Plastic Production and Pollution –TIME TO ACT! Plastic Pollution Working Group

In 2004, RICHARD THOMPSON OBE FRS led the first ever study to use the term microplastics to describe the tiny plastic particles being found in the marine environment.

Published in Science magazine it helped alert the world to the global threat of plastic pollution, and paved the way for an estimated 7000 further studies – as well as international legislation – which have since highlighted the sources of microplastics, their impact on the environment, wildlife and humans, and some of the solutions needed to stop their spread.

Two decades later, Richard and colleagues within the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth have published another paper in Science, drawing together all the evidence, and making the clear case that we know enough about the threats posed by all forms of plastics for them to be included within the emerging Global hashtag#PlasticsTreaty.

This study is designed to put pressure, from science, on those involved in the negotiations around the Global Plastics Treaty. It urges tighter controls on the production of plastic, the urgent need for better and effective recycling, greater investment in reuse to reduce the amount of new plastic production, produce plastic that can easily be recycled and reused and much tighter prevention of plastic entering the environment.

Microplastics have been found on every corner of the planet, in more than 1,300 aquatic and terrestrial species. They and nanoplastics are in the food and drink we consume, the water we drink, the air we breath, in multiple tissues and organs of the human body in breastmilk and even in the placenta of unborn babies.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/22/microplastics-revealed-in-placentas-unborn-babies

The concern is that we have no idea of the long term health implications of this.

We now know that plastics, of whatever size, act as a base for biofouling where colonies of microbes grow and cluster. Is this happening in our body and how does this affect the area around these colonies. Research is on-going on this.

It is clear that existing national legislation alone is insufficient to address the challenge, they say, and the United Nations’ Plastic Pollution Treaty – which will undergo its fifth round of deliberations in November 2024 – presents a “tangible opportunity” for joined-up international action.

However, for such a treaty to be truly effective it needs to commit to an overall reduction in plastic production alongside measures to reduce the emission and release of microplastic particles along the entire plastics life cycle. Failing to do so, the researchers add, could bring “a high risk of irreversible environmental damage”.

The full study – Thompson et al: Twenty years of microplastics pollution research – what have we learned? – is published in Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.adl2746.

The work of the Plastic Pollution Working Group is available at: https://ukeirespill.org/plastic-pollution-working-group/ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/09/how-microplasticsget-into-the-food-chain/

Look out for webinars in November and December Look out for our Responder Guide – coming soon!!

•Supply

•Associated

•Pipeline

Following a poll of the members following the 2023 conference and awards there was 70% support for maintaining the one day format and the central location of the conference.

So we return to Nottingham Belfry for the Autumn Conference and Awards Dinner on 6 and 7 November 2024

7 November

0930 – 1700 Annual Conference

1730

UK and Ireland Spill Association AMM

1800 International Spill Accreditation Scheme AMM

1900 Pre-dinner drinks - sponsored by Sureclean

2100 Annual Awards

2200 Toast to the Responders – sponsored by Socotec UK 2359 Bar Closes!

6 Nov

UK and Ireland Spill Association Intercompany go-karting competition Nottingham Go Karting

The intercompany go karting challenge ran in 2022 and was won by Spill Response Wales. In 2023 a composite Board Team won thanks to the efforts of Frands Jensen of DESMI!

It is for teams of 4. The racing uses electric go-karts on a 750m multi level track with hairpins, fifteen corners and chicanes. The acceleration is incredible and the additional weight of the batteries means you can slide like you never could in the petrol go karts. Oh, and it is greener and the air is clean!

After a safety briefing everyone races together to get familiar with the track and the karts. After a break they race again in a grid start based on scores from the first races. At the end the points are calculated and we have our winning individual and team! All safety equipment is provided.

Will Spill Response Wales fight back from last year’s disappointment and reclaim the crown. This year there are more teams entered so its going to be fun!!

There is still time to enter so contact info@ ukeirespill.org to enter as individuals (I will allocate to composite teams) or as a team of four

Exhibition adjacent to the Conference

We have booked a room adjacent to the Conference Room for members to exhibit with 2m x 1m stands. There is space for up to 15 exhibitors and each will have a 4ft table, 2 chairs and sufficient space for a series of pull ups.

The cost to exhibit is to cover the cost of room hire is £150 per company.

Following the exhibition, those who exhibit may place their pull ups in the dinner venue.

At the time of going to press we have 6 exhibitors so more can join!