A letter from our co-founder

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Dear Friends of 5 Gyres,

We have some big news to share, and hope you can join us in driving solutions!

Just last week, U.S. Senator Merkely (OR) introduced the Fighting Fibers Act of 2024 ([link removed]) in Congress, which would reduce microfiber pollution by requiring a filter on new washing machines sold in the U.S. This federal bill is the result of years of behind-the-scenes work by our policy team and supported by 5 Gyres’ research ([link removed]) that shows filtration works.

This is huge news, and underscores one of our guiding principles – using scientific research to identify the source of a problem. We spent years researching ocean plastics, most recently finding that 171 trillion pieces of plastic are afloat in the world’s oceans ([link removed]) . But it was only when we discovered microplastics in the Great Lakes and identified the source - microbeads from personal care products - that we had our first major victory: a national bill that banned these plastics. When we can figure out where a problem is coming from, we are better positioned to solve it.

But we’ve been grappling with a big unknown lately, and we are hoping you can help.

You’ve likely seen the headlines - there are microplastics in our water, our air, our blood, our lungs, and our organs. Newer to our understanding is that many are coming from the very clothing we wear. Textiles are a major contributor to global microplastic pollution ([link removed]) - fragments of polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers shed from our textiles into oceans, watersheds, agricultural soils, and the air we breathe.

This is why we have shifted our lens to understanding sources of plastic pollution, with a current focus on microfibers from textiles. The science on plastic microfibers has uncovered a massive threat to our health and the health of countless species around the world. We are quite literally eating, drinking, and breathing in these plastic fibers. We know the source, but we lack key research on how these fibers enter our airways – science we are currently conducting – and a path forward to implement collaborative solutions.

Earlier this summer, we convened 50 influential stakeholders in the textile industry, including Columbia, Patagonia, Everlane, Shein, The Nature Conservancy, and more, at WOVEN ([link removed]) . The goal was to bring brands and scientists together to develop a 5-year solutions strategy. It was a tremendous next step that uncovered some clear, actionable solutions, as well as some key gaps in research and policy.
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We are making progress, but to continue this vital work, we need to raise $30,000 by September 30. Your generous donation today ([link removed]) will allow us to keep pushing for a planet free of this nearly invisible, yet no less insidious, plastic pollution. Every dollar counts! Our Board of Directors has generously offered to match up to $10,000, doubling your donation, to help reach our goal, execute cutting-edge research, advocate for policy changes, and educate communities about the plastics crisis that is threatening our planet and our well-being.
Donate for Microplastic Solutions! ([link removed])

Together, we can be part of the solution and protect our planet for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Anna Cummins

Executive Director and Co-Founder

P.S. Do you work for an apparel company that matches charitable donations? Supporting 5 Gyres’ microfiber work ([link removed]) shows your company that you care about what your clothes are made of, how they are washed, and where they end up. It also TRIPLES your donation with our match!
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