Once a piece of macroplastic, like a bottle, a bag or a shoe, ends up in the environment, it is exposed to elements like sunlight, wind and waves. When left for a long time, plastic will break down into smaller and smaller pieces. The particles smaller than 5mm are called microplastics, and particles from 1 - 1000 nanometer are called nanoplastics. Because of how tiny they are, they can easily travel through water and air, and end up in the food chain.

So when plastic ends up in nature, it will eventually make it's way back into our human lives through food, drinks and even the air we breathe. Researchers of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam found plastic particles in the blood of 17 out of 22 people they tested. Scientists even found plastic particles in the placentas of expecting mothers.

Plastic pollution has a huge negative impact on nature and biodiversity. Wildlife can become entangled in and immobilized by larger pieces, while smaller pieces may be mistaken for food by cattle, birds and aquatic animals (dolphins, turtles, fish,...).

The result: severe health issues leading to pain, suffering and often the death of the animals.

When plastic particles leak into the soil and water, they also cause problems for biodiversity and entire ecosystems. For example, the microplastic that float in the ocean contribute to ocean acidification which disrupts the amount of phytoplankton in the ocean and in turn adds to climate change. All of which can likely result in torrential downpours, flooding and the loss of most seals, birds, whales, fish, and food supply for 3 billion people. In other words: we can only slow down climate change and stop biodiversity loss if we address the plastic pollution crisis. 

You may not be aware, but as human we eat plastic, according to the University of Vienna. It's difficult to notice the effects as regular individuals, but it's hard to imagine that the presence of plastic in our water, food and air wouldn't have a negative impact on our health. 

Recently, scientific research found that the presence of plastic particles in our bodies can be linked to diseases such as Parkinson's, infertility, cancer and the disruption of our hormones. The United Nations recognize the danger of plastic pollution as well, calling them a silent menace that is threatening the environment and human health.

We're gathering a select group of visionary and bold philanthropists to work with us to validate and scale the Clean River Model as an open source holistic solution to make and keep rivers plastic-free.

With your donation we can make and keep rivers plastic-free in Belgium, Cameroon and Indonesia. Once the Clean River Model is validated, we can scale to 1000 plastic-free rivers by 2050. Donate and become part of positive change.

Cleanups are a fun way to take action for clean rivers. While cleaning up is not the solution to the plastic pollution crisis, it's a great way to spread awareness and get people to join a global community that works towards a better tomorrow. At the same time, all plastic that is removed from nature can no longer cause harm.