Reduce Laundry Microfiber Pollution: The 7 Best Tips for an Eco-Friendly Laundry Routine
As we strive towards a more sustainable future, reducing pollution in our day-to-day lives becomes increasingly important. One area that often goes overlooked is the pollution generated by our laundry routines, specifically the use of microfiber materials.
Microfibers are tiny synthetic fibers that are shed from our clothes during washing and contribute to the growing issue of microplastic pollution in our oceans and waterways. In this article, we explore the problem of microfiber pollution and provide practical tips on how to reduce it.
What is Microfiber Pollution?
Microfiber pollution is a type of microplastic pollution that results from the shedding of tiny synthetic fibers, typically less than 5mm in length, during washing. Microfibers are commonly found in clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
These fibers shed from our clothes during washing and are too small to be caught by wastewater treatment plants, ending up in our oceans, waterways, and eventually in our food chain.
The Impact of Microfiber Pollution
The impact of microfiber pollution on the environment is far-reaching. Microfibers have been found in marine animals, including fish and shellfish, and can accumulate in their digestive systems. This poses a risk to human health as we consume these animals.
Microfibers also absorb harmful chemicals in the water, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, which can then be transferred to marine life and the food chain.
Tips to Reduce Microfiber Pollution
Reducing microfiber pollution requires a multi-faceted approach that involves changes to our laundry routine, clothing choices, and government policies. Here are some tips on how to reduce microfiber pollution:
1. Choose Natural Fibers
Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool shed fewer fibers than synthetic materials. When buying clothes, choose natural fibers over synthetic ones. If you do buy synthetic clothes, look for clothes made from recycled materials, as these shed fewer fibers than new synthetic materials.
2. Wash Clothes Less Often
Washing clothes less often reduces the number of microfibers shed during washing. Unless your clothes are visibly dirty, there is no need to wash them after each wear. Hang them up to air out instead. When washing clothes, use a full load setting to reduce the number of wash cycles.
3. Use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag
A Guppyfriend washing bag is a specially designed bag that captures microfibers during washing. Place your clothes in the bag before putting them in the washing machine. The bag captures the microfibers, which can then be disposed of properly.
4. Use Liquid Detergent
Powder detergents can cause more friction during washing, which leads to more microfibers being shed. Use a liquid detergent instead, as it causes less friction and leads to fewer fibers being shed.
5. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Washing clothes in cold water reduces the number of microfibers sheds during washing. Hot water can cause synthetic materials to shed more fibers, so using cold water can help reduce this problem.
6. Dry Clothes Naturally
Tumble-drying clothes can cause more fibers to be shed. Dry clothes naturally by hanging them up to air dry. This also has the added benefit of reducing energy consumption.
7. Support Policies to Reduce Microfiber Pollution
Governments can play a role in reducing microfiber pollution by implementing policies that regulate the use of synthetic materials in clothing and textiles. Support policies that promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
