A single load of synthetic laundry can release around 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers that slip through filters and into waterways.
Wash synthetic clothes less often and spot-clean instead, since every wash sheds more plastic into the water.
Use a microfiber-catching bag or filter, which traps a large share of the fibers before they leave the machine.
Choose natural fibers for new purchases where you can, because wool, cotton, and linen shed far fewer microplastics.
A couple of small changes keep a surprising amount of plastic out of the water.