Microplastics
Rachel Hagen of the American Security Project defines microplastics as plastics that have been broken down into pieces under 5 millimeters in size. Peter Ross from the University of British Columbia examined water from the Arctic, and found that out of 71 samples only one of the samples did not contain microplastics. According to the website NewScientist, Ross’s team found an average of 40 fibers of microplastic per cubic meter. Synthetic fibers from clothing made up a large portion of the microplastics found. Therefore, researchers were able to conclude that often these microplastics come from clothing. In 2017 scientists Julien Boucher and Damien Friot estimated that 35% of microplastics in the ocean stem from textiles. Also, Sunanda Mishra, Chandi Charan Rath, and Alok Prasad Das scientists specializing in polymers reported in 2019 that around 2.2 million tons of microfibers enter the ocean every year. Studying the causes and effects of microplastics is a relatively recent phenomenon. But, as the amount of items made of plastics have been increasing, including plastics used to make synthetic fabrics, so have the amount of microplastics polluting the ocean.
Fabrics containing plastics are often called polyester, or nylon. And the microplastics from clothing come from washing machines. When clothing is washed, tiny plastic particles are released in the water and then those materials accumulate in the ocean. The New York Times reports, fabrics in clothing are made of tiny filaments twisted together, and filaments that are twisted together more loosely (which are often fuzzy) release microfibers easier than clothes with tightly twisted filaments.
Microplastics cause issues for ocean animals because they can block their digestive tracts after they build up in the creature's system. This can lead to issues where animals' eating habits are altered and they can starve. Also, microplastics blocking the animals’ digestive tracts can reduce the growth and reproduction of wildlife. In addition, evidence of microplastics have been found in human placenta. The effects of that issue have not been fully explored. However, having an unnatural substance in placenta raises concerns for the future as the amount of plastic produced and used continues to rise.
These issues seem difficult to combat due to the large amount of plastic products that have already been produced. But there are some ways that you can reduce the amount of microplastics that escape from your laundry into the environment. First, purchase and wear clothing made of natural fabrics such as 100% cotton or silk. However, natural fabrics are often more expensive and therefore this may not be an appropriate solution for everyone. Also, so much clothing that has already been produced is made out of synthetic fibers, and it is important to not allow that clothing to go to waste.
Another option is purchasing a filter to filter the microfibers from your washing machine. A filter can be added to your washing machine outflow, or there are items you can throw into your washing machine to catch the microplastics. Filtrol 160 is a filter that can be attached to filter out microfibers from the washing machine discharge. There is also a bag called a Guppyfriend that you can place your clothing in before washing them to filter the microplastics. Also, a product called a CoraBall that you can throw into your laundry to easily aid with the issues microfibers cause. Even more examples of helpful products can be found at this link.
Overall, microplastics are an area of concern in terms of pollution that is currently being researched. Hopefully in the future clothing companies will become more conscious about what fabrics they use, and develop more inventions to filter microplastics.
