Did you know that every time we wash our clothes, millions of tiny microfibers are released into the water and washed down the drain? These tiny fibers are too small to be filtered so they end up in our local waterways causing damage to all ecosystems. They end up in our drinking water and the bellies of fish and then eventually our own bodies! What can we do to reduce this?
1. Buy Natural
Synthetic clothing such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are the biggest contributors of micro-plastic pollution in our environment. These favourite materials of fast fashion (cheap dispensable clothing), are made from plastic that shed micro-plastic particles every time they are washed. These plastic fibers will never biodegrade. They will always be there! Natural fiber clothing such as cotton, hemp and bamboo release fewer particles, and the particles that are shed at least are biodegradable.
2. Wash Less
It just makes sense that if you wash your clothes less, there will be less microfibers let loose into the water. Natural fibers don’t hold on to odours like synthetic fibers do. Hemp and bamboo fabrics let the body breathe and resist bacteria, preventing odour. This allows you to wear an article of clothing numerous times before it needs to be washed.
3. Fill Your Washing Machine
Only do laundry when you have a full load. When your washing machine is full, there is less friction between items and fewer fibers break free.
4. Use Cold Setting
It is not necessary to wash your clothes in hot water to get them clean. Doing so damages clothes more quickly, resulting in more fibers being released. Try to use the dryer less frequently too. Line dry instead.
5. Do Not Wash Solid Items with Clothing
Refrain from washing items such as running shoes and backpacks with your clothing. The friction between these can cause many microfibers to shed.
If you are looking to do your part in reducing the micro-fibers that are polluting our waterways, an easy way to do this is by simply buying more eco-friendly clothing. Check out Efforts Eco-Essentials clothing.
Efforts Eco-Essentials is one of the original manufacturers of fashionable men’s and women’s hemp and bamboo clothing. We offer yoga pants, knit sweaters, t-shirts, golf shirts, leggings, skirts, dresses and much more. We guarantee that you will love the comfort, style and eco-friendliness of our hemp and bamboo clothing.