Did you know that you are already eating and drinking microplastics? They are everywhere! From our oceans, rivers and lakes to our food, water, and air. You can even find microplastics in common fruits and vegetables! Microplastics polluting our waterways are a huge and growing problem. A very large percentage of microplastics come from our polyester clothing, including most yoga pants. Are there any solutions to microplastics from yoga pants and other polyester textiles? What can governments and businesses do? More importantly, what can WE do?
Like any global crisis, don’t expect an easy answer. This will require coordination and cooperation at every level of government, and between governments, too. After all, no country owns the oceans! Awareness is the first step. We have outlined and detailed the dangers of microplastics below, as well as five solutions. Due to the growing popularity of yoga pants, leggings, active wear, and sportswear, the problem will only get worse if we do nothing.
Here are five solutions for microplastics from yoga pants and other synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon:
- Not buying or wearing synthetic fibers
- Microplastics filtration technology in washing machines
- Better wastewater filtration with downstream sand filters
- Better synthetic fabric design or biodegradable alternatives
- At-home tips to reduce microfibers and microplastics shedding such as adding vinegar when washing or purchasing the Guppyfriend or Cora Ball.
In addition, we have also listed other solutions for reducing microplastics that do not originate from the washing of synthetic fibers. Rather, they are generated from larger pieces of plastic degrading and breaking down. These microplastics may not come from your yoga pants, but they represent an even bigger percentage of overall microplastics in the oceans. They include: reducing or banning single-use plastics, participating in beach clean ups, and the Ocean Clean Up Project.
What Are Microplastics And How Do They Affect The Environment?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than than five millimetres long that result from the breakdown and disposal of consumer goods and industrial waste. They are often invisible to the naked eye. One of the largest sources of microplastics entering our waterways is from washing polyester and nylon clothing, like yoga pants!
In fact, synthetic fibers are the single biggest source of primary microplastics entering our oceans every year. From there, microplastics wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Fish and other marine life such as planktonic organisms and mollusks mistake microplastics for food. So do birds. The microplastics and the toxic chemicals they contain bioaccumulate in organisms over time.
They are present in the digestive tract of marine life as well as surrounding tissues. Ingested microplastic also translocates from the gut into the circulatory system. Consequently, this process is amplified by larger marine life higher and higher up the food chain in a process known as biomagnification. Microplastics quickly work their way up to the top of the food chain.
Oh wait, That’s us! Consequently, we end up ingesting microplastics too!
“In a recent study, a quarter of the marine fish sampled from markets in Indonesia and California, USA, were found to have plastic debris and fibres from textiles in their guts.
MICROPLASTICS: TROUBLE IN THE FOOD CHAIN
Microplastics Aren’t Just Found In Fish – They Are Everywhere
Maybe you are a vegetarian or vegan and you don’t eat fish. Well, I have bad news for you. You are still ingesting microplastics, too! The only question is, how much? They are also present in our drinking water, and have been detected in both tap and bottled water. They bypass wastewaster treatment plants which were not designed to remove microplastics. To make matters worse, most water filters can’t remove them since they are not designed to do so and particles are extremely tiny.
“In fact, 83 percent of tap water worldwide contains microplastics, according to an in-depth study by State University of New York at Fredonia. The United States has the highest presence: 94 percent of U.S. tap water is contaminated with microplastics. Microplastics have also found their way into bottled water. Further research discovered that microplastics were found in 93 percent of 11 popular water bottle brands around the world. “
Lifestraw – What You Need to Know About Microplastics
Unfortunately, the exposure for humans doesn’t stop at seafood or drinking water, either. Fruits and vegetables can be also be adversely affected too. Microplastics can penetrate plant roots and accumulate over time through contaminated soil and water.
Among the worst fruits and vegetables were apples, pears, broccoli, and carrots. According to a study at The University of Catania in Italy, apples contained an average of 195,500 plastic particles per gram! That’s not all! Microplastics have also been detected in table salt, honey, sugar, and beer. Oh no, not beer too!
Global Microplastics Statistics Are Horrifying And Getting Worse
As explained previously, microplastics are everywhere and a threat to our own bodies, wildlife, and the environment. However, we didn’t quantity the severity of the problem. The statistics are horrifying and getting worse. According to an Australian Government Agency known as The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), there are already 14 million tons of microplastic already on the whole ocean floor. There is an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans globally. Over 8 million pieces of plastic end in up in our oceans EACH DAY!
You get the picture. Microplastics are everywhere. In our water supply, our food supply, and even the air we breathe! Although the precise long term effects on human health are unknown, there are links to various cancers, and can also adversely affect our immune and reproductive systems. So, what can we do to reduce microplastics in our oceans and in our bodies? What are the solutions for microplastics from yoga pants and other synthetic clothing?
