Save the Fish
Wool sock: how long does it take to break down in the sea?
Estimated time to break down in the sea: > 1 year. Source: Every Kid Outdoors (everykidoutdoors.gov). The source gives 1–5 years. We show the lowest figure, so the item never looks safer than it is. This figure comes from a classroom sheet without a cited study; we use it only for items the EPA chart does not list.
Wool sock: why is it harmful to the sea?
Natural fibre that rots slowly; can be swallowed.
Wool sock: does it really disappear?
Yes, slowly: wool is a natural fibre that rots within one to a few years.
Wool sock: how harmful is it compared with other trash?
Harm score 3 out of 10: lasts 2/4, toxic 0/3, wildlife 1/3. It ranks 25 of 31 on our list. This score is our own simple scale for comparing items in the game. It is not an official index.
Wool sock: what is it made of?
Material: Wool. A typical one is about 20 cm long and weighs about 40 g.
Wool sock: what can I do?
Give away, mend or drop old clothes at a collection point instead of dumping them in rivers.
Wool sock: what lasts longer, and what breaks down sooner?
Lasts longer: Balloon, Plywood, Cigarette butt. Breaks down sooner: Wool glove, Milk carton, Newspaper.
Wool sock: where does this figure come from?
From “Environmental Stewardship (Trash Timeline resource sheet)”, Every Kid Outdoors, U.S. federal interagency program (lesson made with Scholastic). Checked on 2026-10-04.
The source's limits (in English): Classroom estimates without a cited study; used only for items the EPA chart does not list.