The Plastic Pollution Project

​​In the Plastic Experiment, tens of thousands of school pupils and interested individuals will have the opportunity to contribute to research on plastic pollution, while at the same time learning more about the environmental impact of plastic, sustainability and research. The primary communication approach to be used is citizen science.Plastic pollution is a global problem.

The production, use and waste management of plastic materials and products leads to damage that impacts people as well as the environment.

The aim of the project is to study the extent of plastic pollution in Sweden through a nationwide citizen science project, whereby participants help to collect and analyse plastic waste. The project also aims to increase participants´ knowledge, engagement and ability to act on plastic pollution.

A study of changes in participants´ attitudes and behaviour during the project will be carried out.The Plastic Experiment will constitute ForskarFredag´s mass experiment 2022–2023 and is a collaboration between the non-profit association VA (Public & Science) and the Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation.

Both organisations have considerable expertise in communication, extensive networks and well-established methods for reaching the public at large, plus collaborating with teachers and pupils, the primary target groups for the project.

Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth and senior lecturer Magnus Bergquist from the University of Gothenburg are the scientific leads for the study.