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!
I've been researching this over the past couple of weeks. I've reached out to the folks who created https://www.whatsinmywash.org.uk/ to get a sense of what kind of impact their campaign has had so far and have requested any research they might be willing to share.
There's also this https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/microplastics-wastewater-towards-solutions which states: “Water pollution by microplastics is complex and multidimensional, and managing it effectively requires a range of responses,” says Birguy Lamizana, a wastewater expert with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and co-author of a study on microplastics in wastewater due to be launched either at the Stockholm World Water Week in August 2020 or at the United Nations Environment Assembly slated for February 2021."
I keep finding research on the problem of microfibres but nothing on public perceptions/barriers/motivators/etc.
We are about to embark on our own research but I was trying to find something that already exists to strengthen our work.
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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.