5 Gyres - eXXpedition

Meet Rachel : Ocean Advocate, eXXpedition Amazon Crewmember

August 25th, 2015

A scientist’s mind is often rational, curious and organized, but it doesn’t explain anything about timing and destiny.

It was a really interesting time to run the Maldiv

It was a really interesting time to run the Maldives SHiFT programme, as Maldives had recently enacted their Single-use Plastic Phase-Out Plan to target plastic products commonly found in litter and marine environments. The plan targets plastic pollution head-on by banning SUP to-go foodware like straws, styrofoam boxes, and single-use plastic cutlery. But it’s not just about restrictions; it’s about innovation and progress.

During the implementation of this plan, our study revealed some fascinating insights: while many businesses have transitioned to alternative materials like wood, bamboo, and paper, there’s still room for improvement. These materials are still predominantly single-use and are not recycled so they still contribute to overall waste generation. Reusable options, though present, are not yet widespread.

So the opportunity is for greater access and support for businesses to source suitable and affordable reusable alternatives while increasing community awareness on the benefits of reusable products that don’t need to be thrown away.

📸: Erica Cirino

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

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Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#communityempowerment #SUPPhaseout #sustainable #maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #wastemanagement #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

It’s become almost common knowledge that micropl

It’s become almost common knowledge that microplastics exist. However, the impact of them and the severity of the problem is something that is still being heavily scrutinised and researched.

One thing is for sure though, that microplastics are almost everywhere. From the tops of mountains to the depths of the ocean. There is mounting evidence that this is having a detrimental impact not just on the health of our planet but on our health too.

A significant concern for researchers is just how much microplastics are in our every day lives. A new study published by Columbia university has dug deeper into nanoplastics (the even smaller result of microplastics) which are even less understood.

They counted and identified these minute particles in bottled water. They found that on average, a litre contained approximately 240,000 detectable plastic fragments — 10 to 100 times greater than previous estimates, which were based on larger fragment sizes.

Though shocking, as studies like these reveal the scary truth of the circumstance we find ourselves in, we hope they will also drive greater change by influencing policy and empowering individuals to make an impact in their daily lives to reduce plastic pollution.

Read more here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2300582121

📸: Eleanor Church @larkrisepictures

#microplastics #plasticpollution #positivechange #knowledgeispower #exxpedition #changemakers #environment #humanhealth #newstudy

♻️ Let’s talk sustainability! Understanding

♻️ Let’s talk sustainability!

Understanding the lifecycle of every product we use is crucial, but where it ends up is paramount.

🔍 In our litter surveys around greater Malé, plastic bottles and aluminium cans, both highly recyclable, ranked among the top 10 most common items found. We know there are huge challenges with recycling infrastructure in remote places like Maldives, so what are some possible solutions being explored?

One development is the completion of the Thilafushi incinerator by 2026, aiming to dispose of 95% of waste and reduce landfill space. These modern waste-to-energy plants boast efficient operations with stringent environmental controls.

However, concerns arise about microplastic release and logistical hurdles in collection and transport. Alternatives like shipping recyclables to nearby facilities in Sri Lanka could enhance the circular economy, but challenges like sorting, washing, and transportation loom large.

💡 Ultimately the real solution lies in waste reduction. By focusing on getting recyclables back into the system and embracing plastic-free and reusable alternatives, we can create a more robust circular economy for the islands, reducing dependency on imports and outsourcing.

Examining the lifecycle of materials like this, is a prime example of why we need to work together to rethink waste management, not just in Maldives, but worldwide. It’s the most effective and impactful way to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future!

📸: Erica Cirino
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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk
@cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#communityempowerment #sustainable #maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #wastemanagement #research #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

How can we prevent plastics leaking into the envir

How can we prevent plastics leaking into the environment?

Through Maldives SHiFT, we’ve identified solutions and opportunities to tackle plastic pollution? But there’s more to it than a quick fix! 🛠️ It’s crucial to establish a long-term plan to monitor and assess litter leakage into our environment.

🔍 During our CAP survey, we uncovered some eye-opening statistics: from 0.23 to 14.2 items/m², with an average of 2.92 items/m². While lower compared to other South Asian cities, cigarette butts and food wrappers still dominate the litter landscape. It’s clear: a positive change in attitude and behaviour is needed!

🔄 Long-term monitoring is key to evaluating the effectiveness of our solutions. By implementing citizen science and automated monitoring methods, we can pinpoint what’s working and what needs more attention. This will help us keep track of progress and steer communities towards a plastic-free future.

