Science and Environment 

Healthy Beaches Incursion/Excursion - Wednesday 1st May

Last Wednesday, 24 student leaders attended a Healthy Beaches Incursion/Excursion.

They learnt about harmful plastics, specifically nurdles. This was followed by a field trip to Sandringham Beach to survey the sand and document the number of these plastic pellets that could be found in a sample area. After a sausage sizzle lunch, the leaders then used their findings to extrapolate the data and make assumptions about the total number of nurdles on this stretch of beach.

What is a nurdle?

A nurdle is a very small pellet of plastic, it is the raw material that is used to make plastic products.

Why are they harmful?

Nurdles wash into our oceans and marine life, including birds, fish and plankton, mistake them for fish eggs. These toxic capsules do not break down and make the animals think they are full. Many birds and fish are now dying of starvation.

How did they get there?

Nurdles escape at all points during the transportation and manufacturing process.

What can we do?

Legislation is needed to ensure that improvements are made in the plastic transportation and manufacturing process.

We can also get involved in beach clean ups. Our local crew is the 3191 Beach Patrol.

How can I find out more?

Come along to the Sandy Eco Expo - tomorrow, 11th of May to learn more.