planetcare microfiber filter

Microfiber filters have been invented, to help stop the millions of microfibers entering the oceans, when they are released from synthetic fibres in washing machines. In an ideal world, all laundry would be made from cotton (especially organic cotton), hemp or linen.

But in reality, that’s not the case. Most clothing items these days are made from synthetic fibres (either new or second-hand, plus in reusable cloth nappies and feminine pads which have waterproof backings). So that means items made from nylon, polyester or recycled plastic bottles are churning around washing machines, leaching plastics that go into the sea.

These then break down into microplastics and are ingested by fish and marine wildlife. And even if you manage to ‘catch and bin’ them, at landfill they could wash away down drains, and still go into the sea.

microfiber filter

Enter PlanetCare (also sold at this online shop). This is a filter sold as a starter-kit, with each cartridge lasting around 30 washes. Fitted in 10 minutes to your washing machine, it collects up to 98% of microplastics. This is far more than most microplastic catchers.

And the difference is that rather than binning the cartridge to landfill, you simply send it back (freepost) after around 30 washes. Then this company recycles the contents, and sends you new cartridges on subscription.

Some companies like Grundig now include microplastic catchers in their washing machines, but most people can’t just buy a new machine. So for now, this is the best solution.

Microfiber filters don’t catch lint (remove this and bin). Never leave lint in gardens, as it can go mouldy and choke wildlife.

Microfiber Filters for Sinks & Buckets

guppyfriend sink filter

If you hand-wash clothes, sink filters (from another company that also offers bucket filters to catch microplastics from mops with synthetic heads) are one option. But this company has no return system, so securely bin caught microplastics (in a secure container that won’t wash fibres away at landfill, in rain).

guppyfriend bucket filter

A good reason to switch to plastic-free cloths and sponges (rather than ‘microfiber cloths’ which also leach plastics, when washed).

Cora Balls (a more budget-friendly option)

Cora Ball

If you can’t afford a PlanetCare set, than at least use a Cora Ball (sold in UK). This only collects around 30% of microplastics, but is better than nothing.

Inspired by how corals naturally clean the oceans, this tumbles around the washing machine, collecting fibres. Then just pull them out (like cleaning a hairbrush).

This invention is designed to withstand the heat of washer-dryers, and profits are used to help clean the oceans.

Fionn Ferreira is a young Irish chap who has created a magnet to extract microplastics from the ocean.

Similar Posts