📊 The data we collect isn’t just numbers; it’s a catalyst for change. By informing policy through science-backed indicators, we can create a ripple effect across the islands and communities.

🐟 But it’s not just about numbers and policies; it’s about people too. Working with local communities to understand the impact of microplastics on our environment, marine life, and even human health can spark meaningful change. Our mission is to ensure we empower the people we collaborate with, give them the tools to make a SHiFT in the right direction and help others to make sustainable choices.

💡 Let’s turn awareness into action! By implementing tools like deposit-return schemes and other incentives, we can enhance waste collection and prevent further leakage and environmental degradation.

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @mnuedu_ @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#communityempowerment #sustainable #maldivesshift #maldives #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #changemakers #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastic #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

Meet Eleanor Church (@larkrisepictures) the direct

Meet Eleanor Church (@larkrisepictures) the director behind @xtrillionfilm 🎬

A lot has happened since 2018 when we set sail for leg 1 of our North Pacific Voyage, including the release of X Trillion! A documentary directed and filmed by Eleanor which tells the gripping story with fourteen fearless women as they navigate 3000 miles of ocean, confronting the monumental challenge of plastic pollution threatening our planet’s future. It’s a journey that promises to change not only the women’s lives but the very future of our planet.

With the film already making waves in cinemas across the UK, what better time could there be to catch up with Eleanor herself and get some insight from behind the scenes!

Head to the link in our bio to read the full interview.

#xtrillion #xtrillionfilm #exxpedition #plasticpollution #microplastics #independentfilm #filmmakers #filmsforchange #sailing #womeninscience #womeninstem #womeninsailing #womenleaders #womenoftheworld #rolemodels #wavesofchange #changemakers

Collection of plastics and the obstacles it presen

Collection of plastics and the obstacles it presents.

The challenges of recycling in Maldives are undeniable. Our research reveals that staggering volumes of recyclable plastic bottles and aluminium cans end up as litter. Coping with waste and the lack of recycling infrastructure has led to unconventional solutions like the creation of artificial islands such as Thilafushi to meet disposal demands in densely populated areas.

Shaahina Ali, Executive Director of @parleymaldives, sheds light on the hurdles faced in plastic collection and recycling across the islands, offering insights on potential improvements. Space, facilities, and investment pose significant barriers, with the average cost of recycling at $2.30 for 1kg of plastic. Each inhabited island would require funding, equipment, and storage to manage recycling independently, suggesting regional partnerships like sending recycling to Sri Lanka as a more cost-effective option.

While the SUP Phase-Out Plan helps to reduce single-use plastics on the islands, exploring alternatives like cross-border recycling partnerships can provide interim solutions. It’s thanks to the hard work of organisations such as @‌ParleyMaldives that progress is being made on all of these options.

📸: Alexis McGivern, Exxpedition

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @maldivesnationaluniversity @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#maldivesshift #maldives #shift #bioplastics #biodegradable #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #wastemanagement #research #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

As if you needed any more reasons to go see @xtril

As if you needed any more reasons to go see @xtrillionfilm...

We asked the audience to describe the film in one word, and we’re pretty sure their answers speak for themselves!

If you’ve had the opportunity to watch it, let us know what word you would use to describe it below 👇

#xtrillion #xtrillionfilm #emilypenn #exxpedition #plasticpollution #microplastics #independentfilm #filmmakers #filmsforchange #sailing #womeninscience #womeninstem #womeninsailing #womenleaders #womenoftheworld #wavesofchange #exxpedition #changemakers

Are bioplastics the answer? In our last Science s

Are bioplastics the answer?

In our last Science spotlight post, we briefly touched on the issue of swapping SUPs for other materials - which doesn’t automatically reduce overall waste and isn’t always the ‘greener’ option - so let’s discuss!

Bioplastics offer a solution clouded in vague terminology and get held up as a silver bullet solution that requires no behaviour change. Professor @jennajambeck of the @universityofga’s Circularity Informatics Lab shared with us her expert opinion on bioplastics, biodegradables and commercial composting, busting some common myths.

1.⁠ ⁠Biodegradable plastics make up just 1% of the market.

2.⁠ ⁠Terms such as “degradable” and “oxo-degradable” don’t necessarily mean they’re truly biodegradable. Very few home-compostable plastic items exist.

