Hello! I am looking for any behavioral resources, research, or existing programs on microplastics, specifically looking to reduce fibers through either modifications to washing machines, use of fiber catching devices, or modifying one's purchasing habits. For example - comparision of the relative impact, penetration, probability, and applicability of each, barrier and benefit research, or even implemented and evaluated strategies/programs.
Thanks!
Hi Kaitlin,
I've done a bit of digging and found some research on microplastics and clothing fibres. The first one is this study, which finds that release of fibres was 3.5 times higher when tumble drying compared with washing. This finding could be the basis for encouraging people to air dry their clothes instead of using a dryer (also, they could save on electricity costs!). The second one is this study, which evaluated two different commercially available microfibre-capturing filters, both of which made some difference in reducing microfibres in washing machine effluent.
Unfortunately, I could not find any information about existing programs related to reducing microplastics in clothing. However, I did find a couple of interesting articles from Vogue Business and Vox, which explore the issue from a consumer perspective.
I hope this helps.