“All classes had discussions around the assembly and the children were very passionate about the subject. Eco club are going to organise a beach clean for the new year.”

To prepare for long-distance open water swimming, swimmers should focus on building their endurance through regular training, incorporating a mix of pool and open water swimming. They should also practice swimming in various water conditions, as well as practicing sighting techniques to stay on course during the swim.

In addition to physical preparation, swimmers should also be prepared mentally for the long-distance swim. This includes setting realistic goals, developing a positive mindset, and being prepared for unexpected challenges that may arise during the swim.

Overall, long-distance open water swimming can be a rewarding and exhilarating experience for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to prepare. With proper training, mental preparation, and a respect for the water, swimmers can achieve their open water swimming goals and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural environment.

1. Open water swimming distances can range from a few hundred meters to several kilometers, with the most popular races being 5K, 10K, and 25K events.
2. Swimmers may wear wetsuits to help regulate body temperature during cold water swims, but some events have specific rules regarding wetsuit use.
3. Navigation can be challenging in open water due to changing currents, wind, and waves. Swimmers often use landmarks, buoys, or GPS devices to stay on course.
4. Long-distance swimmers may consume energy gels, sports drinks, or other forms of nutrition during the swim to maintain their energy levels.
5. Safety is a top priority during open water swimming events. Lifeguards, safety boats, and medical personnel are often present to ensure the safety of the swimmers.
6. Open water swimming can offer a unique perspective on the natural environment, allowing swimmers to experience wildlife and marine ecosystems up close.
7. Open water swimming has become a popular sport worldwide, with competitions and events held in many countries. Some notable events include the English Channel Swim, the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, and the Great Swim Series in the UK.
8. Proper training and preparation are crucial for long-distance open water swimming, and swimmers should work closely with a coach or trainer to develop a training plan that meets their individual needs and goals.

The impacts of plastic pollution are far-reaching and severe. Marine animals mistake plastic debris for food, which can lead to choking, entanglement, and poisoning. Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 millimeters, have been found in seafood and even in the salt we consume, raising concerns about the potential health impacts on humans.

The production of plastic is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the climate crisis. Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and its production and disposal generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. This creates a vicious cycle: as the climate warms, more plastic waste is generated, which in turn contributes to even more emissions.

We cannot afford to ignore the plastic pollution crisis any longer. It’s time for individuals, businesses, and governments to take action to reduce plastic waste, increase recycling rates, and transition to more sustainable alternatives. By working together, we can create a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable future for ourselves and for the planet.

1. The majority of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources, such as runoff from agriculture, industrial waste, and sewage.
2. Plastic pollution is one of the most significant types of ocean pollution, with millions of tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans each year.
3. Plastic waste in the oceans is harmful to marine wildlife, who can become entangled in it or mistake it for food.
4. Chemical pollution is another significant type of ocean pollution, with toxic substances like pesticides and heavy metals affecting marine ecosystems.
5. Oil spills are a significant cause of ocean pollution, with devastating consequences for marine wildlife and local economies.
6. Ocean pollution has economic impacts, such as damaging fisheries, tourism, and coastal communities.
7. Climate change is exacerbating ocean pollution by increasing the acidity of the oceans, making it more difficult for marine organisms to survive.
8. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive accumulation of plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean, estimated to be twice the size of Texas.
9. Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, are also a significant form of ocean pollution.
10. Ghost fishing gear, such as abandoned fishing nets and lines, can continue to trap and kill marine wildlife long after they have been discarded.
11. Noise pollution from shipping and sonar can disturb and harm marine wildlife, such as whales and dolphins.
12. Coral reefs, which are essential marine ecosystems, are threatened by ocean pollution, including warming waters, acidification, and sedimentation.
13. Mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants can contaminate ocean ecosystems, leading to mercury accumulation in fish and other marine wildlife.
14. Sewage pollution can cause outbreaks of harmful bacteria and viruses, leading to beach closures and illness in humans and marine wildlife.
15. Climate change is also causing ocean pollution by increasing the amount of plastic waste and other debris that is washed into the oceans during extreme weather events.
16. Plastic bags and straws are among the most common forms of plastic waste found in the oceans.
17. Ocean pollution affects not just the oceans themselves, but also the atmosphere, as greenhouse gases can be released from marine ecosystems impacted by pollution.
18. Improperly discarded cigarette butts can also contribute to ocean pollution, as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm marine wildlife.
19. Some countries and organizations are working to combat ocean pollution, such as by implementing bans on single-use plastics and investing in more sustainable waste management practices.
20. Individual actions, such as reducing plastic use and properly disposing of waste, can also make a difference in reducing ocean pollution.

