It's not a blue light disco, but Wollongong City Council's After Dark Blue Light Plastic Cleanup promises to a memorable night at Stuart Park.
The unique community cleanup event will take place after dark utilising blue light technology to identify fluorescent plastics, and microplastics that can attract wildlife, including native birds.
Blue light shines a light on the phosphorus that is a common additive in many plastics. Glowing phosphorus is attractive to birds and fish that see in UV light and are able to find things people can't ordinarily see.
Sparkly plastics are attractive to nesting birds and can see them added to nests that become too hot for incubating eggs. A 2018 study estimated that up to 25 per cent of all birds' nests in Australia contained synthetic materials.
Things like fishing line, balloons and balloon strings, plastic bags, bottle cap rings, plastic straws, and plastic bottles can have a major impact on wildlife.
As plastic is broken down, it becomes microsplastic that is washed into waterways and soils. It's why discarding single use plastic in bins doesn't always keep it from entering the natural environment, with an effort to avoid buying and using single use plastics the best way to ensure it doesn't pollute the environment and harm wildlife.
Council Waste Education Officer Penny Hoswell said the event will be both a practical community cleanup, and an educational experience for participants.
"We expect to find a lot of microplastics like synthetic fibres, tape, bottle tops and plastic containers," said.
"The UV light reveals why these glowing plastics look so fantastic to birds and end up in nests that can hamper egg development and harm newborn birds who get caught in synthetic materials after hatching.
"We'll also get people to look at their clothing so they can see the plastic microfibres and understand that we really all can make a difference in our choices of packaging, clothing and other plastic items.
"We'll also have some real nests on display as well as eggs, shells and rocks so people can compare and make up their own mind about how plastic is impacting the natural environment."
Attendees must be residents of the Wollongong LGA and should wear enclosed shoes and warm clothing and bring their own gloves. Children eight years and older are welcome to attend provided they are accompanied by an adult.
The event is free to attend, though bookings via eventbrite are essential.
After Dark Blue Light Plastic Cleanup
WHEN: 12 August
WHERE: Stuart Park Playground, Cliff Road
COST: FREE
