18. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Microfiber cleaning cloths are praised for reducing reliance on harsh chemicals, but their environmental impact is far from benign. With each wash, these cloths shed microplastics that slip through wastewater treatment and end up in the ocean. These particles accumulate in marine environments and eventually enter the food chain, affecting wildlife and even humans. As National Geographic explains, the unintended consequences of microfiber pollution can easily outweigh any “eco-friendly” benefits promised by the label.