GUPPYFRIEND™

With each wash, countless plastic fibers from synthetic textiles are making their way from washing machines into rivers and oceans. The Guppyfriend washing bag is a patented solution, that filters out the tiniest microfibers released from textiles during washing. The self-cleaning fabric bag is made of a specially designed micro-filter material. Simply collect the fibers and dispose them of properly.

The Guppyfriend washing bag is only a first step towards a holistic solution to microfiber 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.

The Problem

With each wash, countless plastic fibers from synthetic textiles are making their way from washing machines into rivers and oceans. Once in the environment, the microfibers concentrate pervasive bacteria and pollutants. They are consumed by aquatic organisms, which can result in gastrointestinal infections and blockages, reproductive problems, and starvation – problems that ultimately work their way up the food chain. According to a study from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a city the size of Berlin releases a washrelated volume of microfibers equivalent to approx. 500,000 plastic bags - every single day. GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag

The Solution:

The Guppyfriend Washing Bag is a pragmatic solution to prevent microfibers from entering into rivers and oceans. Its soft surface results in less fiber loss and thus extends garments lifetime. Those microfibers that break during washing are captured inside the bag. The bag itself does not lose any fibers.

1. Put synthetic textiles into the Guppyfriend. Do not overfill (bag should be no more than half full.
2. Close the Guppyfriend and wash as usual.
3. After washing, remove wet textiles and dry normally.
4. Remove the released microfibers from the upper corners inside of the Guppyfriend and dispose properly

Please note:

• Do not put the bag into the tumble dryer
• do not rinse under running water
• do not overfill - the clothes need space to move inside the bag
• wash only clothes of similar colors together in the bag
• anything sharp may harm the material of the bag
• put other textiles together with the Guppyfriend into the washing machine to avoid an unbalance
• do not iron (the crumpled surface is not a problem)
• use only liquid detergents
• do not dry in the sun
• remove coarse dirt and animal hair before washing
• hand wash without the bag, but use bag to filter wastewater
• for disposal tips visit www.guppyfriend.com

The Guppyfriend Washing Bag captures extremely small fibers that break off during washing. The bag does not capture dissolved substances, nano particles or dust grains from production.

How can I reduce microfiber waste from washing?

• Purchase clothes made of natural materials
• prefer front-loader over top-loader washing machines
• do not wash warmer than 30°C/ 86°F to reduce hydrolysis of polyester fibers
• use liquid detergents only
• do not use more detergent than needed
• wash less often
• use the Guppyfriend Washing Bag
• follow the TEN FOR THE OCEAN washing guide: www.stopmicrowaste.com/tenfortheocean

Long-term solutions:

The Guppyfriend Washing Bag cannot be the only solution. Our consumption behavior needs to change radically; new materials and clean washing machines need to be developed. This might take a while. Until then your Guppyfriend Washing Bag is a practical and effective way to reduce the plastic pollution of our rivers and oceans. STOP! MICRO WASTE STOP! Micro Waste is dedicated to raise awareness about the (micro)plastic problem. We aim to explore and initiate ideas on how to avoid, replace and re-use plastics in every day life and beyond. STOP! MICRO WASTE is a non-profit organization from Berlin, Germany, initiated by LANGBRETT, a group of surfers and nature lovers. www.stopmicrowaste.com Instagram: @stopmicrowaste Thank you for your support!

Recycling

The Guppyfriend Washing Bag is entirely made of polyamide and can be recycled in groups of identical materials (PA 6.6). First remove the zipper completely.