Acrylic, Polyester, Synthetic blends...
Go look in your closet right now, chances are the majority of your clothes are made with large percentages of synthetic fibres. Microplastics have been incorporated into our clothes with the rise of "Fast Fashion".
The good the bad and the ugly
At first glance, this may be viewed as a great thing, especially when you consider the opportunities of using recycled plastics to manufacture our everyday attire. The problem is when we wash our clothes the microplastics are released from the synthetic garments and can enter our rivers, lakes and oceans!
A few ecological impacts of microplastics include:
- They absorb harmful bacteria and toxic substances that are harmful to humans;
- They can become entangled within the digestive tract of small organisms inhibiting proper feeding activity;
- They disrupt sex determination of sea turtles and reduce reproductive rates of oysters; and
- When feeding on marine plankton, coral's consume microplastics potentially impeding the coral's ability to digest its normal food.
How can we reduce microfibers?
1. Wash your synthetic clothes less often and for shorter periods of time. This will greatly reduce the number of microfibres being released.
2. Use colder wash settings.
3. Consider purchasing a Guppy Friend Wash Bag or a Machine Lint Filter which will capture microplastics from each wash.
4. Buy clothes made from natural fibres. Like those found at For the Reef!
5. Spot clean your clothing when possible.
6. Spread the word!
Please take the time to explore our website. All For the Reef clothing is made of natural fibres (Cotton, Bamboo, Hemp etc.) these materials will biodegrade over time, unlike polyester and other plastic derived fabrics.
Remember every purchase helps fund conservation and research of our planets coral reefs!
Thank you for your time.