PlanetCare (a filter to remove microplastics in washing machines)

Synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, recycled plastic bottles – along with reusable nappies and menstrual pads which have synthetic backings) all release microplastics (tiny plastics) in washing machines (or sinks for hand-washing) that go down drains and into our seas and rivers.

The best way to prevent this is of course to choose natural fibres (cotton, linen, hemp). But if you (like most people) have some synthetic fibre clothing, microfiber filters are the ideal solution.

PlanetCare (use code ENGLANDNATURALLY15 for 15% discount on all orders) is the best option, as it captures around 98% of microplastics, and then you send empty cartridges back for emptying and refilling. It fits to your washing machine in just 10 minutes.

This means you are not emptying caught microplastics into a bin, where they could wash away at landfill (for the other options below, collect caught microplastics in a secure container before binning). 

Other Budget-Friendly Microfiber Filters

If you can’t afford the above, then at least use either a Guppyfriend Washing Bag or CoraBall (these collect far less, but are better than nothing). The latter tumbles around the machine to collect microplastics, then you just pull them out (like cleaning a hairbrush) and again securely bin.

GuppyFriend also makes a sink filter (for hand-washing) and a bucket filter (for when cleaning floors).

Microfibre Filters Protect Marine Creatures

Most marine creatures are ‘filter feeders’, which means they open their mouths and ingest everything. Then some creatures (like whales) spurt water out of their blowholes (like our nostrils). This is why plastics in the oceans end up in their stomachs.

Here are Guppyfriends 10 tips to Reduce Microplastics

1. Avoid the use of single-use plastics when you can.
2. Look for quality shoes, that are free from a mix of plastic/rubber soles (these release microplastics as people walk along the street or beach.
3. When replacing clothing or other textiles, look for natural materials (cotton, hemp, linen) over polyester, nylon or recycled plastic bottles (good for other non-washable goods). Experts say to just rinse swimsuits made from recycled plastic bottles, and lay flat to dry.
4. Choose natural cleaning and laundry brands that are biodegradable. Many are not, and use synthetic ingredients that could also clog our seas.
5. Same with cleaning tools. Go for plastic-free cloths and sponges and natural cotton mops, over microfiber cloths, mops and brooms.
6. Same with beauty brands. Go for natural ones that are free from synthetic materials and fragrances. Also choose natural sun protection (never ones with plastic nano-technology). Always wash sun protection off your face before letting pets kiss you (due to zinc oxide). 
7. Choose plastic-free personal care (from cotton buds to menstrual care). If it’s plastic – look for the alternative!
8. House dust often contains microplastics. So after dusting with a damp cloth, use your filter to collect and recycle/bin the contents, rather than just ‘dispersing them around the house’.
9. Be careful with bin bags and other ‘compostable goods’. Often they are only compostable in industrial facilities (if in doubt, just bin). Some people (due to false marketing) in good faith wrongly put chopped up ‘compostable bio-plastics’ in compost bins, when they are anything but.
10. Many house paints contain plastic. Use natural house paint instead. Due to the price of oil going up, natural paints (which don’t contain petroleum) are also more affordable!