Question

Are Your Clothes Causing Pollution?

Very small pieces of plastic, called microfibers, are polluting rivers and oceans. 1. Clothes worn for outdoor activities and exercise are often made of artificial material, which is useful in keeping warm. But they contain very small plastic fibers, which may also be harming the environment when you wash them. When people wash these clothes, very small pieces go down the drain (下水道) with the wash water.

2.

Pollution caused by plastic is not new, but recent studies have shown the effect of microfibers in the environment.

Studies show very small microfibers are ending up in our waters, which may come from waste water treatment factories. A 2015 study found them in fish from California.

Microfibers，effect on food supplies.

Beyond the waterways, the researchers say microfibers may end up in soil and agricultural lands. 3. This means there is much to be learned about microfibers and the environment.

Some studies have shown that microfibers end up inside sea animals, like oysters. 4. Researchers say that the fibers tend not to move into the tissue of the fish, but it needs more study.

Steps to save or keep microfibers from the environment.

Until more information becomes known, there are steps to take to reduce the amount of microfibers in the environment.

People should use less of the artificial materials. If we already have those in our lives and we’re using them, an important step would be washing them less.

5. A bag is being designed in which to wash these clothes. It traps the microfibers in the bag and it may be available for purchase soon.

A. New technology may also help.

B. Studies on how much of the microfibers is released.

C. The source of these microfibers may surprise you: your clothes.

D. Washing machines keep microfibers from escaping with wash water.

E. Studies on microfibers in the environment.

F. They can also move around the atmosphere.

G. So if these microfibers have been found in fish and seafood, are they safe to eat?

Answer 1