STOP (MICRO) PLASTIC WASTE
I'd like to take you through a brief recap of plastic pollution to set the stage for an important discussion on microplastics.
The mass production of plastics from fossil fuels surged after the 1950s, largely driven by the demand for disposable products such as plastic packaging, bags, and bottles. This growth has been so enormous that plastic pollution now threatens our personal health, wildlife, and the health of the entire planet. Shockingly, single-use plastics account for 40% of the plastic produced each year. These throwaway products often have a lifespan of just a few minutes to a few hours, yet they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Most of them end up in rivers and oceans, where they break down under the influence of sunlight, salt, and wind into tiny microplastics. These microplastics are now found in every corner of the world, in many aquatic species, and even in our everyday foods. Alarmingly, microplastics have also been detected in some municipal drinking water systems and within our own bodies.
We can prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and oceans through efficient waste management systems, recycling, and, most importantly, by adopting lifestyle habits that replace single-use plastics with better alternatives—ideally non-plastic or at least reusable options.
Synthetic textiles are another significant source of microplastics. With every wash, microfibres from these textiles make their way from washing machines into rivers and oceans. While Kaaita Felt slippers aim to combat the problem of waste plastic bottles by repurposing them, they are still a synthetic textile. Thankfully, there is a solution!
The Guppyfriend Washing Bag is a scientifically proven filter that helps stop microplastic pollution caused by washing synthetic textiles. Not only does it capture broken fibres, but it also prevents fibres from breaking in the first place (by an average of 86%), thereby extending the lifespan of our textiles, including Kaaita Felt slippers.
Firsthand Experience with the Guppyfriend Washing Bag
I tested the Guppyfriend Washing Bag with 10 pairs of Kaaita slippers.
The bag was filled to 2/3 of its capacity (the optimum amount).
Great news: Only a small amount of microfibres were released.
"The idea for the name 'Guppyfriend Washing Bag' came from Alex and Oliver, the founders. It's a simple name that’s easy to remember for both younger generations and adults, and it aims to raise awareness about water pollution."
— Gesa
The Guppyfriend Washing Bag was developed by a group of surfers and nature lovers as a pragmatic solution to microplastic pollution. More importantly, it was designed to raise awareness of this growing issue. I find their washing guide and their guide to preventing and recycling plastics incredibly valuable. Both highlight small changes that can have a big impact. We're thrilled to offer the Guppyfriend Washing Bag in our webshop, and we hope it helps you make a positive impact on reducing microplastic waste.
— Alenka