Campaign for Wool and Hubbub launch #WhatsInMyWash campaign

Campaign for Wool has teamed up with environmental charity Hubbub to
launch a new awareness campaign to help consumers reduce the impact of
washing their garments, as well as call on the industry to take action to
tackle the microfibre problem.

The #WhatsInMyWash campaign comes as Hubbub released new research that
44 percent of the public are completely unaware that microfibres are
released into our waterways when we wash our clothes, which often ends up
in our food.

The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK also revealed that 44
percent of Brits also didn’t realise that synthetic fibres such as
polyester, acrylic or nylon are actually plastic, and the two organisations
are hoping that this new campaign will highlight the environmental and
health impacts of synthetic clothing.

Trewin Restorick, chief executive of Hubbub said in a press release:
“Plastic microfibres are ending up in our waterways, ecosystems and in our
food and drink and we don’t yet know what impact this will have. The issue
is complicated and the messages are confusing. Our research suggests that
levels of knowledge and awareness around microfibres amongst the public are
low, so today we’re launching some clear actions that consumers can take to
help reduce the amount of microfibres released from household washing.

“There is also an urgent need for more research and action at an
industrial level – from exploring better filter systems in water treatment
plants and washing machines to producing and selling clothes which are less
likely to shed microfibres. It is critical that more is done to explore the
potential impact on our health of eating food that contain these plastic
particles.”

According to the charity, half a million tonnes of plastic microfibres
are released into the ocean each year, 16 times more than the plastic
microbeads from cosmetics, with the washing of textiles contributing to 35
percent of the total microplastics entering the oceans.

To help consumers, Campaign for Wool and Hubbub have launched a series
of tips to help reduce the number of microfibres released into our
waterways, including buying higher-quality clothing that is more durable,
washing clothes at a lower temperature, avoiding the tumble dryer, as well
as using a full load and wash on a shorter, gentler cycle to reduce
friction on clothes, which causes microfibres to shed and clothes to
wear.