Bori Kiss, a Plastic Free Communities volunteer living in Barnes, was part of a group of nearly 100 volunteers whose research on plastic pollution has been published in a scientific journal. 

As part of a collaboration project between Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), the University of Plymouth, ZSL and the National Geographic Society, Kiss, living in East Sheen at the time, was involved in the first-of-its-kind research project on plastic pollution trends across Britain.  

Titled, Citizen Science Reveals Litter Trends in the UK: Population Density Effects on Coastal and Inland Regions, the community-led research has now been published the first UK-based academic study in Marine Pollution Bulletin that investigates the correlation between litter and population density.  

Bori Kiss was involved in one of the first research projects on plastic pollution trends across Britain when she was living in East Sheen (credit: Surfers Against Sewage).

On being involved with the project, Kiss said: "This was one of the first citizen science projects I joined. I felt it gave me agency and the ability to do something about an issue I felt strongly about: single use plastic waste. 

"I am very pleased that I was able to contribute to academic research.

"I found it really interesting that litter accumulation varied by area type (urban/rural, inland/coastal) and I think it's great that we came away with the knowledge that tailored litter reduction strategies are required for each type of area. I would also love to see some legislation to force companies to clean up their act.   

"Ending plastic pollution is very important for me because it not only contributes to climate change but also poisons our environment, our wildlife and ultimately ourselves."

From Cornwall to Cumbria, Leeds to Lincolnshire, SAS Plastic Free Communities activists collected 27,855 items over a five-month survey period, documenting the quantities and types found using a smartphone app.

Volunteers collected 9,200 pieces of hard plastic and other fragments, 9,150 items of food wrappers and other packaging, and 6,300 pieces of cigarette-related debris, including butts and lighters.  

Surfers Against Sewage is a grassroots environmental charity based in St Agnes, Cornwall, dedicated to the protection of the ocean, waves, beaches and wildlife (credit: Surfers Against Sewage).

Rachel Yates, Senior Communities Manager at Surfers Against Sewage commented: "Surfers Against Sewage has around 700 Plastic Free Communities across the UK, all working on upstream solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.

"To see nearly 100 ocean activists come together in this huge citizen science project whilst cleaning up polluting items from our coastline, green spaces, streets and mountains is testament to the power of community action and its critical role in research.    

"The project results call for a need for policy change and urgent action to tackle the plastic problem.

"Decision-makers must implement targeted strategies that consider the differences in location highlighted by this research, and measures that tackle the worst pollutants.  

"Now more than ever, we must see a reduction in plastic production and a concerted effort to create circular systems in the UK, and beyond.

"With increasing evidence to the presence of micro and nano plastics in the ocean, water, air, soil and even the human body, it's time to turn up the dial and end plastic pollution and its devastating impact."

The findings show that the UK's coastline holds 60% more plastic pollution than inland areas, and coastal areas saw a significant influx of new plastic waste in comparison.  

In addition, the research highlights the role that citizen science plays in research as well as the need for targeted strategies and policy change to tackle plastic pollution.    

Dr Imogen Napper, Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, led the study with funding from the National Geographical Society.

SAS Plastic Free Communities activists collected 27,855 items over a five-month survey period (credit: Surfers Against Sewage).

She said: "Litter pollution is a pressing environmental challenge, yet we still lack a full understanding of where it originates, how it spreads, and which solutions are most effective.

"To build a clearer picture, our research worked with almost 100 volunteers who tracked waste in their local areas, a demonstration of how communities can provide crucial evidence to drive change.

"The data revealed how geography and community type shape litter patterns, highlighting the urgent need for tailored waste strategies to be designed and delivered in different areas." 

Aqulia Erskine, who led on the citizen science data collection for SAS throughout this project added: "Coordinating the citizen science data collection for this project was such a rewarding experience.

"I was genuinely blown away by how many Plastic Free Communities volunteers showed up with endless enthusiasm, dedicating time each month without fail to survey their chosen transect.

"Seeing all that dedication turn into published research is seriously cool — it's a powerful reminder of what we as individuals can achieve when we come together for a shared cause. 

"Plastic pollution is a massive issue, and being part of this project made me even more fired up to protect our oceans, rivers, and everything in between.

"Every bit of action adds up, and it's amazing to think this research could help inspire even bigger steps towards turning off the plastic tap for good."

To find out more about SAS click here.

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