A popular guide to zero-waste cleaning and laundry has been refreshed with new advice on microplastics and safer products.
The updated Earth911 article highlights how laundry releases millions of plastic fibers into waterways each load. It notes that about 35 percent of ocean microplastics may come from washing clothes.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have determined that land releases more than 20 times as many microplastic particles into the atmosphere as the oceans, challenging prior assumptions. Their study, published in Nature, used global measurements to correct overestimated emission models. The findings highlight land as the dominant source, though uncertainties persist.
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Katie Wells, founder of Wellness Mama, has released a comprehensive room-by-room guide for non-toxic spring cleaning. The checklist emphasizes simple, natural supplies and decluttering to refresh homes without harsh chemicals. It includes tips for involving family members in the process.
Several mail-in services now accept used clothing, shoes, and textiles from consumers across the U.S., providing store credits or rewards to keep items out of landfills. These programs handle items in any condition from various brands, with options for subscriptions and brand-specific trade-ins. Participants can earn credits redeemable at retailers like Nike, Sephora, and Patagonia.
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A new research paper challenges the assumption that natural fibers biodegrade quickly, finding cotton dominating 150-year-old sediments in Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire, UK. Co-authored by Carry Somers of Fashion Revolution, the iScience study urges the fashion industry to base sustainability claims on science. It highlights ongoing debates between natural and synthetic fiber impacts.