Microplastics from clothing

Every time you wash a synthetic garment, it releases hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibers into the water supply. A single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers, most of which are too small to be captured by wastewater treatment plants.

These microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, air, and human blood. A 2022 study published in Environment International detected microplastics in human blood for the first time, with PET (polyester) being the most common polymer found.

The health implications are still being studied, but early research suggests microplastics can cause inflammation, cellular damage, and may act as carriers for other environmental pollutants that adhere to their surface.

Practical steps to reduce microplastic shedding include: washing synthetic garments less frequently, using cold water, using a microfiber-catching laundry bag (like Guppyfriend), and choosing natural fiber garments when possible.

At a systemic level, some countries are beginning to require microfiber filters on new washing machines. France mandated this starting in 2025, and similar legislation is being considered in California and the UK.

When choosing fabrics, natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wool biodegrade naturally and don't contribute to microplastic pollution. Blended fabrics (e.g., cotton-polyester) still shed microplastics from their synthetic component.