Lets Jump the Great Nurdle Hurdle!
Monday 18 October 2021 Have you heard about the Great Global Nurdle Hunt ? If not, check this citizen science project to help quantify the extent of nurdle pollution on beaches. What's a nurdle? Read on!
NASTY NURDLES: The size of a lentil, the nurdle is eaten by wildlife who then die. Photo Sarah Lloyd
Join thousands of people around the world trying to rid us of the scourge of the dreaded nurdle, those nasty pre-production plastic pellets (lentil sized - about 5mm), that are transported to manufacturing facilities around the world but find their way into the sea off container ships. Most nurdles are typically found in highest concentrations along the high water mark, although could be found anywhere on the beach, and many rivers too.
The Scottish environmental charity Fidra are on a hunt for these tiny microplastic disks this October as part of a global citizen science survey and this is your invitation to take part! By heading to a beach with a keen eye, you’ll be joining a worldwide nurdle hunter network, collecting evidence of a hidden plastic pollution problem to hold the global plastics industry to account and push for solutions at source. It takes about 500-1000 nurdles to make one plastic bottle, so trillions of nurdles are produced worldwide every year.
It is estimated that 230,000 tonnes of nurdles leak from the global supply chain each year. Once in the environment, nurdles are almost impossible to clean up and can cause harm to marine life when mistaken for food and eaten.
GALAPAGOS: Even in far-flung corners of Earth, you will find the dreaded pellets. Photo supplied
For more info, please check the website links below. Remember, even a non-result (if you don't find any nurdles) is a result and all nurdle hunts should be entered, whether you spot nurdles or not.
Participating is easy:
1. Head to any beach
2. Count the number of nurdles spotted and record the amount of time taken to count them as well as the number of observers in your group
3. Enter the results via the easy links provided in the info below.
Please enter your results ASAP via the easy-to-use form here https://www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/take-part/the-great-global-nurdle-hunt.html, but before the end of October 2021, to be included in the analysis. Please feel free to forward this message on to other interested parties or groups.
We are also offering individuals, organisations and groups a promotional blog to help raise awareness about the event, you can access and download this here and publish whereever you wish! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/buwzrbzy89b920s/AAC87f7ffJ5mpixj0ssbdTY6a?dl=0
Please upload this blog to your website to help promote the event or adapt this if you wish to.
PELLET PICKING: Despite what washes up on beaches, many hands make light work. Photo Romsey
Get involved
The Great Global Nurdle Hunt is a global citizen science project aiming to generate evidence and awareness of plastic pellet pollution. Anyone can contribute to, and build evidence of, this issue. To take part, all you need to do is head to your local beach, count the number of nurdles you find and submit your data to the global map – https://www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/take-part
Live inland or have trouble reaching a beach? Nurdles have been found on riverbanks and lake shores so it doesn’t rule out taking part – wherever you hunt though, please make sure it is safe to do so, keeping an eye on tide times, water levels or weather. Read Fidra’s top tips for hunting nurdles: https://www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/take-part.html#top
How can taking part stop nurdle pollution?
We want to see industry take responsibility of the pellets they handle and to stop this pollution at source. This means putting in place multiple layers of protection to reduce spills, and prevent any remaining spills being lost to the environment. Evidence from our Global Nurdle Hunt is vital for this work. The Nurdle Map shows that people across the world are finding these plastic pellets washed up on their shores. Fidra harness this worldwide engagement by showcasing the fantastic work people are doing to show the global plastics industry and decision-makers that plastic pellet pollution is widespread and, importantly, people care about it. This creates public pressure to hold industry accountable and implement solutions. By taking part you are helping to demonstrate how big this problem is and you’re helping to support calls to end plastic pellet pollution once and for all.
Harnessing a global nurdle network
This is a global problem that calls for globally coordinated solutions. Through the Global Nurdle Hunt Fidra work with organisations internationally who are also working on nurdle solutions which is why this year lots of participation is key to showcase the Great Global Nurdle Hunt data and solutions work of all worldwide participants to decision makers at COP26. Help Fidra make 2021 the most impactful year yet -let’s get nurdle hunting!