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Microfiber Pollution:
All clothing material made of synthetic fiber or polyester, mixed with cotton or 100%, are now considered one of the biggest plastic pollution problems we face.
During every wash, by machine, they shed small micro fibers measuring less than 5 mm length, shedding up to 1,900 microfibers per wash.
The problem gets worse as garments age and the fibers loosen but less acute when hand washed due to less agitation.
Water Pollution:
The wash water from washing machines, containing microfibers, may find their way, especially in major cities, through waterways into seafood, and even into drinking water.
This, in turn, can be consumed by humans, the effect of which can be devastating.
In California, USA, a new legislation is being pushed through which will require all clothing containing more than 50 percent synthetic fabric to have a conspicuous label warning of plastic microfiber shedding.
Spread Awareness:
A group that has been very vocal about the environmental impact of synthetic clothing, The Story of Stuff, has made a video on it here.