AY2021G02A- “Drop the Beads”

Boominathan Pushpanathan (FOE), Lim Xin Yi Joreen (SDE), Teng Wei Han (FOE), Thomas Tio Da Ming (FOE), Yeoh E Ming (SDE)

Academic Advisor: Dr. Chua Siew Chin

Singapore is experiencing an exponential surge in concentrations of microplastics in its natural environment, with pernicious concomitant ramifications on public health and marine life. We aim to raise greater awareness concerning the detriments of microplastics, in particular, microbeads in commonly used Personal Care Products (PCPs) and gauge the receptivity of RVRC residents to microbead-free alternatives.

We put up posters elucidating the deleterious effects of microplastics and conducted a giveaway for microbead-free DIY facial scrubs, complemented by informative e-brochures and videos expounding on the ease of making said scrubs. Pre- and post-giveaway surveys and a focus group discussion were subsequently conducted to determine receptivity to microbead-free alternatives. 90% of respondents had heightened awareness of microbeads in their PCPs while 97% were receptive to using microbead-free alternatives.

These awareness-raising initiatives were indubitably effective in helping students understand the detrimental effects of microbeads whilst promoting suitable microbead-free alternatives.

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