By Isle of Wight Observer
A surprising number of nurdles – tiny plastic pellets used in the manufacturing of plastic products – have been discovered inside Bembridge Harbour, during a beach survey organised by Planet Aware Isle of Wight.
Four Planet Aware volunteers were recently joined by ten members of the public, including holiday-makers and café customers from Harbour View Café, for a community “nurdle hunt.” In just over an hour, the team collected an estimated 5,000 pellets.
Nurdles, often described as “the feedstock of plastic,” are lentil-sized beads made of virgin, recycled or bioplastic. Each year, an estimated 11 1/2 trillion are lost worldwide, entering the environment through shipping container spills, factory mishandling, or port operations. Once released, they are nearly impossible to remove, and harmful to ecosystems, and potentially human health.
Planet Aware volunteer, Andrew Dean, said: “What we found most unusual at Bembridge was the sheer density and the variation in age of the nurdles. Some were clearly weathered, showing they have been accumulating here over time.”
Planet Aware used its trommel, a sand-sifting device alongside hand sieves and manual collection. Results will be reported to national environmental charity FIDRA, which compiles data to press for legally binding action against pellet pollution.
While the EU recently introduced new rules on nurdle handling, campaigners say the UK must follow suit. Planet Aware hopes the Island’s MPs will raise the issue in Parliament.
Isle of Wight Observer