Here are some tips for recycling plastic:

1. Check your local recycling guidelines: Recycling programs vary by location, so it’s important to check what types of plastic are accepted in your area. Look for information on your city or county’s website, or contact your local recycling center to find out which types of plastic are accepted.
2. Look for the recycling symbol: The recycling symbol, which features three arrows in a triangle, is often found on plastic products. However, this symbol doesn’t necessarily mean the item is recyclable in your area. Look for a number within the symbol, which indicates the type of plastic. Not all types of plastic can be recycled, so it’s important to check your local guidelines.
3. Clean and prepare your plastic: Before recycling plastic, it’s important to clean and prepare it properly. Rinse out containers and remove any food or debris. Remove caps and lids, as these may be made from a different type of plastic.
4. Avoid contaminating the recycling stream: Contaminants, such as non-recyclable plastics, can damage recycling equipment and lower the value of the recycling stream. Avoid recycling items that are not accepted in your area, such as plastic bags or Styrofoam.
5. Reduce your plastic use: While recycling is important, reducing your use of plastic is even better. Look for ways to reduce your plastic consumption, such as bringing reusable bags and containers to the grocery store, and choosing products with less packaging.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce plastic waste and conserve resources. Remember, recycling is just one part of a larger effort to create a more sustainable future.

Here is a general guide on which plastics are typically recyclable and which are not:

Recyclable plastics:

• PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) – used for plastic bottles and food packaging.
• HDPE (High-density polyethylene) – used for milk jugs, juice bottles, and other household containers.
• PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) – used for pipes, window frames, and some food packaging.
• LDPE (Low-density polyethylene) – used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and some food packaging.
• PP (Polypropylene) – used for yogurt containers, bottle caps, and some food packaging.

Non-recyclable plastics:

• PS (Polystyrene) – used for foam cups, take-out containers, and packaging peanuts.
• PC (Polycarbonate) – used for some water bottles and food containers.
• PLA (Polylactic acid) – a biodegradable plastic used for some food packaging and utensils.
• PVC with phthalates – used for some children’s toys and some medical equipment.
• Any plastic that has been contaminated with food, grease, or other substances that cannot be easily cleaned.

it’s important to note that different recycling programs may accept different types of plastics, and there may be regional variations in what can be recycled. To ensure that you are recycling correctly, check with your local recycling program or waste management facility to determine which types of plastics they accept.

1. Only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. The vast majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the environment, including the oceans.
2. Plastic pollution has been found in every corner of the oceans, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and from the surface to the seafloor.
3. Plastic pollution can take hundreds of years to decompose, and even then, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, creating microplastics that can be harmful to marine wildlife and humans.
4. Marine animals, such as sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals, are at risk of ingesting plastic waste, which can lead to injury, starvation, and death.
5. Fishing gear, such as nets and lines, is responsible for a significant amount of plastic pollution in the oceans. Abandoned gear, known as ghost gear, can continue to entangle and kill marine wildlife for years.
6. Plastic pollution in the oceans has been estimated to cause up to $13 billion in damage to the global economy each year, including lost revenue from fisheries and tourism.
7. Plastic waste can also impact human health, as plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the environment, and can enter the human food chain through contaminated seafood.
8. Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires a coordinated effort from governments, businesses, and individuals to address. Some countries have implemented policies, such as plastic bag bans, to reduce plastic waste.
9. The amount of plastic waste in the oceans is expected to triple by 2040, unless significant action is taken to reduce plastic production, increase recycling rates, and prevent plastic waste from entering the environment.
10. Some companies are investing in innovative solutions to address plastic pollution, such as developing biodegradable plastics and creating closed-loop recycling systems.

“We would just have liked longer – the children were so excited, interested and involved.”

“It was excellent…made links to where Oly has been in the world, which the children could locate on a map.”