Solution # 1: Don’t Buy Or Wear Yoga Pants Or Any Clothing With Synthetic Fibers like Polyester or Nylon
Primary microplastics are a big problem. They represent approximately 15-31% of all microplastics in the oceans.
“Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets. Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles.”
National Geographic – Microplastics
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are the single biggest source of primary microplastics entering our oceans every year. This is due to microfibers shedding off clothes in the washing machine and then directly entering our waterways.
How bad is the problem? Keeping with the theme of microplastics and the plastic pollution crisis in general: awful and getting worse.
Synthetic fibers ultimately create to about 500,000 tons of microplastic per year.
To give you an idea of what that looks like, that’s 117 billion plastic bags worth of microplastics per year (or15 bags per person on Earth) from synthetic fabrics like most yoga pants!
Clothing made from polyester has increased drastically since 2000. There has been over a 150% increase in the total amount of polyester garments from 2000-2015. Today, more than 65% of all clothing contains polyester and it is the world’s leading fiber.
Your yoga pants are likely made from polyester or nylon! Similarly, so are most leggings, active wear, and other sportswear. These categories of clothes are also among the highest sellers globally in recent years. The problem is getting worse!
Simply Buy And Wear Only Yoga Pants, Leggings, and Active Wear From Natural Fibers – Go Sustainable And Organic If Possible
In summary, polyester production is booming and all of these synthetic fibers shed microplastics in washing machines that end in our oceans.
The simplest way to reduce microplastics from shedding is to not buy or wear synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon!
Here are some great reasons to opt for natural fiber, and we highly recommend sustainable yoga pants made from materials like organic cotton instead:
- Natural Fibers don’t create shed microfibers that create microplastics in the ocean when washed.
- Synthetic fiber clothing has a much higher carbon footprint. In fact, it is estimated that polyester fibers use double the CO2 to produce than cotton.
- Natural fibers decompose much quicker in a landfill. If not recycled, synthetic fibers like polyester can take decades, or even centuries to break down!
- Natural Fibers are more breathable fabric with minimal odor. This is better for your skin, and even better for your vaginal health, too! Synthetic fibers can cause yeast infections more easily!
“Synthetic fabrics—like polyester and lace—can mess with your vaginal health by trapping heat and moisture, irritating the skin and creating an environment for bacteria or a fungus to overgrow and multiply.”
Solution#2: Require Filters For Microplastics in All New Washing Machines
Although the BEST solution is to eliminate demand of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon by not purchasing or wearing them, it is unrealistic to assume everyone will do so. While still important, creating awareness of how most yoga pants, active wear and leggings contribute to microplastics and the plastic pollution crisis globally will not solve the problem alone.
Although we could wash our clothes less, this is not a hygienic solution as most synthetic fibers were designed for exercise like yoga pants, active wear, and sportswear.
A practical solution?
Through better design and engineering, we could build better washing machines that can filter and catch a significant amount of microplastics BEFORE they can mix with wastewater and enter our water supply.
Although this filtration technology exists, there are virtually no washing machines for sale that offer it.
We strongly believe this technology should be mandatory and standard for all washing machines, and the costs are relatively minimum. The costs of this filtration technology are tiny especially in comparison to the costs to the environment and public health.
France is Mandating Microplastics Filtration Technology in All New Washing Machines By 2025
This is already being implemented in France, and they have made this filtration technology for microplastics mandatory in all new washing machines, starting in 2025.
“France has just adopted a law to curb this pollution, proposing that by 2025 every new washing machine One striking example is the extensive use of plastic microfibres in the textile industry, which is estimated to account for between 15% and 31% of the 9.5 million tonnes of plastics entering our oceans each year.
France has just adopted a law to curb this pollution, proposing that by 2025 every new washing machine must have a filter to catch plastic microfibres that come away from clothing during washing.”
European Parliament – Plastic microfibre filters for new washing machines by 2025
If it can be done in France, it can be in all other other industrialized nations. We hope to see this technology become standard in all washing machines as soon as possible!
Solution# 3: Better Wastewater Filtration With Downstream Sand Filters
Similar, to implementing better microplastics filtration systems for washing machines, we can also implement better filtration systems for waste and wastewater at treatment centers.
Microplastics have been able to be removed at very high rates at wastewater treatment centers using downstream sand filters. According to a research article titled “Elimination of Microplastics by Downstream Sand Filters in Wastewater Treatment,” the results of this filtration system process have been excellent.
