Kerry Mackay sets out the problem of microplastics , how they get into the sea , and what we can all do to trap them at source
ENVIRONMENT
Dirty laundry
Kerry Mackay sets out the problem of microplastics , how they get into the sea , and what we can all do to trap them at source
We ’ re all familiar with doing the laundry . The sweaty thermal base layers , the salty undersuits from when our ‘ dry ’ suits have flooded . As divers , we do quite a lot of laundry . Did you know that every wash you are spewing thousands of tiny pollutants into the sea ?
Many of our clothes are made using plastics like polyester , nylon , acrylic and polyamide . My undersuit is mostly polyester , but you ’ ll find these materials in most of your non-diving clothes too . During each wash , tiny fibres break off with movement and friction . These tiny bits ( microfibres ) are a type of microplastic .
Microplastics are simply tiny pieces of plastic . Specifically , pieces less than 5mm long . Just one fleece jacket releases roughly 250,000 microfibres every time you wash it !
Clothes washing in the UK is estimated to be responsible for around 1,600 tonnes of plastic pollution pouring into our waterways every year . That ’ s the same weight as 12 blue whales !
Polyester jumper fibres
Tumble dryer filter fibres
These microfibres are being found everywhere , in the rivers and seas , the air we breathe , our food and drink , and even inside the human body . We are yet to fully understand the consequences of this but given the high quantities and toxic nature of many of the plastics involved , it ’ s almost certainly not good for us or the amazing creatures we visit in the sea !
In fact , studies are showing that toxic chemicals already in the oceans stick to microplastics . Then they get eaten by a fish , which is eaten by a bigger fish , then a seal … and so on up the food chain until an apex predator like an orca eats it . The West Coast pod of orca in the UK , have not managed to breed in around 30 years . Evidence suggests this is due to high levels of PCB chemicals in their bodies . I can tell you that story in a future article .
So what can you do ? Here are some easy things to do that will help reduce the microfibres you add to our beautiful oceans :
Microfibre dust
Washing machine filter fibres
■ Choose clothing made from natural materials rather than synthetic fabric . For example , cosy merino wool instead of polyester thermals .
■ Keep your clothes as long as possible , mend them , buy second hand and do clothes swaps . Clothes shed the most microplastics when they are new .
■ Run your washing machine with a full load , on a low temperature , and slow spin . Eco-wash settings are great , paradoxically the delicate setting is actually worse for creating microplastics . So avoid that setting !
■ Wash your synthetic fabrics inside a microplastic collecting laundry bag or with something like the Cora Ball . The most commonly known brand of bag is the Guppyfriend Wash Bag ( or Guppy Bag ), of course there are many other brands available too . [ If you can ’ t afford , or simply don ’ t want to buy yet another thing , you can wash your synthetic fabrics inside a zip-up pillowcase ]
■ Avoid tumble drying and instead air dry your laundry . This reduces microfibres , saves energy , and your bills too .
■ Fit a microplastic filter to your washing machine . Just do a search for “ microplastic filter ” and you ’ ll find plenty of options , Guppyfriend do one too .
■ Add your voice to campaigns for laws to have microplastic filters fitted as standard in new washing machines and water treatment works . A . Email your MP . B . Get in touch with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Microplastics
The Microplastic Filters ( Washing Machines ) Bill is currently working its way through the cogs of government . This is a slow process that needs your support to push it through . You can follow the Bill ’ s progress here : https :// bills . parliament . uk / bills / 3360
So far , only France has made washing machine filters mandatory from 2025 . We have the evidence and means to stop these microfibres from reaching our seas . So I hope you will take at least one action to help stop this needless flood of plastic into our beloved waters . �
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