The public is well aware of the environmental consequences of not recycling properly or continuing the use of fossil fuels, but why are people less aware of the problem of microplastics in water, the one element essential to life?
A staggering 35% of all microplastics in the ocean are derived from washing textiles, according to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces less than 5mm in diameter, which can take up to 500 years to decompose fully in nature. As the average American household does laundry up to 300 loads per year, washing machines take up a huge portion of all microplastics emitted daily. And these microplastics that pollute the ocean can be ingested by marine animals such as fish, birds, and whales, resulting in blockages in the digestive system, which causes starvation, growth delay, and, ultimately, death.
But it is not just marine life that gets harmed by microplastics in the ocean. As seafood is an important source of proteins for humans, microplastics that fish and other marine creatures swallow get consumed in turn by humans. In fact, a study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) revealed that humans ingest an average of five grams of plastic per week, equivalent to a credit card's weight. Moreover, microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even in the air we breathe. Although the full health implications of ingesting microplastics are still being discovered, studies have linked it to cancer, infertility, compromised immune systems, and other health issues.
Now that we know the environmental and health implications of emitting and consuming microplastic, we must do all we can to prevent the initial release of microplastics into our water supplies. To reduce the emission amounts of microplastics from washing fabrics, individuals can wash their clothes in cold water using liquid detergent instead of powder detergent to lessen the friction that creates microplastics.
In addition to efforts made by individuals, industries have started to pay attention to this pressing issue. They are now trying to find a practical solution to decrease their detrimental effects on the environment. The fashion industry continues to incorporate more sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester into their clothing to reduce the use of synthetic fibers. Some companies are also contributing by creating innovative products. For instance, In 2022, electronics conglomerate Samsung launched a new laundry cycle to reduce microplastic shedding by up to 54% and save energy by up to 70%. On top of that, Samsung rolled out a plastic-catching filter that works with any washing machine across all brands so that customers can purchase just the filter instead of changing their washing machines entirely. Such insight and innovation are exactly what we need to save our waters from ourselves.
With the combined forces of all those who care about wildlife, the environment, and the world we live in, there may be a chance for the waters to return to their former clear state. And perhaps then, we can all jump into the clear waters.
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