We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastics Crash Course: A Website for Teaching Plastics Recycling and Microplastics Prevention through Infographics
Summary
Researchers developed an educational website using infographics to teach the public about plastics recycling and microplastic prevention, aiming to improve environmental literacy and shift consumer behaviour toward reducing plastic pollution at its source.
Microplastic particles have been found virtually everywhere, including within our food and drinking water. While the implications of microplastics on human health are not fully known, early effects have been seen on marine life and the environment. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause changes in the reproductive habits of marine life by blocking digestive tracts, causing abrasions to the mouth and esophagi of small animals upon ingestion, and altering feeding behavior. While much of the blame for our plastics pollution problem should be shifted to irresponsible manufacturing, we as consumers must make choices to benefit the environment by reducing our use and learning how to effectively recycle plastic waste. The Plastics Crash Course combines visual learning with plastics recycling knowledge to educate the public about why we need plastics and why we should recycle them. Microplastics formation and general guides for plastic recycling were also included in the Plastics Crash Course. Out of 120 participants, 95% responded that they had learned new information. From the pre-survey, participants responded, saying they thought all plastic was the same and that it just varied in density to provide different properties, so they would recycle everything. After reading the infographics on the Plastics Crash Course website, most participants said they learned what plastics can be recycled and what their resin identifying codes mean, how microplastics form, and that there is more than one type of plastic.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
A Study On Creating Awareness Of Plastic Usage To Promote Sustainable Practices For A Greener Future
This study examines educational interventions and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable practices, evaluating their effectiveness in shifting public attitudes and behaviors toward a lower-plastic future.
Surveys of Knowledge and Awareness of Plastic Pollution and Risk Reduction Behavior in the General Population: A Systematic Review
This systematic review examines public surveys about plastic pollution awareness and whether that knowledge leads people to change their behavior. Understanding what people know and do about plastic pollution is important because individual actions, like reducing single-use plastic, can meaningfully lower microplastic exposure for both people and the environment.
Microplastics Outreach Program: A Systems-Thinking Approach To Teach High School Students about the Chemistry and Impacts of Plastics
An outreach program for high school students used a systems-thinking approach to teach the chemistry of plastics, microplastic pollution, and environmental impacts. Student participants showed improved understanding of how plastic production and disposal connect to ocean ecology and human health.
Knowledge of ecological concepts, environmental concern, and ecological behavior: A multiple correlation analysis
This education study examined the relationship between ecological knowledge, environmental concern, and pro-environmental behavior in students. Environmental education that increases knowledge about plastic pollution and microplastics is associated with greater concern and more sustainable behaviors.
Harnessing Digital Platforms for Sustainable Marketing: Strategies to Reduce Single-Use Plastics in Consumer Behaviour
This study examined strategies for using digital platforms — including education campaigns, awareness initiatives, and interactive brand experiences — to influence consumer behavior toward reducing single-use plastic consumption, identifying key methods for leveraging social media, e-commerce, and digital marketing tools to promote sustainable alternatives.