The municipal WWTPs were able to eliminate 99.2%± 0.29% and 99.4%±0.15% of MP in the sand filtration stage.
“The rate of removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment centers with a downstream filtration stage is very high,which means that less microplastics are emitted into the rivers.”
Elimination of Microplastics by Downstream Sand Filters in Wastewater Treatment
Implementing a downstream filtration stage with downstream sand filters across all wastewater treatment centers is an excellent solution for microplastics of all types, including those from synthetic fibers and yoga pants, too!
Solution#4: Better Design And Biodegradable Alternatives – Yoga Pants That Shed Less Microplastic fibers
Another Solution to reduce microplastics from synthetic fibers like polyester and ultimately, our oceans in general, is to produce clothes that shed less through better design and/or different materials, such as biodegradable textiles.
One project, known as “Textile Mission,” is partnering with large companies that produce and sell synthetic fibers such as Adidas and Vaude to develop and design fibers that release less microfibers and microplastics.
“On one hand, textiles and clothing are to be developed, using optimized production processes and researches, for significant lower quantities of micro-particles release in comparison with the available products on the market. Together with the sports clothing manufacturers involved, the textile researchers will testify the feasibility of using biodegradable fibres as an environmental friendly alternative.”
Vaude – Initiative against Micro-plastic Release in Environment
Solution # 5: At-Home Tips to Reduce Microfibers and Microplastics Shedding From Your Yoga Pants
Maybe you already own a ton of gorgeous polyester yoga pants. Maybe you are on a budget and can’t afford new leggings right now. We get it. Being sustainable isn’t always easy. Or cheap.
Here’s a great tip for washing to seriously reduce polyester shedding and microplastics from entering our waterways:
- If it’s really old, ratty, and falling apart – please throw it away! These pieces are way much likely to shed!
- Brush your clothes before washing to remove loose fibers.
- Use an all natural, organic, and gentle detergent and wash with cool water if possible.
- Pour one cup of vinegar along with your detergent.
- Hang outside to dry.
- Spray down with starch.
Need more tips?
Put your clothes in a Guppyfriend before you throw them in the wash! The Guppyfriend is a bag where you put all of your synthetic fiber based clothing like most yoga pants, leggings and active wear. It catches shed fibers and microplastics directly in the bag. Then, you can dispose of them properly afterwards.
Another greet option is the Cora Ball. This laundry ball is thrown in the washing machine and “catches” microfibers including microplastics. Just throw it in!
Tackling Secondary Microplastics
Although our main goal is to discuss solutions for reducing microplastics from synthetic fiber based clothing such as polyester or nylon yoga pants, leggings, active wear, and sportswear, we also NEED to mention solutions for all microplastics.
As discussed, synthetic fibers create microplastics by shedding in washing machines and eventually ending up in our waterways. These are known as primary microplastics and represent 15-31% of all microplastics in the oceans. Synthetic clothes washing is the biggest source of primary microplastics.
However, as a whole, secondary microplastics, which originate from larger plastic objects breaking down and degrading, are an even bigger problem. They represent 69-81% of all microplastics in the oceans, and one of the largest sources is single-use plastics.
By reducing or banning single-use plastics, this will greatly reduce secondary microplastics in our oceans. Additionally, participating in beach clean ups will also prevent plastic from breaking down into microplastics. Finally, the Ocean Clean Up Project’s innovative moving net system which traps and removes plastic is another great way to clean up our oceans from plastic and microplastics.
Greatly Reduce Or Ban Single-Use Plastic – Especially Plastic Water Bottles!
One of the largest contributors to microplastics are single-use plastics such as plastic water bottles, cutlery, straws, bags, and plates.
“According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), single-use plastic represents 89% of the plastic in the ocean.”
JEMIMA WEBBER – Single-Use Items Make up 89% of Plastic Waste in the Ocean
Single-use plastic, especially water bottles, MUST be greatly reduced immediately. Even better, they should be banned!
The good news? Some governments and countries are already beginning to do so:
- The European Union has already overwhelmingly voted to ban several single-use plastics starting in 2021 that include straws, food containers, cutlery, cotton bud sticks and other items with existing sustainable alternatives.
- Canada is banning several single-use plastics by the end of 2021. They will be banning plastics that are difficult to recycle such as plastic checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery, and food containers.
- France already has a plastic ban in place on many single use items such as plastic plates, cups and cotton buds, and plastic straws and cutlery. They are planning to recycle of 100% of plastics by 2025 and phase out all single-use plastics by 2040.
In all of these countries and regions, there has been relatively minimal push back from consumers. Many have even welcomed the ban. This proves that it can be done in other cities and countries across the world also!
