1. Lesson 2 Learning Intentions
Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Lesson 2 Learning Intentions
By the end of this lesson…
I will know, by listening to my peers, the story behind a range of photographs and how they are connected to the topic of plastic waste.
I will analyse the root causes of plastic waste and discuss the value of different collective positive actions.

2. Source: Surfers against Sewage
Activity Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Recap: Use photo prompts to help you
Source: Surfers against Sewage

3. Recap: Why do we have a plastic problem now?
Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Recap: Why do we have a plastic problem now?
Plastic doesn’t go away when we throw it out
Most of the plastic ever made still exists in the world
because plastic doesn't biodegrade
This means that bacteria can’t break plastic down into a harmless natural material. Plastic lasts forever.
This is why we have a plastic problem
Source: EPA Ireland + VOICE

4. Source: Susan Adams www.susanadams.ie
Activity Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Visual prompt examples
Bottle ¼ oil : ¾ water =Oil needed to make one bottle.
Toy sea creatures stuck in plastic
A Jar of micro plastics
Source: Susan Adams

5. Activity 3 Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Student Research – 1 image 1 minute
a. Plastic and climate change b. Ocean plastic and fishing c. Product design for better plastic d. Plastic and the food chain
…….or your choice of plastic topic
Source: adapted from Voice / EPA Ireland

6. My topic: Plastic in Ireland + Europe
Activity Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
My topic: Plastic in Ireland + Europe
Teacher sample….My 1 minute information
A study conducted in Ireland found that 73% of deep sea fish had ingested plastic and a 2015 study reported that 90% of seabirds have plastic in their gut. These revelations have raised public awareness and concern over plastic waste, prompted calls for action and led to an EU level response.
● The new European strategy for plastics released in January 2018 stipulates that all plastic packaging shall be reusable or recyclable in a cost effective manner by 2030.
● In March 2019 the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to ban in the EU by 2021: Single-use plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks), single-use plastic plates, plastic straws, cotton bud sticks made of plastic, plastic balloon sticks, oxo-degradable plastics and food containers and expanded polystyrene cups. In addition Member states will have to achieve a 90% collection target for plastic bottles by 2029.
Image credit: American photographer Chris Jordan
Information source: VOICE & EPA Ireland (see slide notes)

7. Source: VOICE & EPA Ireland
Activity Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Plastic in Europe
● The new European strategy for plastics released in January 2018 stipulates that all plastic packaging shall be reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner by 2030.
Do you think that the 2030 target is realistic?
Should this European strategy should be implemented sooner?
● In March 2019 the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to ban in the EU by 2021: Single-use plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks), single-use plastic plates, plastic straws, cotton bud sticks made of plastic, plastic balloon sticks, oxo-degradable plastics and food containers and expanded polystyrene cups. In addition Member states will have to achieve a 90% collection target for plastic bottles by 2029.
How could you find out what exactly is happening to meet these targets by 2021?
Why do you think 2029 been set as a target for 90% plastic bottle collection?
Source: VOICE & EPA Ireland

8. Source: VOICE & EPA Ireland
Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Plastic in Ireland
In January 2019, here in Ireland, a government decision was made so that Government Departments and Public Bodies will lead the way in reducing the use of single use plastics. From 31st March 2019, Government Departments, including schools, will not purchase or supply, directly or indirectly, single-use plastic cups, single-use cutlery and single-use straws. 
How could you find out what exactly is happening to implement this decision?
By 30th November 2019, all Public Bodies including schools are required to provide a report to their respective Minister on the measures they are taking to minimise waste generation and maximise recycling.
Given the fact that only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled, do you think this requirement will be an effective solution to tackling plastic waste?
Source: VOICE & EPA Ireland

9. Source: adapted from VOICE & EPA Ireland
Activity Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
Before we look at our school community it is important to firstly ask….
How can we get to the root cause of plastic waste?
Can you suggest what are the ROOT CAUSES of plastic waste?
Source: adapted from VOICE & EPA Ireland

10. Root Cause Activity Activity 4 Plastic-Free Communities| Lesson 2 of 6
C. Effects
Root Cause Activity
D. Your suggested solutions
Write everyone’s suggestions on flipchart paper so all class can see. Keep them safe for next week
Source: Kate Minnock