We Can All Cut Down Microfibre Plastics with the Turn of a Knob on Our Washing Machines

Scientists have discovered that each time we opt for a standard cycle on our washing machines instead of a delicate wash, we stop 800,000 plastic microfibres from entering our oceans and being ingested by marine animals.

Newcastle University worked with Procter & Gamble to test and prove that it is not the speed at which the washing machine spins, but rather the ratio of water volume to fabric that releases by far the most microfibres.

Tackling plastic pollution is one of the world’s toughest challenges, and identifying the main triggers is essential towards relieving the impact on our ecosystem.

“Reducing the amount of plastic pollution is everyone’s responsibility and often it’s the small changes that make a huge difference,” says PhD student Max Kelly, who led the research.