Scottish Water Sewage Spill Map

What Causes the Sewage Spills? The Scottish Water sewage spills shown on this map are for the most part “storm overflows”. Scotland is not alone in this problem, and in England things are even worse. Wales also has similar problems with sewage spills.  To understand a storm overflow, we have to first realize that sewage… Continue reading Scottish Water Sewage Spill Map

People Against Plastic FAQs

People Against Plastic FAQs There are a lot of reason that people are against plastic. Despite being an amazing material, the lack of care humans take in disposing of it cause a myriad of environmental problems across the world, polluting land, air and water. Why are people against plastic? Sir David Attenborough in a recent… Continue reading People Against Plastic FAQs

What are some historical efforts to tackle plastics pollution globally?

A New Plastic Pollution Treaty on the Way? The WWF have recently started a petition, in advance of the November 2023 Nairobi  in relation to the third round of negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution. For a link to sign the petition please see bottom of page. But this got me thinking,… Continue reading What are some historical efforts to tackle plastics pollution globally?

Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) – The Tip of the Iceberg

Introduction In our collection of data from waste collected in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), we could be misrepresenting the plastic pollution crisis that is affecting our oceans. The Fishing Industry “A 2022 study published in Scientific Reports found that 75% to 86% of the plastic debris in the GPGP originates from fishing activities… Continue reading Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) – The Tip of the Iceberg

Scotland 2023 – Thorpy’s Project Journal

2023 Summary 367kg of Plastic Removed 1 kg of Plastic removed for every £0.38 (38p) donated. Small but very good value project. Further sites identified for next year. Some interest time lapse footage recorded. Discovery of the Tunnock’s Caramel Log A Very Different Year I have just returned from a very enjoyable couple of days… Continue reading Scotland 2023 – Thorpy’s Project Journal

Effect of Microplastics on Birds

Effect of Microplastics on Birds What are Microplastics Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5mm in size. They can be found in the environment, including in the air, water, and soil. Birds can ingest microplastics through their food, water, or the air they breathe. What Effect do Microplastics Have on Birds… Continue reading Effect of Microplastics on Birds

How do Microplastics Affect Bats?

Microplastics are small plastic pieces that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They can be found in the air, water, and soil, and they can be ingested by animals, including bats. Microplastics can affect bats in a number of ways. They can: Block the bats’ digestive tracts, leading to starvation. Cause inflammation and damage… Continue reading How do Microplastics Affect Bats?

Microplastics in Cigarette Filters

Are There Microplastics in Cigarette Filters? I have just watched this amazing video on decomposition of cigarettes in soil. Guess what after a year the cigarettes filters had not decomposed at all. This demonstrates how plastics and ergo microplastics come from cigarette filters. So this is why we spend so many cigarette filter on beaches.… Continue reading Microplastics in Cigarette Filters

How Microplastics Can Enter the Food Chain in the UK

This is a blog post explaining how how microplastics can enter the food chain in the UK. Micro plastic pollution is a growing problem, particularly in marine environments. From the environment: The UK has a high level of plastic pollution in its rivers and oceans. This plastic pollution can break down into microplastics, which can… Continue reading How Microplastics Can Enter the Food Chain in the UK