The issue: Synthetic fabrics pollute the environment

When we think about the plastic problem, we often imagine plastic bottles and bags, but invisible micro-plastic is also a big part of the issue. A considerable amount of micro-plastic comes from fabric. Each time we wash our clothes, countless plastic fibers from synthetic garments are washed out into rivers and oceans. These fibers are so tiny that treatment plants cannot effectively filter them out. When these bandits make their way out into nature, they don't decompose and have a tendency to attract bacteria. When they then are eaten by organisms, they contribute to infections, blockage of alimentary tracts, reproduction problems and starvation – issues that make their way all the way up the food chain to you and me.

The solution: GUPPYFRIEND

The solution is really to probably stop making clothes that contain synthetic fibers. But as long as we have them in our closets, we need solutions that minimize the damage. GUPPYFRIEND stops these micro fibers from getting out into our sewers and make sure that you and I can start cleaning up our oceans and rivers.

GUPPYFRIEND is developed and made by the Germany company Langbrett. All profits made through production and sales of the prduct are reinvested in activities that help fight the micro-plastic problem.

P.S. Northern Playground does not make any profits selling GUPPYFRIEND.

The bag does two things:
1. It protects your clothes (also wool and cotton clothing), so less textile fabrics are damaged when washed, and 2. the fibers that do fall off the garment are absorbed by the bag. Once and a while you can easily remove the micro fibers from the bag and put them in the trash.

All textiles release fibers when washed, but it is the synthetic materials (polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc.) that release harmful fibers.

You can also put wool and cotton in the bag. Natural textiles also lose fibers. They aren't harmful for the environment because they are easily decomposed, but the garment itself will have a shorter life if it loses many fibers. The bag protects the garment, reducing wear and tear, making sure that you can use the garment longer. This in itself is one of the sustainability goals of the GUPPYFRIEND.

Instructions:

1. Put the clothes in the bag. Make sure the bag isn't more than half full.

2. Close the bag and wash like you normally would.

3. Remove the wet clothes after washing.

4. Remove the micro fibers that collect in the bag and through them in the plastic recycling. The fibers should be easy to see in the bag and you can easily use a finger to remove them.