A hidden crisis has been developing under our noses and it's one that beach cleanups have not been able to address over the last decade: microplastics. These plastic fragments are too small to be cleaned up with traditional methods, and are highly contaminating as they enter the food chain. We want to deliver microplastic beach cleaners and monitor microplastic pollution in the 4 worst polluted regions in Chile, while working together with local communities and providing environmental education.
Every year, more than 11 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans, endangering marine biodiversity and affecting the local economy based on tourism and fishing. This macro-pollution is converted into microplastics over decades, posing an even greater threat to ecosystems and human health. Despite efforts of tens of organizations dedicated to manually cleaning beaches around the country, the lack of tools to effectively clean up microplastics hinders beach cleaning and ecosystem restoration e
We will deliver beach cleaners made from recycled materials to effectively eliminate microplastics and small debris on the beach surface up to 5 inches deep. We will roll out the project in the 4 most affected regions of the country, delivering 4 beach cleaners per region, hold an official launch event, community educational talks, documentary screenings, a microplastics art project and a 1 year microplastics monitoring and reporting program.
Our program is set up to strengthen local networks of collaboration and foster a cultural change in community waste management, environmental education and ecosystem restoration. This pilot program in 4 regions offers tools for effective cleaning and will leave a lasting legacy for the local community. It will be the starting point for more community involvement and long term restoration of ecosystems.
