Hand washing fabrics reduces microplastic release compared with machine washing

Published on January 12, 2023

Imagine you’re walking through a field of flowers, and with each step, tiny pieces of fabric fall from your clothes. These fabric pieces, called microplastics, eventually make their way into the soil and water, posing a threat to the environment and wildlife. Scientists have been studying how different washing methods contribute to microplastic pollution. While we knew that machine washing releases a significant number of microplastics, it was unclear how hand washing compares. However, new research has revealed that hand washing fabrics can greatly reduce the amount of microplastics released compared to using a machine. It’s like choosing to walk carefully through the field instead of trampling over the flowers! This finding suggests that adopting more sustainable laundry practices, such as hand washing delicate items, could be an effective strategy to mitigate microplastic pollution. If we all make small changes in our daily routines, we can collectively make a big impact in protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems. To dive deeper into this fascinating topic and learn more about the research behind it, check out the full article!

From tiny plankton to massive whales, microplastics have been found throughout the ocean food chain. One major source of this pollution are fibers shed while laundering synthetic fabrics. Although many studies show microfibers are released during machine washing, it’s been less clear how hand washing contributes. Now, researchers report that hand washing can drastically cut the amount of fibers shed compared with using a machine.

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