Introduction/Note
I write these blogs in a neutral way, avoiding political bias or promoting any products on my site as I am sincerely trying to provide solutions to the harmful effects of garment manufacturing on the environment. The release of microfibers in laundry water is a real problem, one which can be partially mitigated by consumers choosing clothes that release fewer damaging microfibers.
The problem is so broad that there is no one answer to prevent microfiber release in laundry, particularly as it’s a combination of contributing factors that created this problem in the first place. As an online retailer, my contribution is to provide a clothing collection made of materials that release fewer harmful microfibers during washing. Here, I’ll explain what my company offers that might at least help mitigate the impact of microfibers on our ecosystem.
The (First) Problem
Laundry is a routine household chore, but a little bit at a time, washing clothes unleashes an invisible menace: microfibers. Tiny synthetic fibers from clothing are released into wastewater during washing and into ecosystems, posing significant threats to the environment and human health (the image above is an AI depiction of microfibers in seawater, for example). Here, we’ll explore the dangers of microfibers, and why shifting to green fashion (i.e., sustainable, 100% organic, and ethically sourced) clothing is essential for a healthier planet.
What Are Microfibers?
Microfibers are tiny synthetic particles that shed from textiles like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. While seemingly insignificant, these microplastics accumulate in waterways during the washing process. They're too small to be filtered effectively by wastewater treatment plants and end up in oceans, rivers, and soil. Marine life then ingests these fibers, along with the dyes and water-resistant chemicals on them, bringing toxins into the lower levels of the food chain.
Note: it’s important to distinguish between “microfibers” and “microplastics.” Microplastics can be associated with microfibers made from polyester or from manufacturing treatments to make clothing water or stain resistant (petrochemicals and dyes, etc.). These materials can come from a few different sources in the clothing industry, but for the sake of discussion, I’m taking a “broad brush” approach.
The Environmental Impact
The detrimental effects are pretty straightforward:
- Water Contamination: microplastic pollution and associated chemicals in our water supply and in the oceans ecosystem can persist in the ecosystem for decades, degrading slowly and contributing to disease for any plant, animal or human using that water supply.
- Marine Life at Risk: Microfiber ingestion subsequently affects marine species by causing blockages, malnutrition, and exposure to harmful pollutants. Combined with water contamination, this impacts the plants and animals in the food chain themselves.
- Soil Degradation: Synthetic fibers leaching into soil compromise agricultural productivity contributing to the impact on food supply chains.
Human Health Concerns
Microfibers not only harm fish and wildlife but also degrade human health. Through plants and animals, they can make their way into the human diet, potentially disrupting hormonal systems, immune responses, and in general introducing toxic substances into the body. The long-term implications of this are still unfolding, but to the average person, this should be concerning.
Why Sustainable Clothing Matters
The production of “conventional” synthetic clothing contributes to the microfiber problem. On the other hand, sustainable alternatives, such as 100% organic and ethically sourced textiles, offer a solution that mitigates environmental and human health risks.
1. Reduced Microfiber Pollution: Organic fibers like cotton, hemp, and bamboo do not shed microplastics. Washing sustainable clothing means fewer harmful fibers enter waterways.
2. Eco-Friendly Production: Sustainable clothing is produced with minimal reliance on petrochemicals and synthetic dyes, reducing overall environmental impact.
3. Ethically Sourced: Buying garments made by workers paid fair wages and treated ethically ensures that sustainability encompasses not just environmental care but human welfare.
4. Biodegradability: Unlike synthetic fibers, organic materials break down naturally, leaving no toxic residue in soil and water.
The Case for Ethical Choices
Choosing ethically sourced clothing promotes responsible labor practices and ensures that your wardrobe doesn’t contribute to exploitation. Many fashion companies prioritize worker safety, fair wages, and environmentally conscious production methods. Supporting these brands can help foster a culture of sustainability and fairness.
“Best Practice” Actions to Take
Taking action is both simple and impactful. Here are ways to reduce microfiber pollution while embracing sustainable practices:
- Choose 100% Organic Clothing when able: Replace synthetic clothing with 100% organic cotton or wool options, for example. This can be tough as products are limited depending on your needs. (It’s tough to find business suits or shirts, for example.)
- Seek out sustainable fashion: Look for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Fair Trade for reassurance that your clothing is both sustainable and ethically sourced.
- Use Washing Machine Filters: Devices like microfiber filters can catch fibers during laundry cycles. These thermos-sized filters attach to your washer’s drain hose and can probably be cleaned out every few months or so.
- Wash polyester less frequently…really? Well, yeah. (I’m almost reluctant to recommend this as a guy who enjoys mountain biking, skiing, etc.) For some garments, you can get away with reduced washing. It might prolong garment life and decrease microfiber release.
- Finally: choose clothing made mostly from natural and biodegradable fibers. Unless a garment is certified organic or ethically sourced, you can’t guarantee that the manufacturing processes won’t cause some environmental harm. However, the impacts of microplastic/microfiber release from washing may be lesser than with 100% polyester garments.
The “Selection” Problem: When Choices are Limited, Mitigate the Problem
Affordable, sustainable apparel options can be limited. The short version of this second problem is that the predominant apparel product offerings available in many low-to-medium-budget, big-box stores etc., are made from polyester or poly-blends. This keeps unit costs down and retail prices low, in addition to being rapidly produced.
The collections on this site are curated to prioritize ethically sourced, sustainable apparel. However, in some categories of clothing, products meeting those criteria are limited at best. In order to mitigate this problem, the rest of the collection is chosen based on being made from fabric that is at least 70% natural or biodegradable. It’s important to note that these options are also not without environmental impact.
As a dropshipping business, I’ve found that sourcing high-quality, eco-conscious clothing can be a challenge. Sustainable T-shirts, summer wear, and athletic clothing are widely available, but professional attire that meets the same standards? Not so much. Further, finding PFAS-free outerwear or a 100% organic cotton dress shirt that’s stylish and affordable is tough.
The goal is to bridge that gap.
I challenge apparel companies to at least offer a selection of thoughtfully chosen apparel that balances sustainability, affordability, and practicality, without compromising on style or ethical values.
Conclusion
Microfibers are a silent but significant threat that begins in our laundry rooms and extends into the world's ecosystems. Embracing sustainable, 100% organic, and ethically sourced clothing not only reduces microfiber pollution but also paves the way for a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable future. Take the step—shift your wardrobe and support brands that prioritize people and the planet. Together, we can mitigate the impact of microfiber pollution and create a better world for generations to come.
