Microplastic Filters for Your Home
These easy-to-install washing machine filters can alleviate microplastic waste
Image: DisobeyArt, Adobe Stock
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics (a.k.a. microfibers, a.k.a. microfibres) are tiny pieces of plastic that are released into the environment through production and industrial waste and the breakdown of consumer plastics, including textiles made from synthetic fibers. Because of their durable nature, synthetic fibers are used in the production of most athleticwear. Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, spandex, elastane, lycra, and fleece emit microplastics each time they are washed.
Why are Microplastics Dangerous?
Microplastics are so pervasive in the environment that they can be found in the ocean, in rain, atop mountains, in marine life, and in our water and food supply. In 2020, researchers estimated that there were about 14 million tons of microplastics on the ocean floor. Microplastics are thought to be detrimental for both human and marine health.
What Can We Do to Reduce Microplastic Waste?
Use natural fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and Merino wool in lieu of synthetic fibers.
Buy a filter for your washing machine (see options below!).
Support legislation that regulates microplastic waste from washing machines. Legislation has been called for, introduced and passed respectively in Britain, California, and France.
Microplastic Filters for your Home Washing Machine
Planet Care Microfiber Filter
Planet Care has created a microfiber filter that hooks up to any standard washing machine. Once the filter is full, you can send it back to Planet Care where they refurbish and recycle old filters.
Cora Ball
The Cora Ball is a ball made from recycled plastic that catches microfibers during a laundry cycle. After, these fibers can be disposed in the trash rather than into water sources. Cora Ball was created by the founders of Rozalia Project, a non-profit that works to prevent and cleanup marine debris in urban, inland and coastal waters. A portion of each sale is donated to the non-profit.
GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bags
GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bags are bags made with recycled plastic (constructed in a way that does not emit microplastics, according to the company), that capture microplastics before they are released into the water draining from your laundry machine. GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bags were created by LANGBRETT, a German clothing manufacturer created by surfers that focuses on circularity. Purchases of GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bags support the non-profit organization STOP! Micro Waste , an organization, also run by LANGBRETT, that facilitates “education with activities in nature to draw attention to the problem of (micro)plastic pollution.”
The Filtrol™
The Filtrol™ is a re-usable filter that connects to the drain hose of home washing machines and removes synthetic fibers from the water draining from the machine. The Filtrol™ is made in the U.S.A.
Buying a microplastic filter for your home is a great first step for alleviating personal microplastic waste. However, microplastic pollution is a much larger issue that is going to take more than individual action to resolve. Better environmental stewardship requires not only individual action, but also shifts on a collective and systemic level, which is why community activism (in this case, pester your representatives about microplastic regulations and share the benefits of microfiber filters with every one you know, etc.) is so important.
