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Description

An experiment to identify micro-plastics and other pollutants entering the water system through washing and hygiene products.

Best done with Interest Badge: Science Investigator Badge – links with the Responsible Consumerism Badge/Fast Fashion Cabbage actvity and the Fast Fashion booklet.

Resources

Coffee filter – preferably white
Mixing Bowl
Funnel
Jug to hold the funnel
Various household products: cleaning liquids, toothpaste, bath & shower gels, shampoos, etc
Stirrer – whisk or spoon
Water

Instructions

Place the filter inside the funnel and prop the funnel in a glass/container – as per picture.
Half fill the mixing bowl with water and add various types of cleaners, shampoo, bath salts, washing liquid, etc stirring it well together. Don’t overdo the ingredients – and make it too gloopy, it will take longer to go through the filter.
Pour some of the water into the filter and wait for it to pass through. Try and put as much through as you can – you may need to empty some water out of the container under the funnel as it fills.
Monitor the amount of residue caught in the filter and highlight and discuss the potential impact this residue will be having on our water system and the environment.

Tags

• climate change
• Environmental awareness
• Responsible Consumerism
• science experiment
• Science Investigator
• SDG 12
• SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

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