It’s that time of year again where Plastic Free July challenges us to consider reducing our use of plastics. Read our blog from 2021 for background information and some great ideas on how to reduce plastic use. Our blog Plastic Free July - Part 1 - WaterBottle Challenge has a water bottle challenge that you could do with your class.
Microplastics
Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimetres long which can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life. Unfortunately, they are now found in every environment on Earth. They have been incorporated in sediments to form sedimentary rocks. They have made their way into aquifers, soils and via the atmosphere to Antarctica where they have been found in ice cores.
Since 2021 the problem
of microplastics in the environment and in health has become more prominent in
the media. New studies are now regularly published of microplastics that have
been found in the body, organs, tissue and fluid.
AUSMAP (Australian
Microplastic Assessment Project)
AUSMAP is a National Citizen Science Project that is a world leader in microplastic research. To learn more about microplastics and how you or your school can become involved with AUSMAP visit their website and consider following them on Instagram @ausmap_au for updates such as training days or local events.
Plastics at the Manly Cove high tide line July 2024 during an AUSMAP survey
If you are based in Sydney,
you could take part in a Manly Cove Cleanup held on the first Sunday of the
month from February to November. Easy to reach via public transport, such as the
iconic Sydney ferry, the event takes about an hour in a lovely beachside
location on Sydney Harbour where there are a range of activities. AUSMAP
conducts a microplastics survey and the Manly Cove site is the longest running
data set in Australia. Another group @pittwater.eco.adventure (Instagram) picks up visible rubbish on the beach and runs demonstrations of
reusing plastic to make varied colourful products. The most intrepid group hits
the water for a Strawkle with @operationstraw (Instagram) which involves
snorkelling for plastic straws and other rubbish. From time-to-time Manly Dive
Centre joins in and hosts a scuba dive for rubbish, followed by a barbeque.
Seabins
Another great initiative
that you may see in a waterway near you is a Seabin which helps to remove microplastics, plastic and other rubbish before it makes
it into the ocean. They have a significant Instagram social media presence
@seabin_project and @seabin.foundation with great infographics and data. They
were nominated for the prestigious Earthshot Prize set up in 2021 by Prince
William with the support of Sir David Attenborough. You can read more about
that here. If you are visiting Sydney, the free National
Maritime Museum has a permanent Seabin, and laboratory set up. They also run
activities for students during school holidays and for excursions.
Take 3 for the Sea
Take 3 for the Sea is an
Australian based charity which encourages
everyone to pick up three pieces of rubbish anywhere it is found to prevent it
making its way into the ocean. They have a range of education programs and
initiatives. This is a really great way to get students involved and they
encourage posting of photos of cleanups #Take3fortheSea which can really
motivate students to do the right thing with rubbish.
Tangaroa Blue
Tangaroa Blue Foundation
is an Australia-wide not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and
prevention of marine debris: one of the major environmental issues worldwide.
They also track data from cleanups which is uploaded to the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database. Created to
enable volunteers and organisations running marine and coastal clean-up events and
collect data on what they were finding with a consistent methodology so it
could be collated into a standardised national database on marine debris. Since
2004 more than 24 million pieces of data have been inputted into the Australian
Marine Debris Initiative Database, creating a comprehensive overview of amounts
and types of marine debris impacting beaches around the country. Their website
has more information and a really good marine debris identification manual, datasheet and a range of other
education resources.
Other resources
TedED: What really happens to the plastic you throw away
UN Environment Programme: How microplastics affect your health
ABC Catalyst: Micro-Plastics - Toxins in our seafood?