Alright, let’s cut straight to the chase: your favorite workout gear, that cozy fleece, and even some “sustainable” fast fashion items are shedding microplastics every time you wash them. Yep, our clothes are basically flaking off tiny plastic bits into the water system, and once they’re out there, they’re nearly impossible to clean up. But hey, you’re not here for doom and gloom—you’re here to find out what you can actually do about it. Let’s dive into how our wardrobes contribute to the problem and some practical steps we can all take to reduce the damage.
The Microplastic Culprits in Your Closet
Most modern clothes contain synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These materials are lightweight, durable, and—ironically—used in a lot of “activewear” (yes, that trendy recycled polyester jacket is still part of the problem). Every time you wash these fabrics, they shed thousands, sometimes millions, of microplastic fibers. These fibers are too tiny to be caught by wastewater treatment plants, so they end up in rivers, lakes, oceans, and back in our food and water.
The real kicker? Even so-called “eco-friendly” clothing brands aren’t off the hook if they’re using synthetics. Recycled plastic fabrics like those made from plastic bottles might be diverting waste from landfills, but they’re still contributing to the microplastic issue. It’s kind of like solving one problem while creating another.
So, What Can You Do About It?
I know what you’re thinking: “Great, so even my attempts at sustainability are backfiring. Now what?” Don’t worry, there are ways to keep rocking that sustainable fashion mindset and reduce the microplastic problem. Here’s how:
1. Wash Your Clothes Less Often
I’m not saying you should start walking around in a shirt that smells like week-old gym socks, but consider giving your clothes a break between washes. The less frequently you wash your synthetic clothing, the fewer microplastics you send into the environment. Air out your clothes, spot clean, or embrace the layered look for a bit longer before tossing them in the washer.
2. Use a Microfiber Filter or Bag
Throwing a Guppyfriend bag or installing a microfiber filter in your washing machine is a game changer. These filters trap some of the microplastic fibers released during washing, preventing them from entering the water system. It’s a bit of an investment upfront, but totally worth it. Plus, you’ll get that satisfying “I’m doing something right” feeling every time you do laundry.
3. Choose Natural Fabrics
Where possible, try to opt for clothes made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, hemp, or linen. They might not have the same stretchy, fast-drying properties as synthetic fabrics, but they don’t shed microplastics. Bonus: natural fibers are biodegradable. Just make sure to choose organic or sustainably produced options to avoid other environmental issues like pesticide use.
4. Wash in Cold Water & Use Shorter Cycles
Hot water and long, aggressive washing cycles break down fibers faster, leading to more microplastic shedding. Washing your clothes in cold water and using gentler, shorter cycles can help reduce fiber loss. Plus, cold water washes use less energy, which is a win for both your wallet and the planet. Two birds, one wash.
5. Fill Up Your Washing Machine
Here’s a fun fact: a full washing machine causes less friction between clothes than a half-empty one. Less friction means less fiber shedding. So, save up that laundry until you’ve got a full load before hitting start. It’s an excuse to procrastinate on laundry day—what’s not to love?
6. Support Brands Working Toward Change
More and more clothing companies are starting to address the microplastic issue, whether it’s by creating clothing from biodegradable materials, engineering fabrics that shed less, or partnering with organizations to reduce their environmental impact. Keep an eye out for brands that are genuinely working on the problem, and use your consumer power to support them. Remember, fashion trends come and go, but your dollar speaks louder than any influencer.
What Needs to Happen
Of course, while individual actions matter, we can’t ignore that this issue needs systemic change. Researchers are working on developing synthetic fabrics that shed fewer microplastics, and there’s a push for better filtration systems at wastewater plants. Governments are even considering regulations that would require washing machines to come with built-in filters.
Still, this isn’t a problem we can shop our way out of—at least not entirely. But with conscious choices and a shift in how we approach fashion, we can reduce our microplastic footprint. And hey, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress.
Let’s Tackle This One Load at a Time
Microplastics are a sneaky, insidious problem that’s woven into the very fabric of modern life—literally. But, like with most environmental issues, small actions add up. By being more mindful of how we wash and what we wear, we can all play a role in cutting down the number of microplastics that end up in our water, our food, and eventually, our bodies.
So, next time you reach for that trendy polyester blend, just remember: you have the power to make choices that reduce your impact. And if you need an excuse to put off laundry a little longer? You’re just saving the planet.