Laundry Day Dilemma
The Microplastics Problem and Simple Solutions for Our Homes
This story was featured in the Northfield News, Faribault Daily News and Owatonna People’s Press.
As residents of Northfield, we often find comfort in the familiarity of our daily routines. One of those routines is laundry day—but have you ever stopped to think about what happens to our clothes when we wash them? Each time we toss in a load, we unintentionally add to a growing concern: microplastics.
Understanding Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often in the form of microfibers, that can originate from various sources. While things like fishing nets and cigarette butts contribute to the problem, the most significant source is synthetic fabrics. According to a PBS news article, these fibers break free during washing, and a single laundry cycle can release millions of them into our wastewater. You might wonder if these microplastics can be filtered out. While wastewater treatment plants can remove a large portion—up to 98%—a significant number still find their way into our rivers and lakes, including our cherished Cannon River here in Northfield. (Weis, 2024)
Why This Matters
The impact of microplastics on the environment and human health is concerning. Once they enter the waterways, they can affect fish and other aquatic life, disrupting their natural biology. These microplastics also often carry harmful chemical additives that may affect our health. Given our community’s close connection to nature and agriculture, it’s crucial to recognize how this pollution can affect the local environment and food sources.
Practical Steps We Can Take
Fortunately, there are simple actions we can implement at home to help address this issue:
Wash Full Loads: Instead of washing a few items at a time, try washing full loads. This reduces friction between clothes, which can minimize the release of microfibers.
Use Cold Water: Using cold water for laundry is energy-efficient and releases fewer microfibers than hot water.
Reduce Detergent Use: Using less detergent can reduce microfiber shedding, and this minor adjustment can have a positive impact.
Consider Front-Loading Machines: If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, a front-loader typically has a gentler wash action that releases less microfiber.
Air Drying: Whenever possible, consider air drying your clothes. This method prevents additional microfiber from escaping through the dryer vent and gives your laundry a fresh scent.
We can collectively make a difference in combating microfiber pollution by adopting small changes. It’s about taking simple steps in our daily lives to help protect our environment, health, and local ecosystems. By being mindful on laundry day, we contribute to a cleaner, healthier Northfield for ourselves and future generations.
References
Weis, J. (2024, January 13). Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution. Here’s how to clean your clothes more sustainably. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/laundry-is-a-top-source-of-microplastic-pollution-heres-how-to-clean-your-clothes-more-sustainably
