#MicroplasticPollution

[ecoviolations]

Microplastics in Our Water: A Hidden Danger from Everyday Clothing

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A post shared by Dana • sustainable fashion & beauty (@dankazhh)

Repost from Dankazhh on Instagram

Environmental scientist Dankazhh's Instagram post reveals a shocking source of microplastic pollution: our clothes. As part of her master's research in Environmental Science, she has uncovered the significant impact of synthetic fibers on our waterways. This revelation highlights the urgent need for awareness and action to combat this often-overlooked environmental issue.

"I studied microplastics in wastewater for two years, and the shocking truth is most of them come from our clothes! At least 65% of all clothes are made from synthetic fibers like polyester and polyamide, also known as plastic. Every time you wash these clothes in the washing machine, small particles end up in the wastewater. There aren't any specific requirements on how many microplastics should be removed before discharging it into our oceans and rivers. In the end, they pollute our oceans, harm marine life, and even end up in the food chain."

This post underscores the urgent need to address the environmental impact of our clothing choices. The prevalence of synthetic fibers in our wardrobes means that every wash cycle contributes to microplastic pollution. As we strive to live more sustainably, it’s crucial to consider not only the materials we purchase but also the downstream effects of their use.

How can we mitigate microplastic pollution from clothing?

To mitigate microplastic pollution from clothing, we can:

Choose natural fibers like cotton, wool, and hemp.

Use microfiber filters or laundry bags designed to capture microplastics.

Wash synthetic clothes less often and at cooler temperatures.

Advocate for stricter regulations on wastewater treatment.

Raise awareness about the impact of synthetic clothing and promote sustainable fashion choices.

By taking these steps, we can reduce the microplastic load in our waterways, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure a healthier environment for future generations. 🌎🌊

[gaiapapoila]

Ahem i d-did a game with a friend @ablueicecream with gamemaker (the trial version, so no one can play with it, except me and @ablueicecream ha ha h a ) 

It's about the plastic pollution on the sea (for this reason the “mermaid’s tears” title). I care about microplastic pollution ;; 

I practiced with pixel art and i still have so much to learn that's all :,)

[microfiberpollutionproject-blog]

This summer Connecticut passed HB 5360 to in part establish a working group on microfiber pollution. Thousands of microfibers are released during each wash and make their way into the environment. This bill was the 1st state legislation passed in the United States to address microfiber pollution. 

“The dramatic increase of microfibers in our rivers and coastal waters represents an alarming environmental and public health issue... Clothing manufacturers cannot continue to deny responsibility for the economic, environmental and public health costs of microplastic pollution. We need to engage the apparel industry to help Connecticut develop a consumer awareness and microfiber reduction action plan.” 

- Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. (D-Branford), Connecticut Senator

The group is made up of lawmakers, industry officials and environmental activists. They’re goal is to create an educational awareness campaign for consumers, as well as work with industry to create high-quality, environmentally friendly garments. 

[environmentindia]

Microplastic Pollution Has Reached Placentas of Unborn Babies #environmentind #environment #microplastics #indenvironment #microplasticpollution #pollution #pollutionfree https://www.instagram.com/p/CJLSWy8FlH_/?igshid=1prmpjawmbp9e

[wonderland007la]

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A post shared by 🇩🇴 Botanica & Ecologia RD 🍀 (@eco.dominicana.gps)

@quarry_mad desde London llama a la gente a cantar 🎤 "Microplastic People", con fines de grabar un audio de coro, de este modo despertando la conciencia ciudadana. Well, yo no canto pero con tantos karaoke aqui en RD🇩🇴... supongo que alguien si canta 😂. . 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌱🌿🌕🔥🌲🌲🌲 #microplastic #microplastics #microplasticos #microplastico #microplásticos #microplasticfree #microplasticpollution #microplástico #ecologia #ecology (at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGSF5C5jR2t/?igshid=k1m122so8aaf

[microfiberpollutionproject-blog]

Once when I was explaining my research on microfibers to a friend, they commented, “Oh, you must live and breathe this stuff”. I laughed and said, “Actually, maybe we all do!”

Microfibers are common in household dust and air! In fact, up to one-third of urban dust fallout is composed of microplastics (most of these are microfibers). I can see fibers in the dust on the keys of my keyboard as I type right now. Researchers believe people may be at risk of inhalation of microfibers and/or ingestion of food contaminated with microfibers (during cooking or eating). The effects of microfiber ingestion on human health still remains unknown. 

“There is a possibility, a real possibility, that some of those micro[fibers] will be entrained into the air, and they will be carried around and we will end up breathing them.” 

- Frank Kelly, a professor of environmental health at King’s College London  

Microfibers have been found nearly everywhere, including the seafood we eat. A recent study by Catarino, et al. (2018) counted the number of microplastics in mussels being sold at market and predicted the number of microplastics that the average seafood eater may consume (123-4,620 particles per year). They then found this value was dwarfed by the number of microfibers a person may be ingesting to through household dust during a meal (13,731-68,415 particles per year). The study found humans may eat as many as 114 microfibers with every meal. 

Investigating where microfibers are in the environment and the amount of microfibers we may be exposed to is important for understanding the effects of microfiber ingestion/inhalation on human health.

Got questions about microfiber pollution?  Ask me at https://microfiberpollutionproject.tumblr.com/ask