Marine
pollution
Marine
pollution
Learning Objectives
Be able to explain how litter negatively impacts the marine environment, economy and society, and understand the social responsibility we all have to reduce this impact.
Understand how your school is connected to the local community and wider geography of the UK by studying litter
in the environment.
Use creativity and design in a school-based project to reduce waste.
Design a sustainable circular economy product.
Set the scene
What is litter?
Why is litter bad?
Environmental
Social
Economic
Activity 1
Why is marine litter such a problem?
An estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the ocean each year.
© Shutterstock
70% of our planet is covered by the ocean
Studies investigating turtles found plastics in the stomachs of 100% turtles tested.
© NOAA
1 million sea birds are killed by marine plastic pollution annually
© Pixabay
136,000 seals and whales are trapped every year in ghost fishing net.
© Alexander Mustard
© Rich Carey
© Shutterstock
How is your school connected to marine litter?
Activity 2
From source to sea
Waste audit
Community responsibility
© MCS
How can
we reduce litter?
Activity 3
Is recycling the best option?
8.3 billion metric tons
of plastic produced
6.3 billion metric tons
of plastic thrown away
Incinerated
Landfill or environment
Recycled
Circular Economy
A circular economy explained
Designing a circular economy product
Data analysis
Extension activities
Forever chemicals
Extension activities
Forever chemicals
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Clean Seas – Forever Chemicals
PFAS Bead test
Creative campaign
Extension activities
What have you learnt?
Reflect
How does litter negatively impact the marine environment, economy and society?
Why do we have a social responsibility to reduce this impact?
How is your school connected to the ocean?
What does ‘circular economy’ mean?
How could we as individuals, a school or community reduce litter in the environment?
We will continue to fight for the ocean and protect wildlife