Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell
Photo Credit: iStock

 

Today’s good news story come from the TCD newsletter and is some further information on controlling microplastics. Noelle Granger sent this story to me. Thank you, Noelle

Fraternity brothers invent high-tech device that can solve dangerous issue with modern laundry machines: ‘We couldn’t be more proud’

“Finding solutions to reduce pathways of exposure to them is critical.”

by Jon Turi

Microplastics are a global problem, but three Case Western Reserve University engineering alumni have created a new device to tackle a major source of this pollution.

Max Pennington, along with Sigma Chi fraternity brothers David Dillman and Chip Miller, helped develop a washing machine filtration system called CLEANR that can remove over 90% of microplastic particles before they leave the washing machine and enter the environment, the New York Post reported.

The device was introduced in 2023 at the IFA Berlin appliance industry conference, where the company first showcased its VORTX filtration design that was inspired by the natural filtration system of fish gills.

That core technology employs a novel vortex filtration process that CLEANR says is 300% more efficient than other traditional filters.

The Shaw Institute, a nonprofit science research organization, put the company’s claims to the test and officially certified that it’s over 90% efficient at removing microplastic particles as small as 50 microns from washing machine wastewater.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have worked with CLEANR as part of our new program to validate innovative technology designed to greatly reduce plastic pollution,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, executive director of the Shaw Institute, in a press release.

“Microplastics are a major threat to human and environmental health. Therefore, finding solutions to reduce pathways of exposure to them is critical.”

Around 16% to 35% of microplastics in the environment originated from synthetic textiles, according to the European Environment Agency, with the majority of them being released during the first few washes.

Over 12 million tons of these particles enter the oceans each year on top of the 220 million tons that already flow through marine environments, per the United Nations Foundation.

Microplastics have even been discovered in remote ecosystems and are permeating our bodies, posing a massive threat to the environment and our health.

The good news in this story is there is another way to combat the release of micro[plastics into the environment. Today’s JohnKu talks about keeping the pressure on eliminating microplastics from our planet. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.

The War by John W. Howell © 2025

Each little battle,

Will add up to a final win . . .

On the plastic war.

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

65 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  2. Thank goodness for young, creative minds. This is wonderful news, John. Thank you for sharing it with us. “Each little battle”… it all helps. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  10. John, I’ve never heard of or known anything about microplastics…something else to worry about. Can they get in your food? If so, then we really do have a problem!🐳

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jim, do not worry about plastic in your food. I speak from experience, it’s too late for that. The Professor (aka smart guy)

      Liked by 1 person

  16. “12 million tons… ” So upsetting and pervasive! Thank you for highlighting yet another way that plastics flow to our beautiful oceans and advancements looking to change that. Hope you’re Friday is going well.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I tell you what, Boss. The number of stories I’ve seen about microplastics leaves me shaking my head. We fell so far behind in coming to grips with the reality of the dangers posed, so it’s a good thing we have so many talented people out there looking to catch up.

    Liked by 1 person

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