The Water Institute of the Republic of Slovenia in Postojna presented the ‘Plastic Pirates’ project and highlighted the issues surrounding plastic waste and microplastics in the environment
On Friday, 22 April 2022, to mark World Earth Day, we presented the issue of plastic waste and microplastics in the environment. The presentation took place at the Postojna School Centre, and the lecture was attended by around 60 participants. The event was organised by the Postojna–Cerknica Rotary Club.
Dr Manca Kovač Viršek and Uroš Robič presented the history of plastic production, sources of pollution, and the circulation of waste and microplastics. The results of pollution levels in Slovenian rivers, obtained as part of the ‘Plastic Pirates’ project, were presented.
Photo: Valter Leban
The ‘Plastic Pirates’ project is one of the leading public-policy initiatives within the European Research Area (ERA). The project’s objectives contribute to the realisation of the green transition’s ambitions and are being achieved through a citizen science approach. The Piran Marine Biology Station, part of the National Institute of Biology, has taken the lead in the Slovenian mission against plastic pollution, in collaboration with the Slovenian Water Research Institute and Ecologists Without Borders.
Photo: Valter Leban
The main aim of the event was to raise awareness of the harmful effects of plastic pollution, whilst also highlighting that everyone can make a difference in their own lives, even through small steps such as changing their habits. At the event, Dr Iztok Seljak and Dr Janez Podobnik, MD, presented ways to change habits and use alternative materials to reduce plastic consumption Janez Podobnik as part of the Adijo Plastenka movement and the new global brand GlassyClassy.eco (https://adijoplastenka.si/, https://www.glassyclassy.eco/).
Links:
Rotary Club Postojna – Cerknica
