Why are Microplastics A Problem?
The impact of humanity is being felt in ecosystems around the world. It is literally raining plastic, and new research shows we have plastic in our blood and in our unborn babies. Our plastic-centric, convenience-based living has become highly impactful to the environment, and has led to a wide-ranging presence of chemical and plastic pollution.
Microplastics, or plastics 5mm or smaller, are pervasive due to their small size and their ability to break down, but not decompose. However, it is their ability to potentially travel through food webs and uptake harmful chemicals and trace metals that makes them truly dangerous.
How Is Ocean First Institute Helping? How Can You Help?
Ocean First Institute provides free microplastics monitoring programming in six counties within the Front Range of Colorado. Participating schools monitor their local watershed by collecting water and sediment samples and filtering them to verify and quantify microplastics. Additionally, students learn how they can prevent microplastics from entering their watersheds.
Please contact us at info@oceanfirstinstitute.org to learn more about how to bring this free, important, and engaging programming to your school.
