So I'm sure most of you have heard about how microplastics are a huge issue, but new focus is honing in on the microplastics that are created from our laundry - microfibres 👕 These are carried into our water systems every time we wash clothes that contain any synthetic material 👖(Note: Natural fabrics like cotton also make microfibres but these biodegrade far faster than the microfibres created from synthetic materials. The jury's still out on some materials like bamboo). Enter GuppyFriend 🤸
GuppyFriend is a big bag that you put your synthetics in when you do the laundry. The microplastics get trapped inside the bag, which you then remove when they build up. Once your bag gets too tired to keep going, you remove the zip and put the bag in the mainstream recycling (you will still need to buy a replacement, and at £25 a pop, they're a bit of a luxury buy, though the bag is huge!)♻️ I've put a screenshot from one information source in the fourth photo as to what count as environmentally harmful fabrics. Feel free to do your own research, but this is the guide I used when separating out the washes 🧺
If you do get one, read the instructions carefully - you can't use washing detergents containing liquid plastics 🚫
Overall, a simple solution to a big problem that will have a big impact!🐙 Most of us are used to separating clothes based on colours, delicates or not, material etc. already, so one shift in consideration isn't energy exhaustive. Add it to your future to-buy list even if you can't make the investment just yet. These are tackling a real issue, and should definitely be kept in mind! 🦦