From Laundry to the Ocean: Fixing the Microplastics Problem in Clothes

Our clothes are in need of a refresh, but not in the way you might think. With each wash, everything from sweaters to socks are releasing tiny, microscopic fibers into our water. Almost 35% of the primary microplastics in oceans right now come from laundry, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

From filters in our washing machines to new materials for our clothes, alternatives are in the works to stop microplastics from coming off our clothes. But will it be enough? WSJ’s Alex Ossola and Ariana Aspuru speak about the steps researchers and companies are taking to solve the problem of microplastics in our wash.

Further reading: 
The Tiny Plastics in Your Clothes Are Becoming a Big Problem - WSJ  
Ocean Garbage Patches Have a Microscopic Problem - WSJ 
Fashion Firms Look to Single-Fiber Clothes as EU Recycling Regulations Loom - WSJ 
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