Guppyfriend washing bag or the Cora Ball laundry ball, which can be placed directly into your washing machine to capture microfibers before they enter the wastewater stream.
While individual actions are important, it's worth noting that the most impactful solutions require systemic changes from the textile industry, clothing manufacturers, and policymakers. These changes include transforming textile production to reduce the use of synthetic materials and implementing upgrades in washing machine designs to incorporate built-in filtration systems that capture microfibers.
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Buy natural fibres
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are some of the biggest contributors to microfiber pollution. Every time we wash our synthetic clothes, millions of microfibers are released into the water. These microfibers are too small to be filtered out by waste treatment plants, ultimately ending up in our waterways and oceans, wreaking havoc on marine life and the environment.
One way to combat this issue is to buy clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool. Natural fibers will eventually break down in the environment, unlike plastic fibers, which persist indefinitely. Organic cotton, for example, is renewable, biodegradable, and sustainably produced without toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. However, it is important to be cautious when selecting natural fiber clothing. Even textiles labeled "100% natural" can contain chemical additives for stain resistance, water repellency, and fire retardancy. These chemicals can be toxic and spread into the environment when the fabric degrades. Therefore, it is advisable to look for untreated garments or those with certifications like "organic" or "Cradle to Cradle Certified," which ensure controlled production and biodegradability.
In addition to choosing natural fibers, it is essential to reduce our overall consumption of clothing. Buying less but investing in quality, durable garments that will last longer is a more sustainable approach. Embracing second-hand clothing and repairing or altering our existing clothes can also help minimize microfiber pollution. By making conscious choices about the types of fabrics we purchase and reducing our clothing purchases, we can collectively contribute to mitigating the impact of microfiber pollution on our planet.
While natural fibers are a step in the right direction, they are not a perfect solution. Even natural fibers can be treated with chemicals during production, and these chemicals can have harmful effects on the environment. Additionally, the environmental impact of producing certain natural fibers, such as cotton, can be significant. Therefore, it is important to consider the source and production methods of natural fibers to ensure they are genuinely sustainable.
Lastly, it is worth noting that our clothing sheds microfibers not only during laundry but also through regular wear. Thus, it is essential to prioritize buying natural fibers and reducing our overall clothing consumption to address microfiber pollution comprehensively. By making thoughtful choices about the clothes we purchase and wear, we can play a part in protecting our planet and minimizing the release of microfibers into the environment.
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Use a front-loading washing machine
Using a front-loading washing machine is a more sustainable alternative to top-loading washing machines. Front-loading washing machines shed seven times less microfibres than top-loading washing machines.
The design of top-loading washing machines is such that they produce more microfiber pollution. The friction that occurs when clothes rub together is what causes microfibres to come loose. Front-loading washing machines have less agitation, which means there is less friction and fewer fibres breaking during washing.
To further reduce friction, separate heavy clothing from light clothing. Heavy items lead to more friction, which means more fibres breaking during washing and ending up in the ocean.
Additionally, skipping the spin cycle can prevent additional friction from causing more fibres to break. The more time in the washer, the more chances for microfibres to escape.
When buying a new washing machine, consider choosing a front-loading machine to reduce your impact on the environment.
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Use a washing machine filter
Using a washing machine filter is an effective way to reduce microfiber pollution. Every time synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are washed, millions of microfibers are released into the water. These microfibers are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants, eventually making their way into oceans and waterways.
Washing machine filters are designed to capture these microfibers before they enter the wastewater stream. For instance, the Guppyfriend washing bag and the Cora Ball laundry ball are two in-wash microfiber filters that can be tossed into your washing machine. While these filters cannot capture all microfibers, they help prevent a significant amount from entering the drain. To capture all microfibers, a microfiber filter can be installed on the washing machine's discharge hose.
There are also companies that sell washing machines with built-in filtration systems, such as Arçelik in Europe. These machines are designed to capture microfibers and other non-biodegradable lint, contributing to the effort to save the planet. Additionally, there are external filter options available, such as the XFiltra and Lint LUV-R, which can be installed on existing washing machines. These filters are made of stainless steel and are highly effective, capturing up to 99% of microfibers.
By using a washing machine filter, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing microfiber pollution and protecting marine life and the environment.
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Advocate for policy changes
Policy changes are essential to address microfiber pollution, a significant contributor to global plastic pollution. Here are some ways to advocate for policy changes to tackle this issue:
Support Legislation for Informed Consumer Choices
Advocate for policies that mandate labelling on clothing made of synthetic materials. For example, California has proposed legislation to educate consumers about best practices to prevent microfiber release when washing synthetic garments. This empowers consumers to make informed choices and take individual action to reduce microfiber pollution.
Encourage Collaboration Between Industries and Environmental Advocates
Support policies that bring together industry and environmental advocates to brainstorm and implement solutions. For instance, Connecticut passed a statewide bill to form a working group comprising industry and environmental advocates to tackle microfiber pollution. This collaborative approach leverages the expertise of diverse stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies.
Promote Transformation in Textile and Clothing Production
Urge policymakers to incentivize or mandate significant changes in the textile and clothing industry. This includes encouraging the development and use of fabrics that do not shed harmful plastic microfibers. For example, Surfrider, an organization working to reduce plastic pollution, advocates for a transformation in clothing production to prevent the release of harmful plastics.
Advocate for Washing Machine Standards and Innovations
Call for policies that encourage innovations in washing machine design to capture microfibers before they enter wastewater streams. This can include supporting regulations that require upgrades to washing machines, such as the integration of microfiber filters. Additionally, promote policies that encourage the development and use of washing machine filters as an intermediate solution to reduce microfiber discharge.
Encourage Policy Support for Research and Development
Advocate for government funding and support for research and development aimed at understanding and mitigating microfiber pollution. This includes allocating resources for studies to comprehensively understand the impact of microfibers on human health and the environment, leading to more effective solutions.
By actively advocating for these policy changes, individuals can play a crucial role in addressing microfiber pollution and reducing its harmful effects on our planet.
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Frequently asked questions
You can reduce microfiber pollution by only washing full loads of laundry, using cooler temperatures, and reducing spin speeds. You can also use a front-loading washing machine, which produces 7 times less microfiber pollution than a top-loading machine.
Buy clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool, linen, silk, and cashmere. Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
You can buy a microfiber filter for your washing machine, such as the XFiltra and Lint LUV-R filters, which catch 99% of microfibers. You can also use a Guppyfriend washing bag or a Cora Ball laundry ball, which reduce the level of agitation in the washer, a significant factor in microfiber release.
