Monday, Feb 9

Dear Reader,

Each time we launder our synthetic clothing, we unleash millions of microplastic particles into the environment. Indeed, synthetic textiles are the largest source of microplastics in our environment. Thus far, attempts to stem the release of these particles into waterways have focused on washing machines — either garment bags that act as filters, filters that attach to your washing machine, or the Cora Ball. Now attention is turning to the role that dryers might play in stemming airborne microplastic particles. 

Researchers discovered evidence of increased microplastic concentrations downwind of laundromats, leading them to conclude that dryers were also spreading microplastics into the environment. Indeed, a story in Anthropocene reports, the researchers estimated that “as many as 570 trillion bits of laundry-generated plastic could be captured yearly if every household installed a secondary dryer filter.” Dot had little luck tracking down a dryer filter for microplastics (most dryer filters allow the tiny particles through), though a Reddit user suggested adding a high-CADR particulate filter to your outside vent to capture microplastics that get past the filter in your machine. Stay tuned, and I’ll report more when I’ve either tracked down a dryer filter for purchase or discovered a simple DIY option. (Or tell Dot if you’ve found or created a dryer filter that works!)

In the meantime, there are some simple things we can do to reduce the amount of microplastics released into our environment:

🧺 wash less frequently (is the item actually dirty or have you just adopted a habit of washing after each wear?)

🧼 wash full loads: the more clothes, the less friction, the fewer microfibers released

💧 wash clothes in cold water (again, fewer microfibers released. And bonus! Cheaper for you)

🧦 hang dry: Heat from dryers can break down synthetic fibers, not only releasing more microfibers via your dryer vent but also making your clothes wear out faster

Cleanly,

Dot