Use a microplastic-catching laundry filter

Synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic) sheds microfibers in every wash. A Filtrol ($140) or Cora Ball ($38) catches microfibers before they enter the water supply. Each wash of synthetic clothes can release hundreds of thousands of plastic fibers.

Why It Works

Laundry is the largest single source of microplastic pollution entering waterways. Filters and catchers intercept fibers before they reach the drain. Studies show they capture 80-90% of microfibers released during washing.

Tips

• Cora Ball goes in the washing machine with your clothes and catches fibers in its coral-like structure
• Filtrol installs on the washing machine drain hose and catches fibers in a replaceable filter
• Guppyfriend bag ($30) is a mesh bag that catches fibers from clothes washed inside it
• Wash synthetic clothes less frequently, in cold water, and on gentle cycle to reduce shedding