What you need to know about microplastics
According to studies, there are more than 5,000 billion pieces of plastic on the surface of the oceans. This is the equivalent of nearly 269 thousand tons. Our clothes could well be one of the main causes of this phenomenon. Indeed, synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon or acrylic generate an enormous amount of invisible polluting debris called microplastic and microfibre.
How do microplastics and microfibers pollute our oceans?
Every time you wear or wash your clothes, fabric fibres measuring less than 5 mm detach from them. Some will be trapped in the filter of your washer/dryer machine, but others, too small to filter, will end up in the sewage system and be discharged into the oceans. The numbers may vary from one study to another and according to the type material, but researchers agree that several hundred tonnes are released into the ocean each year. According to a recent study by Metro Vancouver and Ocean Wise, the majority (70%) of the microplastic particles found in wastewater treatment come from textile fibres.
Are there any alternatives?
What you can do to limit the amount of microplastic
Tip: Wash your clothes in cold water when using liquid laundry soap to avoid the development of bacteria in your washing machine.
Sources:
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0111913
- Browne et al. 2011, Environmental Science & Technology
- https://www.futura-sciences.com/planete/actualites/ocean-microplastiques-nos-vetements-polluent-oceans-36375/
