Happy Plastic Free July!
Over the past few years, marine debris, in particular larger plastic items like water bottles and straws, has received a great deal of attention, and with the help of people like you, more and more people know it is a problem!
AUSMAP and many other scientists, however, see the microplastics (plastics < 5mm) as a potentially greater danger, even calling for them to be listed as a hazardous substance.
Of the close to 300 recognised impacts to wildlife from marine litter, 70% can be attributed to microplastics! They are especially dangerous as they can move through the food chain, from the smallest of plankton to the largest creatures on earth, creating compounded effects of their dangers.
In Australia, there is little known on microplastic levels or their impacts and that is why we need to highlight microplastics even more! What better time to do this then in Plastic Free July?
That is why Ausmap are officially launching #Microplasticsweek!!!
It’s a community effort!
Just as much as sampling microplastics is a community effort, so is spreading the word on the dangers of microplastics.
During MICROPLASTICSWEEK, we would like to encourage you
– Post about MICROPLASTICSWEEK and the microplastics pollution problem on your social media
– To strike up a conversation with someone about microplastics
– To feel inspired to choose alternatives to plastic
– Go to your local waterway and do a microplastic sample if you are trained to do so! ( remember COV19 restrictions)
During this week, we will be sharing plenty of information about microplastics with our social community and we really hope that you will feel inspired to do the same!
