Microplastics

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- - - Nurdles
    - The Great Nurdle Hunt is Fidra’s first project. It aims to end further industrial plastic pellet or ‘nurdle’ pollution into Scottish seas.
  - - Cotton buds
    - Despite having been recognised as a problem for at least 20 years, plastic cotton buds are a continuing pollution issue.
  - - Microplastics
    - The Fidra Trustees have supported a novel programme of work at Fauna & Flora International (FFI) since 2012.
  - - Best Fishes
    - An information portal to bring together pertinent facts about farmed salmon where it comes from and how it’s farmed.
- - - PFASs
    - PFASs are synthetic chemicals of major environmental concern, used in a wide range of products including ‘stain-resistant’ finishes on textiles.
  - - Artificial Pitches
    - Synthetic turf pitches can be a source of microplastic pollution. Fidra is promoting measures to reduce loss of rubber crumbs into the environment.
  - - Food Packaging
    - Much of our takeaway food and drink packaging can have devastating implications on our natural environments. They are difficult to recycle due to their mix of materials or contamination and do not naturally breakdown.
  - - Bisphenols
    - 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.
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The Fidra Trustees have supported a programme of work at Fauna & Flora International (FFI) since 2012, which recognises the potential impact of microplastic pollution on marine biodiversity.

Over this time FFI has developed strong links with researchers, NGOs, industry representatives and regulators on a wide number of microplastic issues, and has worked to address a number of direct sources of microplastics. FFI is working constructively and collaboratively with corporate businesses to improve policies and practices that ultimately reduce direct sources of marine microplastic pollution.

FFI has been at the forefront of efforts in the UK (and beyond) to halt the use of microplastic ingredients in cosmetics and toiletries, and created the Good Scrub Guide – subsequently in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society – to help raise consumer awareness and give people an easy way to take positive action. In addition, a Good Scrub Guide Australia has also been produced and the project has supported the development of a mobile App, Beat the MicroBead developed in partnership with the Plastic Soup Foundation. The Good Scrub Guide provided FFI with a vital platform from which to engage with businesses and governments. As a result, world-leading legislation has been introduced by the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments.

FFI continues to engage with stakeholders across Europe and globally on the issue of microbeads in personal care and other products and is currently rolling out a significant programme of work that aims to address wider sources of industrial microplastic pollution