This morning, we were delighted to welcome Ribh and Faith from GSA (Galloway and South Ayrshire) Biosphere who had come to deliver a presentation about Ocean Odyssey and the marine life found in and around our shores.
The time was packed with quizzes, activity, matching tasks, questions and chatting about a information powerpoint. Below are just a few of the facts that we noted down…
Lesser spotted dogfish and Thornback Ray – empty shell casings looked and felt a bit plastic but weren’t!
Plastic is originally made from fossil fuels. Takes from 20-1000 years to breakdown. More than 40% is only used once.
Polyester is plastic. This is in your clothes!
Glass jar – plastic round seal.
Bubble gum – in wrapper. Also in actual gum. Makes it stretchy.
Suncream – bottle, lid and actual lotion!
Teabag – glue down sides of bag
Cans – lined with plastic to keep products fresh.
Paper cups – plastic coating so they don’t disintegrate. 95% paper!
How plastic ends up in sea – littering, from boats, industrial waste, over-fishing, over-flowing bins, flushing things down toilet, draining micro plastics down sink/shower from hygiene products. Shampoo, shower gel etc… washing machine takes micro plastics from clothing.
We talked about ways in which we could all do our little bit to help. Ribh and Faith were impressed to see so many reusable water bottles! We are hoping to plan a Beach Clean for next term – and now we know so much more about some of the things we might find on the beach too!
Thank you GSA Biosphere!
