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National Geographic explorer and grantee Gregg Treinish wants everyone to know about the hidden toxic cost of synthetic fabrics. Tiny, invisible microplastics are entering our waterways straight from our washing machines. About 2,000 synthetic particles are released from washing a single polyester fleece jacket. All clothing items—including cotton and wool—shed micro-fibers when washed, but the natural fibers biodegrade. Synthetic particles don't degrade and can absorb toxins while traveling through the waterways. If they're eaten by small organisms, such as fish, they can bioaccumulate and end up on our dinner plates. Read more about how you can minimize microplastics' impact on the environmentMore from Gregg TreinishClick here to read more about microplastics in the ocean

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wJLE TIL that Doug’s neighbors on the 90’s cartoon Doug were named Mr. and Mrs. Dink because “DINK” means Double Income No Kids.
nm7d TIL when Rupert Grint got his driver’s license, he bought an ice cream truck to fulfill a childhood desire and gives out free ice cream to children.
pYDJ4 TIL that the US flag is displayed in reverse on merch, clothing and objects (depending on what side they are on) because the stars always need to be facing forward. This is part of the US Flag code.
yQg7l TIL of the Cocoanut Grove fire, a deadly nightclub fire in 1940's Boston that led to laws requiring clearly lit exit signs and outward-swinging exit doors; it also saw the introduction of the now-widely used Lund and Browder chart, which estimates burn sizes on burn victims.
R5578 TIL limes are only green because they are unripe. They are sent that way to stores because they’re easier to ship. Unlike oranges and lemons, limes don’t ripen once picked, so they stay green. Ripe limes are yellow.