Microfibre pollution is a serious and growing problem, with an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of microfibres entering the oceans each year. This pollution is caused by the breakdown of synthetic textiles, which can release tiny fibres into the water when washed. These fibres can then be ingested by marine life, where they can block the digestive tract and cause nutrient deficiencies.

Here is a step-by-step look at how your clothes become microfibre pollution in the sea:

* Synthetic clothing is made from plastic fibres. These fibres are strong and durable, but they are also very small. When these fibres are washed, they can easily escape from the washing machine and into the wastewater stream.

* The wastewater stream carries microfibres to the ocean. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove microfibres, so they simply pass through the plant and into the environment.

* Microfibres are ingested by marine life. Microfibres are small enough to be ingested by a wide variety of marine life, including fish, birds, and marine mammals. These animals can mistake microfibres for food, and when they ingest them, the fibres can block the digestive tract and cause nutrient deficiencies.

* Microfibres can also absorb pollutants. Microfibres can absorb a variety of pollutants from the water, including heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics. These pollutants can then be passed up the food chain when marine animals ingest the microfibres.

Microfibre pollution is a serious problem that is having a devastating impact on marine life. It is important to take steps to reduce microfibre pollution, such as washing synthetic clothes less frequently and using a laundry bag to catch microfibres.