Ban Plastic Water Bottles And Single-Use Plastic in Your Life Today
Plastic water bottles are harder to ban because of high demand and less existing alternatives. While some small towns and universities such as the University of Vermont and Washington University have done so, it remains difficult to roll out across larger cities, regions, or countries.
Our solution to plastic water bottles right now? Ban them in YOUR life today! Similar to single use plastic bans that haven’t reached your city or country yet, it’s up to each individual to lead by example. Use a refillable water container (or try 100% recyclable and plant based BOXED WATER), bamboo straws and utensils, reusable cloth shopping bags, and other sustainable and reusable products.
Beach Cleanups
As mentioned previously, over eight million pieces of plastic enter our waterways globally each day. While much of this is due to improperly managed waste systems in developed countries (we discuss this below), we can help do our part with beach cleanups! Don’t live near the ocean? No Problem! Try volunteering for a river or lake clean up instead. Many major rivers and lakes also directly feed into the ocean as well as your own local water supply, so this is another effective solution for reducing microplastics both locally and globally at the same time.
It’s important to note that the strong force of waves combined with direct sunlight and UV radiation makes beaches among the easiest places for microplastics to form quickly. Plastics in general break down much slower when they have already submerged.
“The production of microplastics by the fragmentation of larger plastic items is most effective on beaches, with high UV irradiation and physical abrasion by waves. Once submerged, cooler temperatures and reduced UV means fragmentation becomes extremely slow.”
– Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environment Protection (GESAMP),
Join a beach clean up near you HERE and make a global impact to reduce microplastics in our oceans!
The Ocean Cleanup Project
There are multiple ways to avoid getting plastic waste into the ocean in the first place. As mentioned, better wastewater filtration and management systems help achieve this goal. As discussed, beach cleanups can also help. We can also reduce our plastic production or ban it. However, once it is already in the ocean, how do you get it out to avoid plastic waste from further breaking down and creating more microplastics?
The Ocean Cleanup Project has an innovative solution. One of its primary goals of this start up company is to clean up and remove huge patches of plastic known as “great garbage patches.” The largest one, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and it covers 1.6 million square kilometers and is twice the size of Texas!
Most of the plastic in these great garbage patches is floating on our near the surface, including huge amounts of microplastics. They have created a long system 2,000 feet that floats with 3-foot skirt underneath that acts as a net. This system moves by harnessing wind and wave energy, and also uses data and algorithms to predict ocean currents.
Consequently, the system is able to move faster than the plastic and to slowly encircle parts of these great garbage patches. They are then able to capture and remove large amounts of plastic waste and microplastics that are already floating on the surface!
Remove Existing Microplastics and Preventing Future Microplastics at The Same Time
Ultimately, The Ocean Cleanup Project is one of the best strategies for reducing microplastics by taking it out of waterways directly as well as taking out larger pieces which will further degrade and create more microplastics over time.
The Ocean Cleanup Project’s ultimate goal is reaching a 90% reduction of floating ocean plastic by 2040. Although this project has had setbacks and is not the quick miracle some had expected, it is still making great progress. Recently, they have partnered with Konecranes, a global leader in shipyards, cranes, and other maritime services. Konecranes will manufacture,design and service the vessel responsible for extracting river and ocean plastic pollution, known as the Interceptor. Check Here for more updates on the Ocean Cleanup Project!
Conclusion
Microplastics and ocean plastic pollution are one of the greatest global environmental crises that we face today. In addition to their creation from single-use plastic such as water bottles and other secondary plastic sources, synthetic fiber shedding in clothes like many polyester or nylon yoga pants, leggings, and active wear is also a large and primary source of microplastics.
There is no easy answer. Or silver bullet. However, there are many solutions at the individual, business, and governmental levels to reduce microplastics from polyester and nylon based yoga pants and other synthetic fibers. These solutions include: not buying or wearing synthetic fibers, microplastics filtration technology in washing machines, better wastewater filtration with downstream sand filters, better synthetic fabric design or biodegradable alternatives, and at-home tips to reduce microfibers and microplastics shedding such as adding vinegar when washing or purchasing the Guppyfriend or Cora Ball. When combined, these solutions can truly make an impact in our ocean environment and help turn the tide against microplastics!
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120305703
https://www.businessinsider.com/what-drinking-plastic-does-to-your-body-2018-3
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariellasimke/2020/01/21/there-is-plastic-in-your-fish/?sh=353ea1027071
https://uneplive.unep.org/media/docs/early_warning/microplastics.pdf
Jonathan O’Donnell, Founder and Senior Contributor At L’Aquila Active
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