There are estimated to be over 5 trillion plastic pieces afloat at sea*
Around 35,500 tonnes of microplastics are estimated to be floating in our ocean*
Many organisms ingest small plastic particles. This may have consequences higher up the food chain*
Aquaculture is projected to supply over 60% of fish destined for human consumption by 2030*
Sewage is the greatest contributor to poor water quality in populated coastal and marine environments*
Atlantic salmon accounts for 90% of all economic impact of Scottish aquaculture production*
Man-made PFAS chemicals have been detected in rivers, oceans, drinking waters, house dust, wildlife and humans*
New study adds obesity to the list of human health concerns linked to man-made PFAS chemicals, now ubiquitous in our environment*
Chemicals used in the manufacture of stain-proof clothing finishes have now been detected at toxic doses in Polar Bears*
Our tweetsFidra is an environmental charity working to reduce plastic waste and chemical pollution in our seas, on our beaches and in the wider environment. Fidra shines a light on environmental issues, working with the public, industry and governments to deliver solutions which support sustainable societies and healthy ecosystems. We use the best available science to identify and understand environmental issues, developing pragmatic solutions through inclusive dialogue.
Fidra’s projects
We are reducing plastic pollution from pellets, packaging and pitches. Our work led retailers and manufacturers to change cotton bud sticks from plastic to paper, one of the first successful single-use plastic actions in the UK. Our Best Fishes project aims to minimise Scottish salmon farming’s environmental impacts, from feed to disease. We are combating the harmful chemical contamination of our environment from consumer products, industrial processes and waste. We are evidence-based, pragmatic and collaborative.
Fidra is a Scottish registered charity and SCIO no.SC043895
Blog
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Our Projects
Fidra works with policy makers, industry and the public to end industrial plastic pellet or ‘nurdle’ pollution.
Nurdles
Despite having been recognised as a problem for at least 20 years, plastic cotton buds are a continuing pollution issue. These small plastic stems are consistently in the top ten items found on beaches in the UK and globally.
Cotton Buds
The Fidra Trustees have supported a novel programme of work at Fauna & Flora International (FFI) since 2012, which recognises the potential impact of microplastic pollution on marine biodiversity.
Microplastics
Did you know Scottish salmon is raised on farms in the western highlands and islands? Fidra is developing an information portal to bring together pertinent facts about this increasingly popular food, where it comes from and how it’s farmed.
Best Fishes
PFAS are industrial chemicals of major environmental concern. They are used in a wide range of everyday products, including use as water and oil repellents in food packaging, and can now be found across the remotest regions of the globe.
PFAS
Did you know that synthetic turf pitches can be a source of microplastic pollution? Fidra is promoting simple best practice measures to reduce loss of rubber crumb into the environment, with actions for pitch designers, owners and users.
Artificial Pitches
Much of our food and drink packaging can have devastating impacts on environment. They are difficult to recycle and many of the materials and chemicals in them don’t breakdown if they end up as litter.
Packaging
Bisphenols are synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products such as plastics and receipts. There is increasing evidence that bisphenols are harming the environment and could be impacting human health by affecting our hormones.
Bisphenols
Chemical pollution touches everything, contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink and the crops we eat. Fidra is working with researchers, retailers, policy makers and the public to phase out the most harmful chemicals, improve tracebility and promote chemical management fit for a circular economy.
Chemical Pollution
What do a sofa, a spatula and a seabird have in common? Learn more about the wide-ranging health and environmental impacts of chemical flame retardants.