Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution. Here’s how to clean your clothes more sustainably

Microplastics, particularly microfibers, have become pervasive in various environments, including remote mountain tops and deep ocean trenches, and are found in many animals, including humans. The primary source of these microfibers is synthetic fabrics, which continuously shed during manufacturing, usage, and disposal, with washing being a significant contributor. A single wash load can release millions of microfibers, influenced by factors like fabric type, mechanical action, detergents, temperature, and wash cycle duration.

Research in coastal ecology and water pollution, focuses on areas like New York and New Jersey marshes, emphasizes the impact of human activities on these environments. Here are some insights into reducing microplastic pollution from washing machines:

1. Fabric Selection: Not all fabrics shed microfibers at the same rate. Loosely woven fabrics like fleece shed more than tightly woven ones. While natural fibers like cotton and wool shed microfibers, efforts are underway to develop fabrics with reduced shedding through features like longer fibers and coatings.
2. Sustainable Laundry Practices:Wash full loads to minimize friction and microfiber release.Use cold water, as it releases fewer microfibers than hot water.Use less detergent to decrease microfiber release.Opt for front-loading washing machines, which produce less microfiber release.
3. Air Drying: Dry laundry on a clothesline instead of using dryers, as the latter releases additional microfibers into the air.
4. Microfiber Collection Devices:Consider using products like Guppyfriend, a laundry bag made of woven monofilament that traps microfibers released during washing. Studies indicate it collects about one-third of released microfibers.Another option is the Cora Ball, a plastic ball with spines and soft plastic discs that capture microfibers, reducing their release by approximately 25-30%. However, it may not be suitable for loose knits as it can snag on threads and damage clothing.

By adopting these measures, individuals can contribute to minimizing the release of microfibers into the environment and mitigate the impact of microplastic pollution.