If you're worried about microfibre release from your clothing, what's the best way to approach laundry? In the past few years, UKRI-funded research has highlighted the environmental damage caused by #microplastics, including tiny synthetic fibres from clothes. (Thread)
Some people have responded to this news by replacing their synthetic clothing with natural fibre alternatives, but this generates waste and uses lots of resources to make new clothing. Instead, taking better care of your existing clothes is probably a better long-term option.
New research funded by EPSRC has shown that the wash cycle you use has a huge effect on microfibre release. A 30 minute, 25 degree wash cycle released 52% less microfibre mass compared to 85 minutes at 40.
Shorter, cooler washes also reduced wear and tear on clothes, helping them last longer and keeping them out of landfill. Of course, there's also the saving on carbon emissions from heating water and running the machine.
The study was carried out by @UniversityLeeds academics in partnership with @PGUK.
Find out more on our website: epsrc.ukri.org/newsevents/new…
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