Is your wardrobe also accidentally polluting the ocean?

Few people know that your own wardrobe can be a source of micro plastic particles and pollute the ocean. Therefore, buying clothing in sufficient quantities is also a way to protect the environment.

From the polar region to the Mariana Trench, all figures of synthetic microfiber (microfiber) fibers have been noted . They drift out of household washing machines and other sources of emissions and microfiber are polluting the ocean every day.

The world is witnessing serious ocean pollution and partly due to the use of disposable plastic, such as plastic bottles, plastic bags, straws or bags. The dangers of these items on the ocean ecosystem are undisputed and many countries have banned the use of these items.

According to AFP , most of the debris from the plastic is visible everywhere on the sea and often washed ashore on or hung on the gills or in the stomachs of sea creatures, sea birds.

Yet another source of very serious marine pollution is micro-filaments or microscopic pieces of polyester, nylon and acrylic fibers. These are dangerous sources of pollution but rarely paid attention. It can be asserted that microfiber is one of the most dangerous microplastics. The shape and material make them like a sponge and can absorb harmful chemicals including dyes.

Microfiber is present throughout the ocean, including in the Mariana Trench.

It is still too early to know how these micro-fibers affect humans. However, many experiments have shown that these micro-fibers accumulate in the liver, kidney and intestines of mice and fish. In particular, these microfiber can cause reproductive and digestive problems.

Or in a study by scientist Fransien van Dijk from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands has shown that synthetic fibers, unfortunately, entering the human respiratory system can hinder lung development.

Imogen Napper, a researcher at the University of Plymouth, said: "Most people don't realize that most of our clothes are made from plastic. We wash our clothes often and those hundreds of thousands of plastic fibers will get out of the fabric after each wash. This could be one of the main sources of plastic pollution in the environment. " So how did those tiny plastic particles drift to the sea?

In 2015, a report published by Ellen McArthur estimated that half a million tons of micro-fiber leaked into the sewer line each year and 53 million tons of new textiles were produced every year. Ocean Wise also revealed that the average family in the United States and Canada typically releases about 500 million micro-fibers into the environment each year.

Buying less clothes is the most likely solution right now

Most microfiber cloths are often blocked during water treatment. But according to research by the nonprofit Ocean Wise, the fact remains that nearly 900 tons of artificial fibers are still drifting into the ocean every year.

In some underdeveloped and developing countries, these microparticles may not be blocked and often flow directly into the sea via sewers. It is this that increases the flow of micro-plastic fibers to the sea.

Peter Ross, co-author of the Ocean Wise report, said that the clues to determining the amount of this microfiber are difficult because some unfortunate organisms that eat the microfiber die or are eaten by other species. In the past, there have been many researches focusing on ways to reduce the amount of micro-fibers drifting to the sea during washing clothes. However the best way is still less washing .

When you wash your clothes, you can reduce the impact of pollution by lowering the water temperature.

"When you wash your clothes, you can reduce the impact of pollution by lowering the water temperature. Because temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius are easy to make," said Laura Diaz Sanchez, an activist at the Plastic Soup Foundation . The fabric is loosened. Liquid detergent is better than washing powder because washing powder makes it easier for microfiber to float out of the fabric. "

Finally, the scientists stressed, buying less clothes is also an effective way to prevent micro-fibers from being released into the ocean. Because previous studies have shown, washing clothes for the first time after buying is easier to extract the microfiber. However, this is not easy in the context of fast fashion culture is blooming around the world.

"This is something we can all stop," says Mojca Zupan, founder of Slovenia-based start-up PlanetCare .

According to a study from the University of Plymouth (UK) and the Institute of Polymers, Composite and Biomaterials (IPCB) in Italy, wearing clothes using polyester fibers increases the risk of releasing microfiber fibers during washing. . The team tested four garments containing polyester. The patterns all have different weaving properties. In which products with small weaving structure, high twisted yarn and low hairiness will less release micro-particles in water and air.

In other words, the design and the weaving process itself has an impact on the possibility of releasing micro plastics from clothes into the environment. The research was recently published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

The world's fast fashion industry must adapt

The Plastic Soup Foundation emphasizes the role of washing machine manufacturers. The organization calls on electronics companies to soon develop microfiltration filters before discharging washing water into the environment to minimize ocean pollution.

France has enacted a law requiring new washing machines to install microfiber filters by 2025. However, the problem lies with fast fashion brands when they have to find a way to increase clothes life to reducing the risk of micro-fiber release to the environment via air or washing.

Fashion brands need to develop new production lines and forms of weaving to make clothes less prone to fraying during wear.

Clearly in the context of today's bustling fashion shopping culture, the role and responsibilities of fast fashion brands are very important. Companies such as H&M, UNIQLO or Zara need to develop new production lines and forms of weaving to make clothes less likely to floss during wear.

Even if you think it is not a good idea to switch to completely natural fibers like cotton. By experts, cotton consumes a large amount of water and pesticides. Not to mention manufacturing clothes from natural fibers is very expensive and causes other environmental problems.

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