Families discovered the hidden world of microplastics and learned how small everyday actions can help reduce plastic pollution as the Revolution Plastics Institute took part in this year's Isle of Wight Biosphere Festiva l.
The University of Portsmouth team hosted a series of interactive activities during the FOCAS Festival at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the science behind plastic pollution.
The hands-on activities gave people the chance to become "microplastics detectives", investigating how tiny plastic particles end up in our environment and learning about the research being carried out at the Revolution Plastics Institute to address the global plastics crisis.
By giving people hands-on experiences and practical advice, we hope to inspire positive changes that can help reduce plastic pollution.
Georgios Georgiou , Revolution Plastics Institute
Visitors also discovered practical ways to reduce their own plastic footprint, from choosing reusable products to understanding how everyday habits can help prevent plastic pollution before it reaches the environment.
Georgios Georgiou from the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, said: "Events like the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival are a fantastic opportunity to bring our research into the community. By giving people hands-on experiences and practical advice, we hope to inspire positive changes that can help reduce plastic pollution. It's especially rewarding to see children and families engaging with the science and discovering that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment."
The activities formed part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, which celebrates the Island's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and encourages people to connect with and protect the natural environment.
The Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth brings together world-leading researchers from across disciplines to tackle the global plastics crisis through research, innovation, education and collaboration with governments, businesses and communities.
