Sustainable Laundry Insights
You might not know it, but washing our clothes can release tiny plastic particles called microfibers into the water, and this is a big problem.
Here, we’ll show you how to do your laundry in a way that’s kinder to the vitality of our soils and your personal hygiene.
Understanding the Issue Helps You Improve Washing
A recent study found that when we wash clothes made of synthetic materials, we release lots of these microfibers into the water.
These tiny plastic bits are small enough to slip through water treatment plants and can harm marine life.
The Impact of Laundry
How many microfibers come out during a wash depends on the type of clothing.
The study found that for every kilogram of fabric, between 124 to 308 milligrams of microfibers were released.
That’s like releasing between 640,000 to 1,500,000 microfibers in just one wash!
The type of fabric and how it’s made also play a role in how many microfibers get released.
Sustainable Laundry Tips
Now, let’s talk about some simple changes you can make in your laundry routine to reduce microfiber pollution and to improve washing.
1. Check the Labels
For Your Clothes
Look for clothing made from natural and sustainable materials like organic cotton or Tencel.
They release fewer microfibers when washed.
2. Choose the Right Washing Machine
Front-Loading Machines
They are gentler on your clothes and release fewer microfibers compared to top-loading machines.
Microfiber Filters
You can install these filters in your washing machine to catch many microfibers before they enter the water.
3. Wash Full Loads
Employing full laundry loads not only conserves valuable water but also diminishes energy consumption + making a favorable contribution to soil health.
4. Use Cold Water
Washing in cold water not only saves energy but also reduces microfiber release compared to hot water.
5. Try a Guppyfriend Bag:
Stop Microfibers
These special bags can trap microfibers during washing, preventing them from getting into the water.
6. Air Dry Clothes:
Save Energy
Skip the dryer and let your clothes air dry.
It saves energy and helps your clothes last longer.
The method you choose for drying your laundry also has implications for soil health.
Line drying, especially in the sun, reduces energy consumption and, consequently, prevents soil degradation.
7. Pick a Sustainable Detergent
Biodegradable Choices
The detergent we select can impact not only the cleanliness of our laundry but also the health of our soils.
Numerous mainstream detergents feature compounds detrimental to aquatic life, such as phosphates and surfactants.
These chemical agents can potentially infiltrate our soils via wastewater.
Use detergents known, or, labeled as biodegradable,
specifically designed to break down naturally, without harmful chemicals.
8. Use Fewer Dryer Sheets
Soil-Friendly Options
Consider alternatives like dryer balls
or reusable dryer sheets instead of traditional dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
9. Keep Your Washing Machine in Good Shape
Regular Maintenance
Make sure your washing machine is well-maintained to prevent microfiber leakage due to wear and tear.
10. Think About Professional Cleaning:
Power/Pressure Washing
For items like rugs or outdoor furniture cushions, consider professional power/pressure washing to minimize microfiber release compared to standard machine washing.
In our daily lives, simple actions like improving your washing and staying away from chemicals additivies can have a big impact on our world.
Understanding the issue of microfiber pollution during laundry is the first step towards making better choices to improve washing.
Preserving our soils indirectly involves
conserving water,
opting for biodegradable detergents,
curbing microplastic pollution,
and minimizing energy consumption when washing.
Each wash cycle becomes an opportunity to align your choices with the betterment of both soil conditions + your personal well-being.