The Dangers of Microplastics in Clothes (and the Effects)

In the past few years, the fashion industry has been scrutinised because of how it affects the environment, especially when it comes to microplastics. Small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimetres across are a major source of pollution that impacts our seas, animals, and even people's health. But what are microplastics, and how do they get into our clothes? The more important question is, how can we avoid them? 

What we’ll cover:

• Where do microplastics come from in clothes?

• What can we do to keep microplastics out of our clothes?

• What kinds of clothing don't contain microplastics?

• What are the effects of microplastics?

• How can we make clothes more eco-friendly?

Where do microplastics come from in clothes?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that come from lots of different places, like when bigger pieces of plastic break own or when synthetic fibres break off clothes. Synthetic threads like polyester, nylon, and acrylic get into the water system when we wash clothes made from these materials. These microfibres make microplastic waste a lot worse, in a big way.

What can we do to keep microplastics out of our clothes?

We can help cut down on microplastic waste by being smart about the clothes we buy and how we take care of them. Here are some steps you can take:

• Choose natural fibres: Choose clothes made from natural fibres - they don't shed microplastics when they're washed.

• Wash your clothes less often: Reducing the frequency of washing your clothes lowers the amount of microfibres that are released. Use a gentle cycle and cold water when you wash to keep the fibres from falling out.

• Install a microfibre filter: Microfibres can be caught before they get into the water system by putting a filter in your washing machine.

• Choose quality over quantity: Buying sturdy, high-quality clothes lowers the need for replacements and washes more often, which in turn lowers microfibre pollution.

What kinds of clothing don't contain microplastics?

Picking the right fabric is very important if you want to avoid microplastics. Take a look at these materials that don't contain microplastics:

• Cotton is a natural fabric that is widely used. It breaks down naturally and doesn't shed microplastics. Organic cotton is better for the environment because it is grown without using man-made fertilisers and chemicals.

• Linen: Linen is strong, waterproof, and free of microplastics because it comes from the flax plant.

• Hemp: Another great choice for microplastic-free clothing, also known for being strong and long-lasting.

• Wool: It is made from natural fibres that are free of microplastics and keep you warm.

• Bamboo: If bamboo is processed properly, it can be made into soft, eco-friendly clothes that don’t have any plastic in them.

• Biodegradable and plastic-free TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from wood pulp that is sourced in a way that doesn't harm the environment.

What are the effects of microplastics?

Microplastics in the environment have negative effects that spread far and wide. They’ve been found in rivers, seas, and even the air we breathe - fish and other sea creatures eat these small pieces of plastic, thinking they’re food. As microplastics move up the food chain, this affects not only the health of marine ecosystems but also the health of people.

Microplastics can also take in dangerous chemicals from the environment and release them into the bodies of living things that eat them. This can cause some health problems, such as changes in hormones and a higher risk of getting cancer.

How can we make clothes more eco-friendly?

You and I have the power to make changes in the fashion business. We can lessen our impact on the environment by picking eco-friendly fabrics that don't contain microplastics. It can make a difference to choose natural materials like cotton, linen, hemp, and wool that don't contain microplastics. Making the fashion business more eco-friendly takes a lot of small steps. Let's make choices that are good for the environment and help make the world cleaner and healthier.