Hawaiʻi is celebrated worldwide as a tropical paradise, famed for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, beneath this idyllic image lies a growing environmental crisis – microplastic pollution. Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters long. Each year, thousands of pounds of microplastics, some carried from our own roadways into storm drains then out into the ocean, wash ashore on Hawaiʻi’s beaches, carried by powerful ocean currents.
This isn’t just a threat to marine wildlife; it’s a danger to human health as well. A startling study from the University of Newcastle, Australia, suggests that the average person could be ingesting as much as five grams of plastic every week. These microplastics infiltrate our food, water, and even our bodies, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
So, what can you do? One impactful way to combat this threat is cleaning up our shorelines by removing plastic waste ranging from large containers to smaller microplastic particles. In this blog, we’ll show you how to build your own microplastic sand sifters—a simple yet effective tool for restoring Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.
DIY Microplastic Sifter
Materials Needed:
- Duct Tape
- 1/8-inch Wire Mesh or Wire Cloth (Finer mesh sizes can be used to target smaller microplastic pieces)
- Wire Shears
- Cut-resistant Safety G loves (recommended for safety)
- Tape Measure (optional)
- Scissors (optional)
- Marker (optional)
STEP 1:
Using the tape measure, mark an 18” X 14” rectangle on the wire mesh. Don’t worry if it’s not measured perfectly – an approximation is fine!
STEP 2:
Carefully cut along the markings using the wire shears. For an added layer of protection, use your gloves while cutting and handling the wire mesh.
STEP 3:
Trim any sharp or uneven wire edges to prevent injury.
STEP 4:
Fold duct tape over all the edges of the mesh. Do your best to keep the duct tape even on both sides of the mesh so that the adhesive is not exposed. For added comfort, wrap multiple layers of tape along the edges, creating smooth handles for easy use.
STEP 5:
Head to your favorite beach with your new sifter and a sturdy box or bag to collect and discard the microplastics you gather. Make sure to also collect and discard any other rubbish that you find, such as soda cans or organic matter like leaves and driftwood!
Source: The University of Newcastle, Kailua Beach Adventures
