Pelucco's journey: Teaching kids about microplastic pollution and ocean protection

Scientists are developing innovative methods to reduce microplastic pollution through physical, chemical, and biological processes. While industries are creating plastic alternatives and governments are implementing bans, individual actions are crucial. A study by Willis and Fytianos (2022) involving 276 participants found that effective microplastic mitigation policies must be paired with education to increase awareness and willingness to change habits. Education on microplastics is vital, yet it is often overlooked in formal education. Raab and Bogner (2020) created a primary education module, P̈lastic Detectives – The Search for Plastic,ẅhich involves student-centered activities to understand microplastic sources, impacts, and prevention strategies. The goal is to encourage students to make mindful purchasing decisions to reduce microplastic pollution. In line with this, a children's book titled P̈elucco, a Microplastic's Journeyẅas developed. The story follows Pelucco, a polyester fiber microplastic from a child's winter garment, on an adventure after a muddy footprint separates him from his familiar life. Through Pelucco's journey, children learn how microplastics travel through various environments and their ecological impacts. Characters like B̈olle di Sapone,̈ a secondary microplastic from a dish soap bottle, illustrate how microplastics polluted with chemicals also harm marine environments. The book offers practical advice and daily actions to reduce microplastic pollution and includes technical cards from experts to further explain environmental complexities. Tested with children aged 3 to 12, the story significantly increased their understanding of plastic's benefits and the generation of microplastics from waste. Before the story, 90 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558473/document