According to a study conducted by the Ocean Wise organisation and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada governmental department, washing clothes has a significant negative impact on the environment, especially on the oceans.
The research reveals the vast amount of microplastics present in the oceans, which comprises of 92.3 per cent of synthetic fibres, 73 per cent polyester, which is similar to the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in textiles.
The France's Agency for Ecological Transition, ADEME, stated that washing nylon, polyester, elastane or acrylic which come from our clothing are too small to pass through sewage treatment facilities and end up in the ocean. And, as per a 2020 Australian study there were 14 million tonnes of microplastics on the seafloor.
Also watch: Levi's CEO admits to 'not washing his jeans' in over a decade