While we know plastic is entering our ocean and rivers at a growing rate, a lot of us may not know about microplastics and their impacts on the environment.
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic which can be up to 5mm long. They can be smaller than the size of human hair and invisible to the naked eye. They are commonly found in toothpaste, detergents, facial cleansers, cosmetics, and can also occur from the breakdown of plastic bottles and bags.
These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems, and eventually end up in our waterways. This is posing a threat to our aquatic and bird life which are mistaking microplastics for food, and in turn can affect our own diets.
Want to learn more?
Join us at an upcoming session with Dr Nicole Kowalczyk, Yarra Riverkeeper Association Education Manager, and hear about the serious effects of microplastics at a local level and how they are impacting our Yarra River. You will learn where microplastics come from, the result they are having on our aquatic ecosystem and what you can do to reduce this plastic entering our waterways.
Where: Kew Seniors Centre
When: 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Wednesday 26 June 2019
Free event, but bookings are essential. For more information, call 9278 4011.
Plastic Free July
As a community, we need to think smarter about how we reduce the amount of plastic we’re using at home, in the office and in local businesses. We can all make a difference by taking simple actions like not using a straw, buying a reusable coffee cup, bringing our own bags to the shops and paying attention to what’s in the items we’re buying.
Why not challenge yourself during this year’s Plastic Free July? Give up single-use plastic for a day, a week, or a month by signing up to Plastic Free July.
Did you know?