On Friday 21 July, over 100 Year 7 students from Keira High School converged on Puckeys Reserve to participate in a Wollongong City Council cleanup event as part of Plastic Free July.
The focus of this clean up was on microplastic. Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimetres long. This type of rubbish is commonly found everywhere in the world, especially in waterways, lakes, and oceans where water and sunlight break down larger plastic fast.
Microplastics are a growing problem as they contaminate the environment and are eaten by wildlife and marine life. What's troubling about microplastics is that often the pieces of plastic are so small, you may not be able to easily see them. Despite their size, they cause a lot of harm.
"As we reach the end of Plastic Free July, we're taking a moment to reflect on the impact of plastics. The clean-up at Puckeys Estate shows just how insidious plastic, especially microplastic is, on our environment," Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"Removing microplastics completely from our environment is a difficult task. A simpler solution is to prevent microplastics from forming in the first place. Dramatically reducing the amount of plastic we use, and going plastic free where possible, is one solution we can all be part of.
"Reducing plastic waste, especially single-use plastics such as coffee cups and plastic bags, will mean cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. It will also prevent these plastics from breaking down into microplastics which can have a big impact on our environment.
"While individual action is just one piece of the puzzle towards solving this issue, it is something we can all start today. We are lucky that there are so many alternatives to plastic available. I highly encourage people to investigate their own behaviours and make small changes where possible."
It's not too late to take the Plastic Free July challenge and be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
