Unraveling Microplastics: Understanding, Impact, and Action

Written by Tirsa Parrish & Brandi Robertson

Plastic is a pillar of modern living and a versatile material that enhances our daily routines. It is a lightweight, adaptable, chemically resilient material that has seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our lives, from indispensable handheld gadgets to the protective packaging of our everyday products.

Plastics are generally petroleum-derived synthetics, but can also be produced from renewable sources like cellulose or rubber. Regardless of source materials, plastic's environmental impact depends on production methods, disposal options, and end-of-life scenarios. 

This ubiquitous presence extends our wardrobes, where synthetic materials reign supreme. Polyester, nylon and acrylic, along with other synthetic and blended fibers, account for over 60% of today's garment production. Brands often blend these with natural fibers, combining benefits of both.

The selection of synthetic materials is driven by factors like affordability, ease of care, and enhanced durability compared to natural fibers. Beyond their practical advantages, synthetic fibers offer stretch, wicking properties, color retention, skin-friendly wear, and breathability.

Image via cnbc.com; Source: The International Union for Conservation of Nature

However, the extensive use of synthetic materials in clothing comes at a cost - the shedding of non-biodegradable fibers. Up to 35% of all microplastic pollution that is released into the world's oceans comes from laundering synthetic textiles. This wide-spread issue contributes to global microplastic pollution, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to balance the advantages of synthetic clothing with environmental considerations.

Unlike larger plastic items, microplastics pose a unique challenge particularly regarding removal from the environment once they are unleashed. While domestic wastewater treatment plants manage to filter out 65 - 92% of microplastics, a substantial volume still finds its way into waterways, perpetuating the plastic waste issue.

The extensive pollution and pervasive presence of microplastics in oceans, soil, and marine life present profound, long-term risks to the environment. While there are potential health risks from microplastics, comprehensive research is essential to ascertain the full extent of these consequences. 

As stewards of our planet, the onus lies on us to collectively embrace responsibility and sustainable decision-making. By doing so, we can actively contribute to mitigating the impact of microplastic pollution and safeguarding the health of our Earth for the well-being of future generations. 

Understanding Microplastics: Tiny Particles, Big Environmental Concern 

Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, measuring 100 microns or less in size. The average human hair is 50 - 100 microns. They exhibit a variety of shapes and sizes and forms, such as beads, fragments, granules, pellets, and fibers.

These particles stem from the breakdown of larger plastic items like car tires, bottles, and bags, as well as smaller items such as fibers. Additionally, some microplastics are intentionally manufactured, such as the microbeads found in beauty products or plastic pellets used to melt into various products. 

The shedding of microplastics from clothing is a notable contributor to this environmental issue, triggered by friction at various stages. Throughout textile and garment manufacturing processes, intentional damage and fiber breakage occurs to achieve desired fabric textures or hand. Moreover, consumer activities such as wearing, washing, and drying result in significant fiber sheddings. 

Image via salon.com

Unraveling Microplastics: Your Daily Choices Matter

Our daily decisions directly affect microplastic pollution. Think laundry days and synthetic clothes - every wash, dry, and wear releases tiny particles into the environment.

Microplastic pollution is exacerbated by the fast-fashion industry. These inexpensive and poorly made clothing items are often constructed with synthetic materials. The garments are commonly only worn a few times and then thrown away because they wear out.

Microplastic shedding happens most in the first few laundry cycles, so the limited life of fast-fashion items made with synthetics does the most harm. Now, imagine your outdoor activities, from walking, trail running, biking and, beyond; your gear is shedding microplastics into nature's playground.

They are sneaky byproducts that may eventually find their way into waterways, potentially stirring up trouble in our ecosystem. Let's demystify the connection between our daily decisions and the microplastic puzzle as we strive for a more conscientious and harmonious interaction with our environment. 

Consumer actions significantly influence microplastic shedding from clothing. A 13 lb load of laundry made up of polyester fabric may release up to 700,000 microfibers during a single wash cycle, with up to 35% escaping wastewater treatment plants. Dryer use exacerbates the issue, as heat weakens synthetic fibers, contributing to airborne microplastics that travel throughout the environment.

Daily activities causing fabric friction and stretching can shed 400 fibers per gram of fabric in just 20 minutes. Understanding and addressing these consumer-driven factors is critical in combating microplastic pollution.

Understanding the Composition and Construction of Synthetic Fabrics 

The weave or knit structure of synthetic fabrics plays a crucial role when trying to understand their propensity to shed microplastics. Compact weaves or knits, with high twist yarns, or yarns containing continuous filaments release fewer microplastics in both air and water.

Fabrics with looser weaves or knits, however, are more prone to shedding due to increased fiber movement. Acrylic tends to shed more than polyester or nylon, as its staple fibers are cut short to produce soft or fuzzy yarns, compromising their strength. In contrast, nylon and polyester, often produced as continuous filaments, exhibit greater durability. 

The choice of cleaning agents impacts microplastic shedding. Detergents and bleach can be harsh on fabrics, leading to the release of microplastics, depending on the fabric type and cleaning agents. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and detergents weakens fibers, diminishing their strength and elasticity over time.

Notably, chlorine bleach can be particularly damaging to synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Chlorine bleach can break down the chemical structure of synthetic fibers, leading to fabric degradation, loss of color, and weakening of the fibers. 

