The Invisible Threat of Micro Plastics: Understanding the Risks and how to Help (focus on fashion)

Have you ever considered the effect of your purchases on ocean plastic pollution?

Micro plastics are small plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters in size. They can be found in a variety of products that we use every day, such as facial cleansers, toothpaste, and even clothing. These tiny particles can be ingested by marine life and can even make their way up the food chain to humans. ⚠️

⚠️ Example 1: Micro plastics found in cosmetics, which go straight to the ocean and into the fish we eat.

⚠️ Example 2: Micro plastics coming from our plastic clothes (including PATAGONIA Polyester clothes).

Let’s consider the fashion industry:

The fashion industry for example, is one of the biggest contributors to the problem of micro plastics. When washed synthetic materials like polyester and nylon shed microfibers, which can then enter our oceans and waterways. For example, a single synthetic fleece jacket can release up to 1.7 grams of microfibers each time it's washed! 👕🧺

The astonishing rise of Polyester production in fashion!
https://oecotextiles.blog/2016/04/19/to-polyester-or-not-to-polyester/

The risks of micro plastics are numerous, both for the natural ecosystem and for human health. They can be ingested by marine life, causing harm to animals and potentially making their way up the food chain to humans. Micro plastics can also absorb toxins and pollutants from the water, potentially contaminating the seafood we eat. 🐟🎣🍣 🌊

While using recycled plastic in clothing may seem like a good idea, it can actually be harmful to the environment.
When plastic is recycled, it is broken down into small particles, which can become micro plastics. These micro plastics can then be released into the environment through the washing of clothing made from recycled plastic.

So, what can we do to help?

There are a few simple things we can do to reduce the amount of micro plastics in our oceans and waterways:

1. Choose natural fibers like organic cotton and wool over synthetic materials when buying clothing. 👗

2. Support companies that are committed to sustainable practices and buy local (local fruit, local fashion, local crafts, etc.) 🌿

3. Avoid buying products with high level of plastic inside the product or in their packaging! (e.g. do we really need all of that plastic packaging for some local tomatoes?) 🍅

Micro plastics can have serious consequences for both our environment and our health, let’s build the world we want to see by changing the way we do business and our buying decisions!

More Sources at: https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-stop-plastics-from-your-clothes-polluting-the-planet-each-time-you-do-your-laundry-amjuT8j8R38g

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