What Is Microfiber Plastic Pollution & How Can You Reduce It?

The world’s plastic pollution is out of control. There’s plastic filling up our oceans and even making its way into our food. With so much plastic entering the environment, there’s no better time to think about reducing your own part in the crisis.

However, it’s not just plastic packaging that is causing the planet, its animals, and ourselves some big problems. Microfibre plastics are causing a lot of damage to our environment, so below we’ve outlined what it is, why it’s problematic, and the things we can do at home to reduce our part in the spread of microplastics.

What is microfiber plastic?

Microfiber plastic refers to the fibers that come off synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, and microbeads in face wash, and acrylic. Microfiber plastic is small (less than 5 mm!) and threadlike, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to see it. 

Why is microfiber plastic a problem?

Because there is now such much microplastic in the world, we breathe it in, we eat it in our food, and it even falls from the sky within rain. Distressingly, microfiber plastic has even been found in the placentas of unborn babies.

While these fibres are tiny, they still pose a very real threat to people, animals, and the environment, and there are a number of ways that they enter our surroundings.

Whether your clothing is made of synthetic materials or it’s your bedding or something else, just the act of using them, wearing them, and washing them can cause microfibers to enter the environment.

One of the biggest culprits is laundry. Synthetic textiles, when washed, are responsible for around 35% of the ocean’s microfiber plastic content. When we do a single load of laundry, one item of clothing can shed 700,000 pieces of microfiber plastic.

Studies have shown that breathing in microplastics could cause inflammation of the lungs, as well as reproductive problems, DNA damage, and cancer. 

Sadly, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever eradicate them completely, but there are definitely things we can do to help

How can you reduce microfibre plastics?

If you’re trying to reduce the amount of microfiber plastic that you’re putting out into the environment, that’s great!.

Be mindful of the products you’re using

You may be surprised at the number of everyday products that are responsible for microfibers. Products that contain nylon, PVP, polyvinyl, ethylene, butylene, dimethicone, styrene copolymer, and many, many more are a sure fire sign that microplastic ingredients are in use.

So, when you buy a new product, take some time to look into what’s actually in it. If it will contribute to microplastic pollution, consider a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Consider different textiles

Because synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are some of the major contributors to the microfiber plastic crisis, you can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics coming from your home simply by using sustainable textiles.

There are a number of sustainable fabrics available, including those made from hemp, wool, and bamboo. We offer luxurious bedding made from bamboo fabric and fabric made from bamboo and silk. Our products are sustainable, comfortable, and plastic free.

Get a Guppyfriend

Guppyfriend is an excellent invention. It’s a washing bag in which you can put your laundry when you’re doing a wash and it’s scientifically proven to reduce the amount of microfiber plastics that make their way into oceans, lakes, and rivers. The bag itself is made of polyamide 6.6 and protects your clothes as well as the planet.

For more information on bamboo fabric, eco-friendly swaps, and more, browse our blog.