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Tiny plankton at the bottom of the marine food chain The problem of microfibres shedding from our
are also consuming microfibres, with devastating clothes is not an easy one to fix. However, there are
impacts on the ecosystem of our seas. some small things to consider that can help lessen
this pollution impact moving forward:
Dr Richard Kirby, a plankton scientist from ● Natural fibres like (cotton, wool, and linen) and
Plymouth, collected a sample of the almost- natural-synthetics (like rayon, modal, and
invisible planktonic creatures that are at the lyocell) shed biodegradable fibres that are not
bottom of the marine food chain by towing a net harmful in the same way as synthetics like
through the water off Devon. When he placed the polyester, nylon, and lycra.
sample under the microscope to look at what they ● High quality garments tend to shed less than
had been ingesting he found plastic microfibres cheaper garments, as they're generally made
less than two millimetres long and finer than a with more durable textiles that do not break
human hair prevalent among them. The down as quickly.
microfibres were either choking the plankton that ● Front load washers are not only more efficient in
ate them by blocking their gut or were taking up terms of water use, they also filter out more
space that should be for food, potentially stunting microfibre particles than their top-load
their growth. And because the plastic fibres can counterparts.
also absorb toxic contaminants, any other animal ● Not everything has to be washed every time you
that consumes plankton, such as sardines and wear it. Handwashing also helps, as its gentler
anchovies, or creatures that eat them, could also be on the fabric, causing it to shed less and
exposed to poisons. extending the life of your garment.
● Some companies have developed microfibre
filter bags that can be used to contain microfibres
when washing clothes.
Ultimately, the clothing companies themselves
have the main responsibility to deal with their
products' impacts. Some companies have already
begun to look at things like alternative material
designs or fabric coatings.
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