I) About microplastics
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, which are less than 5 millimeters long in size and can cause pollution through entering our ecosystems. Microplastics can come from a variety of sources: these include cosmetics, clothing and industrial processing.II) Microplastics in the fashion industry
In recent years, the microplastics pollution of the fashion industry has reached previously unseen extents due to the spread of the fast fashion movement. In order to offer clothes at competitive prices and with great turnover rates, many fast fashion brands have turned towards the use of cheap versions of synthetic textiles in large quantities.
In general, clothes made from synthetic fibers do have many advantages, such as being tear-resistant, breathable and lightweight. Because of these advantages, they are still considered as the go-to materials for outdoor and sports activities, as they offer the most comfortable and best-performing choices for active lifestyles.
The large-scale problem with synthetic materials arises when they are overused in massive quantities, leading to widespread pollution. When synthetic textiles are washed, they lose microplastic fibers, which can enter our rivers and oceans via the waste water and pollute marine life. With a growing use of these materials, the issue of microplastics has reached an alarming extent.
When microplastics enter the marine ecosystems, they do not only pollute the waters but also get consumed by marine animals. Research shows that some fish consumed by humans also contain microplastics, therefore, the microplastic pollution does not only harm nature and animals but can also be dangerous for humans.
III) Tackling the issue of microplastics
While resolving the issue of microplastics is a complex task that will require policies and united efforts globally, we can all take steps as individuals to reduce the impacts of the issue.
When choosing your clothes, we always recommend choosing items made from eco-friendly-certified materials, such as ECONYL® made from recycled ocean waste. At FLÕWY, we only use ECONYL® materials for our activewear clothes, which are infinitely recyclable in order to ensure that we reduce the global warming impact of the fashion industry.
Secondly, when washing your synthetic clothes, we recommend using a GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag, which protects your clothes during a wash while also capturing microplastic fibers and preventing them from entering rivers and oceans via the waste water. As a bonus, the use of the bag will also protect your clothes and ensure that they will last for a longer time.
You can learn more about the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag here.
