With the growing concern about ocean pollution, an important but often overlooked source in our daily lives is laundry. When we wash clothes made of synthetic materials, tiny plastic fibers are released into the water and eventually into the ocean.
Micro plastics released during the laundry process pose a growing threat to marine life and ecosystems. Once accidentally ingested by marine organisms, these plastic particles will gradually enter the food chain and wreak havoc on the entire ecosystem. In addition, studies have shown that bacteria and pathogens breeding on plastic particles may also affect marine life and human health. Polluted water bodies not only pose a threat to marine life, but may also affect the safety of our drinking water and ocean-related recreational activities.
From a personal perspective, first try to avoid buying cheap fast-fashion clothes, which often use plastic-containing materials such as polyester, and give preference to natural materials such as cotton, linen and bamboo fibers. Also, try to do less laundry. Washing full loads not only saves water and electricity, but also reduces the release of microplastic fibers. It is also a good idea to purchase microfiber laundry bags, which are effective in filtering out microplastic fibers released during the laundry process. Another option is to install microplastic filters for your washing machine, which can capture microplastics before they are drained.
From a business perspective, a viable approach would be to require washing machine manufacturers to build microfiber filters into new machines and offer retrofit options for older machines. The government could also pass legislation requiring all washing machines sold and maintained to be equipped with such filters. On the other hand, clothing design is also key to reducing the release of microplastics. Reducing fiber shedding through improved clothing materials and design will help reduce the production of microplastics at source. Businesses can also use awareness campaigns to educate consumers about how their laundry habits affect the environment and encourage the purchase of eco-friendly products made from natural fibers.
