British Parliamentary Group on Microplastics Calls for New Regulations
A new all-party parliamentary group on microplastics published their first report on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. According to The Guardian, the report calls for new rules requiring manufacturers to fit microplastics filters to all washing machines sold in the UK starting in 2025, for textile makers to have to assume responsibility for the waste their products generate starting in 2023, and for the government to appoint a minister of plastic pollution.
Why does it matter?
Scientists and policy makers have been aware of the plastic pollution caused by microplastics for a long time. Microplastics in the environment are so pervasive, that they can be found in the oceans, in rain, and in our food supply.
Researchers aren’t quite sure how microplastics will affect human health long term, but evidence suggests that ingesting these tiny pieces of plastic could lead to inflammation, exposure to toxic chemicals and gut microbiome disruption, all of which could be precursors to chronic disease. In 2016, the UN reported that marine debris, much of which is plastic, negatively affects 800 species in the ocean. Studies on fish have shown that microplastic ingestion could lead to detrimental health outcomes such as oxidative stress, changes in behavior, and population growth rate decrease in these populations. Negative effects on one species could have implications that reverberate throughout an entire ecosystem.
The possibility of an increase on microplastics regulation is exciting. Many experts agree that to make real progress on climate change, climate action must be systemic.
If you’re interested in learning more about the difference between systemic climate action and personal climate action, this How to Save a Planet episode is a great place to start.
What does this have to do with the athletic community?
Take a look at the labels of your favorite gear. From yoga pants, to fleece jackets, to backpacks and running vests, it is likely that almost every piece of gear you own contains a fabric made from plastic, such as lycra, elastane, nylon, polyester, fleece, microfleece, and polyamide.
Unfortunately, even more eco-conscious choices like ECONYL and other fabrics made from recycled plastics still contribute to microplastic waste.
According to an International Union for Conservation of Nature report, synthetic textiles contribute 35 percent of the microplastics found in the ocean, making them the largest contributor to microplastic contamination.
What can we do?
Honestly, it’s tough to imagine high performance gear without these fabrics.
On a personal level you can purchase products made from natural fibers such as organic cotton and hemp, when possible. If not possible, buy used, buy gear that will last a long time and repair, rather than replace your gear. Tell everyone you know why you are doing so, and encourage them to do the same.
You can also buy filters for your washing machine, or a Guppyfriend, which third party testers found to keep between 90-100 percent of microfibers from escaping from your washing machine.
However, even if everybody reading this took these steps to improve their personal microplastic output, it wouldn’t be as impactful as commercial regulations. This is why the parliamentary group and their calls for action to reduce microplastic pollution could be a good thing.
