Microfibres from clothes end up in our fish
Microfibres from clothes end up in our fish
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Discussion

Outliar

Original Poster:

116 posts

167 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
Have you seen this news?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/2...

Apparently the average fleece releases 1g of microfibres every time it's washed. 40% of these microfibres end up in our oceans and rivers, and in the fish we eat. Older garments, and cheaply manufactured fibres, are the worst culprits.

Please heed and pass on the message to all those who might be interested.

My fleeces, ahem, tend not to get washed that often. Now I can feel both morally superior and less guilty when I get grief about it! But in all seriousness, I plan to wear and buy natural fibres whenever possible. And my condenser style tumble dryer grey water will now be emptied in the garden, not down the drain.

Any other ideas? I've already written to the editors of some magazines to raise awareness amongst the communities I belong to.

ILoveMondeo

9,617 posts

256 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
google microbeads in cosmetics/shower gel/face wash...

That'll really get you worked up.

FWIW, I dont use any of that st and dont think I have a fleece to my name, so looks like I'm guilt free on this one.


BuzzBravado

2,949 posts

201 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
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And as the human population grows the more of a burden we will be on the planet. As long as we are around it will always be tainted.

Riley Blue

23,207 posts

256 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
Simple solution - don't eat fish.

saaby93

32,038 posts

208 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
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or
Simple solution - don't eat.

deltashad

6,731 posts

227 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
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Any engineers fancy designing a better filter system?

stedaley

672 posts

154 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
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Filter systems exist but as the filtration system gets smaller then it takes longer to process. And as its not regulated, they arent going to do it if it costs them more are they. Thats the end game really.

Use wash products with salts or coffee. Does the same thing as the micro beads. Costs more, but if you want to save the planet...

Matt UK

18,084 posts

230 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
Riley Blue said:
Simple solution - don't eat fish.
Or eat fish and get free microfibres!

<Homer Simpson> mmmmm, microfibres...


HustleRussell

26,608 posts

190 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
stedaley said:
Use wash products with salts or coffee. Does the same thing as the micro beads. Costs more, but if you want to save the planet...
Having heard about microbeads I bought a face wash with IIRC olive seeds in it instead. Olives go well with fish so maybe it'll be an improvement.

Edited by HustleRussell on Tuesday 21st June 11:04

Limpet

6,627 posts

191 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
ILoveMondeo said:
google microbeads in cosmetics/shower gel/face wash...

That'll really get you worked up.

FWIW, I dont use any of that st and dont think I have a fleece to my name, so looks like I'm guilt free on this one.
And it's completely unnecessary to boot. Crushed walnut shells and ground rice both do the same job and are completely biodegradable.

vanordinaire

3,701 posts

192 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
Although you see it as a problem, I see it as a positive for the environment. It's a form of carbon capture. You take nasty petrochemicals and instead of burning them and releasing greenhouse gases and toxins, you turn it into non-biodegradeable plastic and wash it into the sea back where it came from. wink

Riley Blue

23,207 posts

256 months

Tuesday 21st June 2016
quotequote all
Matt UK said:
Riley Blue said:
Simple solution - don't eat fish.
Or eat fish and get free microfibres!

<Homer Simpson> mmmmm, microfibres...
I'd rather wear a fleece on the outside...