Alberto is introducing a Bill to Parliament which aims to stem the tide of microplastic pollution. Mr Costa is introducing the Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill on Tuesday 29th October 2024 in the House of Commons. The Bill would require washing machine manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters in all new domestic and commercial washing machines. The Bill also aims to raise awareness of the polluting effects of microplastics on our rivers and seas.
With a range of MPs (including Labour, Green, Liberal Democrat, DUP and Conservative) supporting the Bill, the South Leicestershire MP is hopeful that the UK Government will follow the lead of France and Australia, both of whom have made legislative commitments to introduce requirements for microplastics filters in new washing machines.
Microfibre plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive and preventable forms of microplastic pollution with 35% of total microplastics released into the environment being shed from clothing.
Around 500,000 tonnes of microfibres from synthetic textiles are released into the oceans each year due to washing clothes. Due to their size, they are too small to be caught by standard washing machines and can end up in the wastewater system where they are either caught, remain in sewage sludge which can be spread onto growing crops, or released from the wastewater into river and marine environments.
Scientific studies indicate the alarming extent of microplastic contamination in human bodies, with particles detected in human blood, placentas, lungs, and even breast milk. In lab studies, microplastics have shown harmful effects on human cells, contributing to health issues such as respiratory disorders, endocrine disruption, and possibly even a decline in fertility.
Alberto as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Microplastics, has worked closely with stakeholders, including environmental groups, industry leaders, and primarily the Women’s Institute, to develop effective solutions to tackle microplastic pollution at its source.
Alberto emphasised that the problem is both pressing and preventable:
“Microfibre plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive and avoidable forms of plastic pollution. Over a third of all environmental microplastics come from clothing, and research shows that installing filters on washing machines can reduce microfibre emissions by over 78% per was cycle and this number is improving as the technology progresses.”
He said: “Two years ago, I presented this 10 Minute Rule Bill to the House, and many colleagues have approached me since expressing support for this measure and encouraging me to present this Bill to the House again. It has cross-party support and would be an easy win for a government committed to reducing the effects of microplastic pollution on the environment and our health.”
Jeryl Stone, Chair of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes said: “The WI has been campaigning against ocean pollution since 1927 and most recently through our End Plastic Soup campaign in 2017. WI members have continued to raise the alarm of microplastic pollution and call for change. As the Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Microplastics, we are proud to support Alberto Costa MP’s Ten-Minute Rule Bill.
WI members across England, Wales and the Islands have been raising awareness of microplastic pollution and its environmental risk through community awareness events, craftivism and engaging with politicians so we are also pleased to see this contained in Alberto’s Bill.”
