December 23, 2024 Your Source for Brentwood News

Assemblymember McKinnor Proposes Mandating Microfiber Filters on Washing Machines

Assembly Bill 1628 would mandate the installation of microfiber filters on all new washing machines sold in California by 2029. 

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) has introduced Assembly Bill 1628, which would mandate the installation of microfiber filters on all new washing machines sold in California by 2029. 

“California has been a leader in reducing plastic pollution and must continue to lead on this issue,” said Assemblymember Tina McKinnor. “AB 1628 is a solution that is cost and energy efficient and has the potential to dramatically reduce the volume of microfibers entering the environment.” 

Assemblymember McKinnor represents several cities and communities in Los Angeles County including Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lenox, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Venice, West Athens, Westchester and Westmont.

The bill aims to reduce the quantity of plastic microfibers that end up in freshwater systems and oceans.

“Plastic pollution has become a crisis for our ocean and coastal communities. Microfibers are the most common form of microplastic pollution in the environment, and just a single load of synthetic laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers. Luckily, adding filters to washing machines can drastically cut that number down, which is why this legislation is so paramount,” said Dr. Anja Brandon, Associate Director, U.S. Plastics Policy, Ocean Conservancy. 

With an increase in clothing made from synthetic materials due to fast fashion, there is a growing concern about the impact of microfibers on the environment and food production.

“Our research has demonstrated that microfiber pollution is a sizable threat to Californians. With at least 4.85 million lbs. of fibers entering our lands and waters each year, mandating use of filters can be an effective near-term solution to limit emissions, said Jay Ziegler, Director, External Affairs and Policy, The Nature Conservancy. “

Synthetic fibers shed from clothing during washing and end up contaminating freshwater systems and oceans. These microfibers can also be found in tap water, bottled water, fish, table salt, and even beer, according to McKinnor. If not captured by wastewater treatment plants, they can be reintroduced into the environment as fertilizer for agricultural fields.

“Microfibers are a widespread pollutant around the globe, making their way into the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even our bodies. A single load of laundry can release hundreds of thousands of microfibers, but solutions do exist. Filters in washing machines are effective at capturing up to 90% of microfibers, so it’s a logical next step to build these directly into machines,” said Dr. Lisa Erdle, Director of Science & Innovation, 5 Gyres Institute. 

Assembly Bill 1628 will be considered by the State Assembly this Spring.

Related Posts

Instagram Influencer Faces Lawsuit Over Fatal Fourth of July Crash in Malibu

December 23, 2024

December 23, 2024

Family of Rideshare Driver Alleges DUI in Crash Following Nobu Party The family of Martin Okeke, a rideshare driver, has...

Film Review: Nosferatu

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Claws encased in a velvet glove. The audience helplessly feels Death’s wings enveloping the characters. Robert Egger’s...

School of Rock West LA Turns 14 This November

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

By Susan Payne While School of Rock West Los Angeles is celebrating its 14th anniversary this November, the school continues...

LA County Launches Pilot Program to Help RV Residents Transition to Permanent Housing

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

New Initiative Offers Safe Parking, Support Services, and a Pathway To Stable Housing Los Angeles County has launched the Pathway...

Experience Elevated Brunch Vibes at LAVO West Hollywood with Live DJ and Luxe Cocktails

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Indulge in a $46 Three-Course Brunch With Shareable Cocktail Trees, Signature Drinks,  LAVO West Hollywood, known for its upscale Italian...

LA Sheriff’s Department Seeks Public’s Help to Find West Hollywood Man John Joseph Mallon III

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Missing West Hollywood Man Needs Medication and Is Considered At Risk The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Missing Persons Unit...

(Video) At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, andpersonalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel. Vistamar’sunique...

LA Public Health Officials Warn Against Raw Milk Consumption Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Second California Recall Affects Unpasteurized Milk; Risk of Illness to Humans and Pets The Los Angeles County Department of Public...

Brentwood Weekly Crime Report: December 8, 2024 – December 16, 2024

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

By Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk has written the latest report of crimes committed in...

Celebrate the Holidays in Style at Something About Her’s Ugly Sweater Soiree

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Festive Looks, Limited-Edition Treats, and Holiday Cheer Await Something About Her has special treats this holiday, so it’s time to...

Cheers to the Holidays: Telerific Barcelona Unveils Pandan Wonderland Cocktail

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

New Holiday Cocktail Available From December 19 to 31 in Brentwood Telerific Barcelona has unveiled its latest holiday-inspired cocktail, Pandan...

California Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cattle

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Governor Newsom’s Action Expands the State’s Response to the H5N1 Virus Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency today...

Krispy Kreme and Lodge Bread Unite for Limited-Edition Hanukkah Sufganiyot

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Only for a Limited Time and in Limited Quantities for This Special Collaboration Krispy Kreme and Los Angeles-based bakery Lodge...

Explore Eastern Mediterranean Flavors: Zaytinya by José Andrés Now Open in Culver City

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Discover Mezze With a California Twist and Rooftop Bar with Tacos Butterfly  Renowned chef José Andrés has brought his celebrated...

Fia Restaurant Honors Veterans with a Special Thanksgiving Lunch in Santa Monica

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Chef Scott Erickson, a Former U.S. Marine, Leads Fia’s Efforts to Give Back This Thanksgiving, Fia Restaurant extended its commitment...