As awareness of the environmental impact of plastic grows, many of us are becoming more conscious of what we buy, wear, and consume. One lesser-known source of plastic pollution is the clothes in our closets. Every time we wash synthetic fabrics, tiny plastic microfibers are released into the water system, contributing to plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and even the air.
But how can you tell if your clothes contain plastic microfibers? In this blog, we’ll explain what microfibers are, how they impact the environment, and how to identify which fabrics in your wardrobe may be shedding plastic.
What Are Plastic Microfibers?
Microfibers are tiny fibers, less than 5 millimeters in size, that are shed from fabrics during regular wear and washing. When clothing is made from synthetic materials—such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex—these fibers are essentially small pieces of plastic. When you wash synthetic clothes, millions of microfibers are released into the water. Since most wastewater treatment plants can’t capture these fibers due to their small size, they eventually make their way into oceans and other water bodies.
Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, plastic microfibers don’t biodegrade. Instead, they persist in the environment, contributing to plastic pollution and posing risks to marine life and ecosystems.
How to Identify Clothes Containing Plastic Microfibers
Knowing which fabrics contain plastic microfibers can help you make more sustainable choices. Here are some ways to determine if your clothing might be shedding microplastics:
Check the Fabric Label
The easiest way to know if your clothing contains synthetic microfibers is by checking the fabric label. This label, usually found inside the garment, will list the materials used to make the clothing.
Common synthetic fibers that shed plastic microfibers include:
Polyester: Found in everything from activewear to fast fashion items.
Nylon: Often used in leggings, jackets, and outdoor gear.
Acrylic: Used in sweaters, hats, and scarves as a substitute for wool.
Spandex/Elastane: Found in stretchy fabrics like workout clothes, underwear, and jeans.
If you see any of these materials on the label, your clothing likely contains plastic microfibers.
Recognize Common Uses of Synthetic Fabrics
Certain types of clothing are more likely to be made from synthetic materials. For example:
Activewear: Often made from polyester, spandex, or nylon because these materials are stretchy, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.
Outerwear: Jackets and coats, especially those designed for outdoor activities, frequently contain nylon and polyester for durability and water resistance.
Fast Fashion: Inexpensive, trendy clothes are often made from synthetic materials like polyester due to their low cost of production.
Fleece: Fleece jackets and blankets are often made from polyester, which sheds large amounts of microfibers when washed.
Look for Blended Fabrics
Many garments are made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. For example, a T-shirt may be labeled as 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Even if a garment contains natural fibers, any percentage of synthetic material means it can still shed plastic microfibers.
Blended fabrics are common in casual clothing, as they combine the comfort of natural fibers with the durability or stretch of synthetics.
Understand Performance Fabrics
Many high-performance and technical fabrics are made from synthetic fibers. These materials are designed to wick moisture, resist wind, and provide flexibility. While these properties make them ideal for activewear and outdoor gear, they also contribute to microfiber pollution.
Look for fabrics marketed as moisture-wicking, quick-drying, or stretchable. These often contain synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex.
Why Are Plastic Microfibers a Problem?
Plastic microfibers are a growing concern for several reasons:
Environmental Pollution- Microfibers are a form of microplastic, and once they enter the environment, they are nearly impossible to remove. They can travel through waterways and accumulate in oceans, where they harm marine life. Fish, shellfish, and other sea creatures may ingest these microplastics, mistaking them for food. This not only affects marine ecosystems but also introduces plastic into the human food chain.
Health Risks- While research on the health impacts of microplastics is ongoing, there is concern that humans may be ingesting microfibers through food and drinking water. Studies have even found microplastics in the air, which means they could be entering our lungs when we breathe. The long-term health effects of this are still being studied, but it's clear that reducing microfiber pollution is a crucial step in protecting both the environment and public health.
Persistent Pollution- Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, synthetic microfibers do not break down over time. Once they enter the environment, they persist for hundreds or even thousands of years, contributing to the global plastic pollution problem.
How to Reduce Microfiber Shedding from Your Clothes
While it may not be possible to eliminate synthetic fabrics from your wardrobe entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce microfiber shedding and minimize your environmental impact:
Wash Less Frequently- Every time you wash your clothes, microfibers are released. By washing synthetic fabrics less often, you can reduce the number of microfibers that enter the water system.
Use a Guppyfriend Bag and/or an external washing machine lint filter :
A Guppyfriend bag is a laundry bag you place your clothes in and is designed to catch microfibers during the washing process. You could also install and connect an external microfiber filter like The Filtrol, to your washing machine, which is designed to filter out microfibers from the washing machine's discharge and will help capture the fibers before they have a chance to leave your home.
Wash in Cold Water and on Shorter Cycles- Hot water and long, aggressive wash cycles increase the amount of microfibers released. Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle can reduce shedding.
Choose Natural Fibers When Possible- When buying new clothes, opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, hemp, or linen. These materials are biodegradable and less likely to contribute to microfiber pollution.
Air-Dry Your ClothesThe heat and friction from a dryer can cause synthetic fibers to break down and shed more microfibers. Air-drying your clothes can help reduce this shedding.
Plastic microfibers are a hidden form of pollution that come from synthetic fabrics, and they pose a growing threat to the environment and public health. By checking the labels on your clothing, understanding which fabrics are synthetic, and making mindful choices when washing and buying clothes, you can help reduce the release of plastic microfibers into the world’s ecosystems.
Small changes in your laundry habits and clothing choices can make a big difference in curbing microfiber pollution and protecting our planet for future generations.