Scanning Electron Microscope image of nylon fabric after nine wash cycles. Image via utoronto.ca

Exploring the Environmental and Health Ramifications of Microplastic Shedding

As microplastics infiltrate waterways and ecosystems, they are ingested by various organisms, including plankton, fish, and filter-feeding organisms. While many microplastics pass through these organisms' digestive tract and are expelled, a portion remains in their bodies without being metabolized. This accumulation of microplastics poses a threat not only to marine life but also to human health, particularly when contaminated seafood enters our food chain.  

On the health front, the implications are almost completely unknown. Microplastics containing potentially harmful chemicals are either inhaled or ingested via contaminated food. Over time, the bioaccumulation of these synthetic materials may lead to a variety of health issues, including respiratory ailments, cytotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. Nonetheless, further research is imperative to understand the long-term consequences of microplastic pollution on human health.  

By delving deeper into the environmental and health impacts of microplastic shedding, we can bolster our understanding of this pressing issue and work toward effective mitigation strategies. Through concerted efforts and ongoing research, we can safeguard both our ecosystem and human well-being from the adverse effects of microplastic pollution.  

Legislative Action: Addressing Microplastic Pollution

Wondering what's being done to tackle the microplastic conundrum? The Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Canada made its move in 2022 by passing a bill mandating that all washing machines sold will have a filter to capture microfibers.

By doing so, it not only demands corporate responsibility from manufacturers but also incentivizes innovation in developing more sustainable solutions for consumer appliances. Microfiber filters are available in many markets as an aftermarket add-on that consumers can purchase for new and existing washing machines.

These legislative strides signify a growing awareness of the need to address microplastics and encourage businesses to step up their game. It's a positive shift toward a future where our collective efforts lead to cleaner, healthier environments. Let's keep the momentum going!  

Taking Action: Leading Brands Combat Microplastic Pollution

There is good news. Solutions are emerging to tackle the issue of microplastic shedding. On the fashion front, industry leaders like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and Prana are stepping up to the plate.

These brands are not only educating their consumers but also offering products specifically designed to address and combat microplastic pollution stemming from clothing. By taking a proactive stance, they are leading the charge in promoting sustainable fashion practices. 

Are you ready to reduce your own impact? These brands provide valuable resources on their websites, guiding consumers on how to make informed choices that contribute to the fight against microplastics. It's a collective effort, and with these initiatives gaining momentum, we're inching closer to a more sustainable and responsible fashion future.  

Scanning Electron Microscope image of nylon fabric after nine wash cycles. Image via utoronto.ca

Empowering Change: Your Role in Mitigating Microplastic Shedding

As conscientious consumers, we wield the power to enact positive change through simple yet impactful practices aimed at reducing microplastic pollution. Here are some actionable steps you can take to make a difference:

• Choose Natural Fibers: Opt for clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or linen. By steering clear of synthetic fibers, you stop your clothes from contributing to microplastics pollution.
• Cold Water Wash: Keep the temperature down while doing laundry. Washing clothes in cold water is less likely to break down the fibers, reducing the release of microplastics during the wash cycle.
• Mindful Lint Disposal: Properly dispose of dryer lint in the trash after each use. This small act goes a long way in preventing microplastics from infiltrating the environment.
• Embrace Guppy Bags: Guppyfriend bags are specially designed laundry bags that capture microplastics during washing. Place your synthetic garments inside the bag before laundering to reduce microplastic shedding and collect fibers for proper disposal afterward.
• Explore Sustainable Fashion Platforms: Apps like Good On You provide insights into the sustainability and environmental impact of clothing brands. Choose brands prioritizing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes to support sustainable fashion practices and minimize microfiber pollution.
• Install Microfiber Filters: Consider fitting your home washer with microfiber filters like those from Fitrol or PlanetCare. These filters act at the source, preventing microplastic pollution and contributing to cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems.

By incorporating these practices into our daily routines, we can collectively play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of microplastics, fostering a more sustainable and mindful relationship with our environment. 

Fueling Change: Advancing the Fight Against Microplastic Pollution

Your commitment to combating microplastics pollution doesn't stop with individual actions; it extends to the choices you make in supporting brands, raising awareness, and advocating for changes. Here's more that you can do: 

Support Sustainable Fashion Brands: Align yourself with brands that prioritize sustainable practices. Seek those utilizing recycled synthetics, minimize textile waste, or use certified organic textiles. By supporting these brands, you contribute to the market shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. 

Spread Awareness: Extend the conversation beyond your own choices by raising awareness among family and friends. Encourage them to make sustainable decisions when purchasing and caring for their clothes. Collective consciousness amplifies the impact of individual choices. 

Advocate for Change: Take your commitment a step further by actively advocating for change. Write to lawmakers, urging them to implement standards and regulations to curb pre-consumer microplastic pollution. Your voice adds weight to the call for a cleaner, more sustainable fashion industry. 

Microplastic pollution from clothing is a critical issue demanding our collective attention. By incorporating these additional steps into our efforts, we can all play a significant role in combating microplastic pollution, safeguarding our environment, and promoting better health for future generations to come. Now is the time to act and make a lasting difference. Together, let's fuel the journey towards a cleaner, healthier planet for all!