“The plastic bottles, straws, and grocery bags that wash ashore on beaches are some of the most visible signs that society’s intoxication with plastic is taking a toll on the environment. But scientists say there is another source of plastic pollution that is just as pervasive and even more difficult to clean up — and it’s hiding in our clothes. Most clothing contains synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon that are essentially constructed from thin plastic fibers. Stretchy, sweat-wicking workout clothes, water-resistant rainwear, and fleece sweaters are all made of synthetics — not to mention many T-shirts, dresses, and jeans that contain a cotton-synthetic blend. These tiny bits of plastic pose a daunting environmental challenge. As so-called microfibers shed off clothing, they eventually end up in the ocean, where they can be ingested by fish and other seafood that humans eat.” - Denise Chow
Washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean each year — the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles. A 2017 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that 35% of all microplastics — very small pieces of plastic that never biodegrade — in the ocean came from the laundering of synthetic textiles like polyester.
