Microbeads (Microplastics), how can we reduce them?

Recycling plastics isn't the answer

For many materials, recycling is a useful way of preventing pollution – but not for plastic. It just delays the inevitable escape of pollutants into the environment. And many plastics can only be recycled a few times before they become too low-grade anyway.

That's why we need to phase out all but the most essential plastics. We certainly don't need them in our clothes and textiles.

Think of it this way:

A plastic bottle is thrown away

• It fragments into microplastics, which last for at least hundreds of years, spreading pollutants.

Or it's sent for recycling

• There, it's probably made into polyester because it's easier and cheaper than turning it into a new bottle.
• And maybe then put in a fleece.
• At once it starts shedding plastic microfibres. 
• They too find their way into the environment, and last for at least hundreds of years, spreading pollutants.
  

What can I do?

Without doubt, the best cure for plastic pollution is to phase out all non-essential plastics.

In the meantime, can we stop our clothes shedding millions of tiny plastic bits?

Research is still at an early stage but these suggestions are definitely worth trying:

1. Wash at low temperatures

A lower-temperature wash is less aggressive and therefore less likely to shake out plastic fibres.

2. Put your washing in a special bag

They claim to help collect the microfibres that shed from your clothes during washing.

3. Fill the washing machine

A full washing machine reduces friction between items – in other words, they don't rub against each other as much.

4. Reduce spin speeds

Faster spins dry clothes quicker but they also shake them up more, risking more plastics shedding.

5. Air dry rather than tumble dry

Tumble drying is more aggressive than air drying – and could cause your clothes to shed more plastic.

6. Use a front-loading washing machine

Tests show that top-loading washing machines probably release more plastic fibres.

7. Buy fewer fleeces

Polyester fleece could well be one of the biggest emitters of microfibres.

8. Keep your clothes for longer

Your clothes are likely to shed more plastic in the first few washes – so frequently changing your wardrobe will probably increase the amount of plastic you're sending into the environment. Buy higher quality clothes that last. I am a great fan of charity shops for second hand clothes, as well as doing my bit for the environment I also feel feel good about helping out!

The blog song for today is "I predict a riot" by the Kaiser Chiefs

 

TTFN