On Earth Day and every day, we celebrate the earth with clothing that is better for people and the planet.
Microplastics are one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges today. These tiny plastic fibers are now found in oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air we breathe. Recent research estimates that up to 35% of primary microplastics in the world’s oceans come from synthetic textiles like polyester shedding during washing¹.
Choosing natural fibers like Merino wool is one way we can help reduce plastic pollution, and your microplastic footprint in meaningful ways.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Natural Fiber, Not Plastic
Merino wool is natural and biodegradable. Unlike polyester or nylon, which are petroleum-based plastics, wool fibers break down naturally in soil and water. This means when a Merino garment reaches the end of its life, it doesn’t contribute to long-term plastic pollution².
2. Biodegradable Microfibers
Synthetic fabrics release microplastics with every wash. Wool fibers are natural and biodegradable. Unlike synthetic microplastics that persist in the environment for decades, Merino fibers break down safely in soil and water, returning nutrients to the ecosystem⁵.
3. Less Washing = Less Shedding
One of the best ways to reduce microfiber pollution is to wear clothing longer. Merino wool is naturally durable, resilient, and resistant to odors, meaning garments stay wearable for years without frequent washing or replacement⁴. Less washing = fewer fibers shed into the environment.
In contrast to synthetic fibers, Wool fibers shed far less. Studies show that washing wool garments produces significantly fewer microfibers compared to synthetic fabrics³. This reduces the load of microfibers entering waterways and ultimately our oceans.
Why Choosing Merino Matters
Every Merino garment you buy helps reduce your microplastic footprint:
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🐑 Natural and biodegradable
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💧 Minimal microfiber shedding
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🌿 Odor-resistant wear for less washing
- 🔄 Natural microfibers safely return to the environment
By choosing Simply Merino, you’re supporting clothing that is soft, functional, and better for the planet — from fiber to finish.
References
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International Union for Conservation of Nature. Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: a Global Evaluation of Sources.
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Laitala, K., Klepp, I. G., & Henry, B. (2018). Does use matter? Comparison of environmental impacts of clothing based on fiber type. Sustainability, 10(7), 2524. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/7/2524
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Napper, I. E., & Thompson, R. C. (2016). Characterisation, quantity and sorptive properties of microplastics from washing synthetic textiles. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(21), 11532–11539.
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Lomas, J., & Smith, R. (2019). Durability of Merino wool: Longevity and sustainability. Textile Research Journal.
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Napper, I. E., & Thompson, R. C. (2016). Environmental Science & Technology.