3.⁠ ⁠Bio-based plastics can be sourced from renewable materials, but some are chemically identical to fossil fuel-based plastics.

4. Biodegradable plastics may decompose with the help of living organisms but aren’t always environmentally benign.

5.⁠ ⁠In places like Maldives, temperature and humidity pose challenges for organic recycling, so are not the most effective solution for the context. However, solutions like community collection sites and forced aeration systems can make composting more effective and odour-free.

In our ever-evolving world, it’s essential to critically examine innovations like bioplastics. While they offer promise, sometimes things are not always as they seem and understanding their complexities is key to addressing plastic pollution effectively.

📸: Lynsi Wavra, Brian Yurasits

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @maldivesnationaluniversity @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#maldivesshift #maldives #bioplastics #biodegradable #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #wastemanagement #research #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

🌟 Ambassador Superpower Stories 🌟 Our amaz

🌟 Ambassador Superpower Stories 🌟

Our amazing #ambassador, @ecoyogasurf, who joined us onboard from Plymouth to Azores in 2019, recently attended the @unoceandecade Conference in Barcelona - a global initiative to unlock transformative ocean solutions for sustainable development, and achieve “the science we need for the ocean we want."

Since eXpedition, Natalie has finished her Masters in Sustainability, publishing a paper on the connection between surfing and ocean literacy from her research, and she now coordinates @unoceandecade endorsed project
"Citizens of Surf".

In Barcelona, Natalie moderated a panel on ocean literacy and watersports for the satellite event: "Diving from local to global Ocean Literacy" and was joined (along with other panellists) by Professor Anna Sanchez Vidal, Marine Biogeochemist at University of Barcelona. Anna runs @surfingforsciencelab and presented the citizen science project tounded and garried out by the Marine Geosciences research group at University of Barcelona, Surfrider Foundation Europe (in Spain) and its volunteers in Barcelona.

That same day Natalie joined a "Waterbreaks" session, a UN Ocean Decade activity organised by @protect.blue @finisterre and @sea.trees designed to help conference goers get into the water; and the group were also joined by Surfing for Science's researcher, Oriol, who introduced the scientific methodology @surfingforsciencelab use for sampling marine microplastics - a surf manta! - an incredible adaptation of a similar trawl we used during our voyages that can be used whilst stand up paddle boarding.
Natalie and another amazing ambassador @jcs87 got to see it in action, and even have a go!

Now established as a Successful citizen science programme, Surfing for Science have since reported more than 100,000 #microplastic fragments collected by citizen scientists!

It's fantastic to see how our ambassadors are continuing to make waves and also how scientific instruments are evolving to help us collect more data on #plasticpollution!

📸 : Luke Hosty / @protect.blue

#exxpedition #changemakers #ocean #inspirechange #inspiringwomen #citizenscience #womeninstem

Let’s talk about consumables in Maldives! The C

Let’s talk about consumables in Maldives!

The CAP survey of 127 ‘goods’ from local stores and restaurants shed light on the materials used and sold, giving us valuable insights into the scale of the plastic issue.

In stores, while 59% offered alternatives to single-use plastics (SUPs), many of these materials weren’t widely recyclable, posing a challenge for waste management. However, in restaurants, we witnessed positive change with a high percentage of wood utensils, paper straws, and eco-friendly food containers - with credit largely pointing towards the new SUP Phase-Out plan initiated in Maldives.

It’s crucial to understand that swapping SUPs for other materials doesn’t automatically reduce overall waste. Compostable options, though promising, require specific composting infrastructure not readily available on most islands.

While there’s room for improvement in encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices, the survey highlights the positive impact of existing initiatives. As we continue to observe the implementation of the SUP Phase-Out plan, we’re optimistic about a decline in SUPs across vendors. Initiatives like cup-return schemes and reusable alternatives, coupled with financial incentives, hold promise for a more sustainable future.

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This post is part of our #ScienceSpotlight on Maldives SHiFT.

Maldives SHiFT is a project in collaboration with @defrauk @cefasgovuk @moenvmv @universityofga @maldivesnationaluniversity @parleymaldives @commonwealth_sec @mdvinuk @ukinmaldives @faunafloraint

#maldivesshift #maldives #shift #exxpedition #solutions #seatosource #solutionfocused #changemakers #createchange #ourocean #plasticpollution #oceanplastics #microplastics #wastemanagement #research #circulareconomy #BluePlanetFund #BlueCharter

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