Ocean plastics unravelled - The microplastics hidden in your closet

30 september, European parliament esplanade - 1pm

What does a whale, your wardrobe and ocean pollution have in common? Come and find out during Ocean Week!

Meet experts and scientists in front of a giant whale outside the European Parliament to talk about how fashion is harming the ocean. One of the largest ocean plastic pollution sources is not bottles, nor bags, but tiny fibres that are extremely difficult to remove once released. They disperse widely through ocean currents and settle into sediments, remaining in ecosystems for decades or even centuries.

Synthetic clothing, which makes up 70% of global textiles, releases tiny particles into the environment. Naked to the eye, this pollution is now spreading across all parts of the planet.

The event is free and open to all. Participants will be invited to interact with scientists, EU and national experts of textiles and microplastics who will share their findings and personal experience of the issue. You can also show your support in asking the EU to do more to curb microplastics by taking a snap in our photobooth – and take home a souvenir print. Solutions exist and you can be part of it!

Join us on esplanade in front of the Whale at 1pm.

Organised by ECOS, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Seas At Risk