We All Need Microfibre Filters

63% of shrimp in the North Sea contain synthetic fibres

Microfibres

Stop Ocean Threads - Microfibre Campaign. We need to call for legislation that will see washing machine manufacturers fit microfibre filters in all new domestic and commercial machines, by law, by 2025.

Microfibres are fibres that are released from textiles when laundered. Though predominantly from synthetic fibres, they can also be released from natural and cellulosic fibres. The focus has been on synthetic fibres as these are essentially micro plastics that will never breakdown. However, all microfibres can create harm. As they enter the oceans and waterways, toxic chemicals already in the water will cling onto these microfibres, which then end up in the stomachs of our wildlife.

There are a few products on the market now which can capture these microfibres to prevent them finding their way into the ocean.

I personally use a Cora Ball, which is as simple as throwing it into the washing machine drum with a wash (delicates and strappy garments should be placed inside a net laundry bag first/hand-washed separately, so they won’t get tangled in the ball). The ball both catches microfibres in the washing machine water as well as reducing the amount of microfibres released from fabrics in the wash, thus increasing the life of your garments.

There are also specialist laundry bags (Guppybags) where you place your garments into first before putting in the wash. These bags will capture the microfibres so they don't go into the sewers. Both these products are available via ethical stores and marketplaces across the globe.

Though these products are currently on the market, you have to know about them to be able to purchase them. If the filters were incorporated into washing machines, that would be a lot more microfibres captured. Protect our wildlife.

Please, add your voice to this petition: Stop Ocean Threads - Microfibres Campaign, to call for legislation that will see washing machine manufacturers fit microfibre filters in all new domestic and commercial machines, by law, by 2025.

The initial deadline of 2023 has been missed. With France implementing filters into new washing machines by 1st January 2025, we're asking the UK Government, as a minimum, takes action by then.

Image from Marine Conservation Society https://www.mcsuk.org/campaigns/microfibrecampaign-home

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