Micro plastics in the ocean by snoozel green

Do sustainable textiles reduce Microplastics?

As a company dedicated to producing sustainable and eco-friendly products, Snoozel Green understands the importance of using sustainable fabrics in our mattresses and bedding. Not only does it help reduce the impact on the environment, but it also has the added benefit of reducing microplastics in our waterways.

But how exactly do sustainable fabrics reduce microplastics? Let's dive into the science and explore this topic in more detail.

First, it's important to understand what microplastics are. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), microplastics are small plastic pieces, less than five millimetres in length, that come from a variety of sources, such as broken down plastic bottles and bags, synthetic clothing fibres, and microbeads in personal care products.

When synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are washed, they shed microfibres that are too small to be captured by most water treatment plants. These microfibres then make their way into our waterways and oceans, where they can be ingested by marine life and end up in our food chain.

So, how can sustainable fabrics help reduce microplastics? There are a few ways:

  1. Natural fibres: Sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp, are made from natural fibres. These fibres are biodegradable and don't release microplastics when washed, making them a better choice for the environment.

  2. Recycled materials: Our sustainable fabrics are made from recycled materials. By using recycled materials, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste in our landfills and oceans, ultimately reducing the amount of microplastics that are produced.

  3. Innovative technology: There are also new technologies being developed to reduce the shedding of microfibres from synthetic fabrics. For example, The Guardian reports that researchers in the UK have developed a washing machine filter that can capture up to 90% of microfibre.

At Snoozel Green, we take a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to everything we do, including the materials we use in our mattresses and bedding. Our mattresses are made with natural materials, such as organic cotton, wool, and latex, that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fibres that shed microplastics. Additionally, we use recycled materials in our packaging to reduce waste and help protect the environment.

As a company, we believe that it's our responsibility to help reduce the impact of microplastics on the environment. By choosing sustainable fabrics and materials, we can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our waterways and ultimately protect our planet for future generations.

According to Professor Richard Thompson, an expert on microplastics from the University of Plymouth: "Switching to natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, can reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment. Equally, recycled materials can provide a solution by taking waste out of the environment and putting it to good use."

Dr. Mark Browne, an ecologist and environmental scientist from the University of New South Wales, agrees: "The production of synthetic materials should be reduced, and sustainable fibres used in their place."

As a company dedicated to sustainability, Snoozel Green is proud to use sustainable materials in our products, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and waterways. By making a conscious effort to choose eco-friendly and sustainable products, we can all do our part in protecting the environment and preserving the planet for future generations.