4 Simple Steps To Avoid Microplastics When Washing

The little-known issue of microplastics when washing laundry

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are widely present in the environment. A significant portion of these particles comes from washing synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. Here are some impressive numbers:

• Billions of microplastic particles: In each washing cycle, up to 700,000 microplastic particles can be released from a single synthetic fleece jacket.
• Water pollution: In the United States alone, approximately 878 tons of microplastics enter the environment annually from washing machines.
• Marine environmental impact: Microplastics can contaminate waters and oceans, affecting fish and other marine life, ultimately impacting human food consumption.

4 Steps for Eco-Friendly Laundry

Fortunately, there are measures we can take to reduce the release of microplastics:

1. Use Guppyfriend Bag: These special laundry bags capture microplastics and prevent their release into the environment. They are a simple but effective solution.
2. Wash at lower temperatures: Reduce the washing temperature, as higher temperatures release more microplastics. Most modern detergents are effective at lower temperatures.
3. Avoid synthetic clothing: Invest in clothing made from natural materials such as cotton, linen, or wool, which release fewer microplastics.
4. Filter microplastics: Install special filtering systems in your washing machine that can filter out microplastic particles.
5. Avoid microplastic-containing detergents: Some detergents contain microplastics. It is advisable to avoid them. This article by Global 2000 (German) provides more insights into the topic.

Conclusion: A small step for the environment

The release of microplastics during washing is a problem that we should not ignore. By using environmentally friendly solutions such as Guppyfriend bags, washing at lower temperatures, and reducing synthetic clothing, we can contribute to reducing environmental pollution. Small changes in our daily lives can have significant long-term positive effects on the environment. Together, we can help minimize the impact of microplastics on our ecosystems.