Washing
Take Control of Microfibers and Microplastics
Synthetic fibers account for 55% of the global clothing market. Currently, most activewear is made from synthetic fibers (nylon, lycra, etc.). When washing, these clothes shed microfibers, plastic pieces less than 5mm in diameter.
Fortunately, wastewater treatment plants filter microfibers, but some still pass through. To solve this problem, brands such as guppy friend sell washing bags that filter microfibers that break during the washing process. Simply place the item in the bag and remove trapped microfibers after use.
The Minimalist Approach
Do you use fabric softener for all your loads? Sometimes, we get used to routines, such as adding softener to the laundry, that we just do it. But some synthetic fabrics, in fact, do not go well with softeners as specified in this Lululemon Care Instructions. Although there are biodegrade softeners available, maybe ditch the softener for certain loads. Personally, I only use softeners for certain bed sheets and towels. That’s it.
Synthetic fibers account for 55% of the global clothing market.
The Load
It’s tempting to do a small load when you really want to wear a certain gear for a particular workout, but to conserve water and energy, wait until you have a full load.
Since friction while washing causes the fabric to break and shed, separate rough or hard textiles from soft ones. For example, don’t include your jeans with your activewear.
Innovation and Technology
If you want to decrease plastic use in your washing process, avoid bulky liquid detergents. Instead, use dissolving detergent sheets or tablets. But make sure these products are biodegradable, free of synthetic fragrance, and harsh chemicals.
When upgrading your laundry system, look for the energy star and high-efficiency models.
Drying
Take Control of Microfibers and Microplastics
Existing research has focused on washing these fabrics. But a new research published in the Environmental Science and Technology Letters shows that tumble drying poses an even bigger problem. Unlike water systems, we currently don’t filter vented air from households. Moreover, data collected shows that drying releases more microfibers than washing.
According to the study, “the results suggest that driers of this type are a potential source of air contamination by microfibers, releasing 433,128 – 561,810 microfibers during 15 minutes of use.” It is estimated that in a “normal exposure scenario” a child can ingest 900 micro plastic particles from dust a year.
In terms of solutions, the researchers recommend developing an engineered filtration system. They argue that although studies show that adding fabric softener reduces friction between fibers when drying, softeners introduce harmful chemicals to our water systems.
Unlike water systems, we don’t filter vented air from households. Moreover, data collected shows that drying releases more microfibers than washing.
Microfibers Released into the Air from a Household Tumble Dryer | Environmental Science and Technology Letters
The Case for Air Drying
Personally, I have been air drying my yoga clothes for more than a decade and I have had no problems. I do live in California, where it’s dryer with mild weather, so this might make a difference. I’ve had yoga pants that have lasted for more than 5 years.
Recently, I’ve been trying to buy more clean activewear. These clothes use cotton blend as an alternative, but most still contain synthetic fibers. Moreover, cotton can go through chemical process, and microfibers released from these products are not always benign. But it’s a start and a great way to support brands offering more sustainable alternatives.
I know that sustainable living can get frustrating, when you’re trying your best, but it’s never good enough. But I have come to realize that little changes help.
The More You Know
The study also measures microfibers from cotton and cotton-polyester blend. The researchers argue that cotton microfibers also pose risk, since chemically-treated cotton contain chemical residue.
