Guppyfriend Washing Bag to Reduce Microplastic Pollution

Anyone who watches or listens to environmental experts such as Sir David Attenborough will be aware of the appalling levels of microplastic pollution in our rivers, seas and oceans – it even gets into our reservoirs. Technically clever, man-made fibres like polyester, acrylic and nylon can unfortunately contribute to the issue, and now that it’s a recognised problem companies like Langbrett are finding ways to combat it.

Step forward their Guppyfriend Washing Bag, a genuine solution that can help all of us to do our bit, rather than adding yet more microfibres and microplastic particles into the waste water systems every time we wash our clothes. So you don’t have to throw away all your easy-care clothes and fabrics, creating more waste – just wash them in a responsible way! And the protective bag will also help those garments last a little bit longer, since it’ll give them a bit of extra care during the washing cycle.

Earth-friendly washing bag

Generously sized, this durable washing bag is made from a super-fine mesh known as Polyamide 6.6. This is an untreated and recyclable mesh that catches even the tiniest fibres that come off fabrics as they’re agitated against each other during a washing cycle. Fibres can’t stick to the silky texture of the mesh, and neither can they escape through it; meanwhile, any dirt, sweat and grime is washed away to leave your clothes fresh once more. Perfect for washing technical sportswear fabrics, it’ll fit your gym kit inside – including an absorbent micro-fleece towel – and is large enough to hold a bulky fleece jacket if it’s time to refresh your outdoor gear.

You can also wash natural fabrics like pure cotton and wool inside the bag. These natural materials do also lose fibres, so washing them inside the bag helps to reduce fibre breakage, thus reducing wear and tear and helping your garments to last longer – another added benefit.

Please note: it is important to leave room for the clothes to move around inside the bag while they’re being washed – and to separate colours as you normally would.

Catches microplastics and fine fibres

Double-stitched seams, and a soft baffle inside the zip closure, catch and hold onto any fibres that are released from clothes when you’re washing them – especially important when washing any man-made fabrics. So when you extract the clean washing to hang on the line or pop onto an airer, you can gather up all the little fibres that have been collected in the corners and seams of the bag, and dispose of them in a way that won’t harm the planet. There might only be a few each time, but you’ll still be doing your bit!

Did you know that a city the size of Berlin can release the microplastic equivalent of half a million plastic bags into their waste water treatment works every single day? But now we can all step up and make a simple change to our washday routine – a change that will make a difference by filtering out these miniscule particles and fluff, holding onto the fibres so they don’t just rinse away with the grime to affect yet another fish, field or drink of water.

Safe to use with detergent and fabric softeners

Guppyfriend is perfectly safe to put in your washing machine with all kinds of washing powder, detergent, fabric softeners and even bleach. And while it can easily withstand a 60˚C cycle, most clothes will wash just as well at 30˚C – and washing at a lower temperature is a lot better for the planet.

Also catches pet hair

Not just great for its intended purpose, a side benefit of the fine mesh is that it will catch pet hair too. So if it’s time to wash the cat’s favourite cushion cover or a terrier’s blanket, you don’t have to worry about the filter getting blocked up – even if your cat’s a Persian or your terrier’s a long-haired type from the Isle of Skye – just brush the worst off and pop the cushion cover or bedding into your Guppyfriend.

Please note: it is important to leave room for the clothes to move around inside the bag while they’re being washed – and to separate colours as you normally would.

About Langbrett

A group of surfers and skateboarders who love the sea and the environment, they set out to make sure they could minimise their impact on the world. They are super-keen on recycling and repurposing clothes and shoes, and try to make their skateboards and surfboards from reclaimed wood. Where things have to be new, they endeavour to make sure they’re completely sustainable and recyclable. The Langbrett group have become influential ‘eco warriors’ all around the world – but they don’t just talk the talk – they take action!

Langbrett says: “The Guppyfriend Washing Bag is only a first step towards a holistic solution to microfibre pollution. Not more. Not less. Our overconsumption needs to change radically, and new materials, manufacturing techniques, clean washing machines and more effective sewage treatment plants need to be developed. This might take a while. Until then your Guppyfriend Washing Bag is a practical and effective way to reduce plastic pollution in our rivers and oceans.”