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Microplastics

Learn what microplastics are, where they come from and the impact they have on us and our planet in our microplastics course.

11 min Total time
2 lessons 2 modules
32k Enrolled
4.2 10 ratings

Course introduction

Ready to dive into a world that’s small in size but huge in impact? Welcome to the Microplastics Course, where you’ll uncover the secrets of those teeny-tiny plastic bits that are sneaking into every corner of our planet.

By the end of this course, you’ll be a microplastics master, ready to tackle this global issue with newfound knowledge. So, grab your curiosity, and let’s get started on this eye-opening journey!

What you will learn

What microplastics are and where they come from
How microplastics spread across our planet, from oceans to the air
The impact of microplastics on wildlife and ecosystems
The health risks microplastics pose to humans
Cutting-edge technologies and strategies to combat microplastic pollution
Global policies and what you can do to make a difference

Curriculum

2 modules · 2 lessons · 1 assessment · about 11 min total

1 Understanding Microplastics 1 lesson · 0/1 complete Not started

Let’s kick things off with a deep dive (don’t worry, no snorkel needed!) into the world of microplastics. We’re talking about those tiny bits of plastic that are so sneaky, they’re found just about everywhere—from the bottom of the ocean to the air we breathe. In this part of the challenge, you’ll get to know these little troublemakers up close. 

We’ll explore what microplastics are, how they’re getting into our environment, and why they’re such a big deal for both nature and us humans. Ready to become a microplastics detective? Let’s go!

Understanding Microplastics Read · 5 mins Start
2 Fighting Back Against Microplastics 1 lesson · 0/1 complete Not started

Alright, now that you’re familiar with microplastics, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and look at what we can do about it. This part of the challenge is all about solutions—because knowing the problem is only half the battle, right? 

We’ll dive into the cool tech and innovative ideas that scientists and engineers are cooking up to detect and remove microplastics. Plus, we’ll explore how the world is banding together to tackle this issue, from international policies to what companies are doing to clean up their act. Are you ready to be inspired and see how you can be part of the solution?!

Tackling the Microplastics Crisis Read · 6 mins Start
Earn your reward assessment
12
Responsible Consumption and Production

The UN SDGs are 17 global goals for a fairer, sustainable world by 2030.

Learn more
UN Global Goals

Combating Microplastics Through Responsible Consumption

This challenge directly supports Goal 12 by exploring how unsustainable production and consumption patterns lead to pervasive microplastic pollution. Understanding the sources and impacts of these tiny plastics is crucial for fostering more responsible habits and advocating for systemic change. Learning about advanced strategies and global policies helps you contribute to a future with less waste and a cleaner environment.

UN targets this course supports
Manage chemicals and waste safely, reducing microplastic release into air, water, and soil to protect human health and the environment.
Significantly cut waste generation, including plastic waste, through preventing, reducing, recycling, and reusing materials effectively.

Reviews

4.2 10 ratings
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WA
Willow A.
★★★★☆

This course offered a solid introduction to microplastics, though I wished for a bit more depth on solutions.

CM
Claudia Martin
★★★★☆

I found this course really eye-opening regarding the pervasive issue of microplastics. It clearly explained their origins and the widespread environmental impacts, making me much more aware of my own consumption habits. While the information was excellent, I would have appreciated a few more practical steps on how individuals can reduce their microplastic footprint in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are the leading online sustainability education platform. Our mission is to make sustainability knowledge accessible to everyone, by making it engaging to learn and genuinely rewarding to finish. People change what they do once they understand the world around them and the difference they can actually make.

It is genuinely free. You never pay to sign up, to take a course, or to receive your reward, and we never ask for a payment method. The rewards are funded by VeBetterDAO, an organisation distributing rewards to approved sustainability apps every week.

About 11 min of lessons, 2 lessons in total, plus a short assessment at the end. There is no deadline and no fixed schedule: your progress saves automatically as you finish each lesson, so you can stop halfway through a module and continue later on any device. Access does not expire.

Yes, and you can check it yourself. Lessons are built on published evidence, peer-reviewed research, UN and government agency data, and public datasets. Factual claims carry numbered citations you can click through to the original source. Read our editorial policy for how we handle contested evidence and sponsored content.

With an email address, or with your Google, X or Microsoft account. Creating an account takes under a minute and puts you straight into the first lesson.

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