Investigating the public’s enthusiasm for microplastic interventions

Washing is the main cause of microplastic contamination to the environment, and inline washing machine filters are one of the potential solutions to prevent fibers from entering the waterway. But how will people be willing to pay them?

Portland researchers looked at a sample of registered voters and environmental interest groups in Oregon to assess respondents’ general knowledge and concerns surrounding microplastics, and their willingness to pay for high-efficiency washer filters. Researchers hope that the study can provide more insight to policy makers. Currently, Oregon Senate Bill 526 is under consideration by the committee, and by 2030 a new clothing washing machine will be sold in the state to have a microfiber filtration system.

The findings published in Journal Microplastics and Nanoplastics show that less than a quarter of all 664 respondents are willing to pay in full for a highly efficient external filter, indicating the need to include filters in point-of-sale purchases rather than after the fact.

Limited scale early adapter programs may be executable migration implementation options. If a portion of the cost is covered by government subsidies, up to 20% more people support the adoption of filters in their existing washing machines.

“Washing machines are the main source of microfibers and microplastics that enter the wastewater system and ultimately the waterway,” says Elise Graneck, PSU’s environmental science and management research co-author. “The washing machine filter mandate at the point of sale has been identified as a tool to significantly reduce this microplastic source that enters the aquatic environment.”

Still, researchers say that filters are not a complete solution in itself, and policymakers must keep an eye on reducing sources, investing in plastic alternatives, and improving industry regulations.

The authors of this study include Amanda Gannon, a graduate of the Master’s Degree from PSU in the Environmental Management Program. Elise Graneck and Max Nielsen Pincus, professors of environmental science and management at PSU. Luke Harkins, Oregon Rep. David Gomberg;