Microfibers: Tiny Pollutants Threatening Our Waterways

This episode of Conscious Consumption gives an overview of what microfibres are and how we release hundreds of thousands of them every single time we do the laundry.

When we wash clothes made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, the friction, detergent action, and mechanical forces in the washing machine cause these fabrics to shed microfibers. These microfibers then enter the wastewater along with the wash water. Because they are so tiny, conventional wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to effectively capture these microfibers, and as a result, many of them end up being released into waterways and eventually reaching oceans and other bodies of water.

Raising awareness about the impact of microfiber pollution and adopting more eco-friendly laundry practices are essential steps in tackling this environmental problem and moving towards more sustainable consumption habits.

Listen to learn how you can wash your clothes in a more responsible manner!


Our clothes shed microfibres – here’s what we can do... Our clothes shed microfibres – here’s what we can do... : Fashion Revolution. (n.d.). https://www.fashionrevolution.org/our-clothes-shed-microfibres-heres-what-we-can-do/#:~:text=Microfibres%20are%20a%20type%20of,goes%20to%20sewage%20treatment%20facilities