Microfibers- Background, Concern and Solutions
While microplastics have been garnering world-wide attention for their adverse impacts on the marine environment, another invisible threat continues to remain invisible to the global community- microfibers.
What are microfiber?
- Microfibers are microscopic pieces of fabric, usually less than 5 mm. These are released from all types of clothing- natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic.
- These fibres are released during washing. These gets flushed down the drain and eventually reaches the beaches and oceans.
- Several factors influence microfiber shedding from textile laundering:
- Washing temperature
- Drum speed
- Water volume
- Detergent type
- Load capacity
- Washing machine type
- Textile design
- Textile quality
- Use of dryers (can release microfibers directly into the air), etc.
- While microplastics have been garnering significant attention, their semi-synthetic and natural counterparts have emerged as equally worrisome pollutants.
Why is it an issue?
- The current wastewater treatment systems are unable to efficiently address this concerning pollutant. Hence, they find their way directly into the aquatic environment, especially through sludge applications and landfills.
- Natural and semi-synthetic microfibers are also a source of concern because of their tendency to release dyes and other chemicals.
- Upon entering the ecosystem, these invisible pollutants threaten the growth and reproductive capabilities of a range of organisms.
- These microfibers can enter the food chain and pose a hazard to human health as well.
- Considering India’s significant population, the use of washing machines by even a small percentage of the population contributes significantly to microfiber pollution.
- Also, considering the burgeoning textile industry and the fast fashion culture have been pushing an unsustainable consumerist culture. This use-and-throw culture prioritizes quantity over quality, leading to cheaper textile designs, compromised fabric quality and surplus production.
- The unsustainability of the sector is further aggravated by the rapid urbanization, increased purchasing power, growing GDP and brand penetration in the market.
How can it be addressed?
- As we diligently launder our clothes, we fail to realize the pollution resulting from this seemingly mundane task.
- India’s rules, regarding textiles and plastic waste management, are yet to recognize the significance of microfiber pollution. It is high time that appropriate regulatory framework is put in place.
- Addressing this issue requires sustainable solutions such as:
- Curbing microfiber shedding from textiles
- Use of front-load washing machine
- Use of liquid detergents
- Washing on full load at colder temperatures
- Use of normal drum speeds
- Use of tools like guppy friend bags and cora balls
- Use of natural air drying for laundry
- Investing in external washing machine filters and subsequent sustainable disposal of the microfibers, etc.
- However, these solutions can only reduce the microfiber shedding levels. More comprehensive steps are required.
- Other steps like proper labelling of textile products to raise awareness, introduction of novel CSR strategies, etc. can also help.
- Recycling and thrifting need to be popularized among the Indian populace. This will reduce overexploitation of resources and limit mass production.
- Some countries, like France, have already put in place rules mandating washing machine brands to have inbuilt filters and its associated sustainable disposal mechanisms by 2025.
- Several multinational brands have started recycling trash textiles into different products.
- Going forth, addressing this issue will help India achieve SDG targets including plastic pollution reduction, marine conservation and sustainable consumption.
Conclusion:
Microfibers are one of the many invisible pollutants that are harming the environment alongside the well-known pollutants like microplastics. The Indian rules are yet to recognize and reflect the dangers posed by the fibres. It is high time to adopt a multifaceted approach to addressing this invisible issue.
Practice Question for Mains:
Why are microfibers a cause for concern? How can it be addressed? (250 words)
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