It all started with an occasional plastic bottle passing through waterways ignored by the onlookers. Years passed and, the waters are invaded with plastics threatening not only the life in water but also the ones who are responsible for it.
As an advance towards gaining the blue again, Zero Plastic National Movement stepped in introducing the Zero Plastic Strainer. Zero Plastic National Movement is a non-profit environmental organization which has set its goal to create a plastic free environment through volunteerism, advocacy, policy, and practice. The Island Tattoo Connection collaborated with Zero Plastic in this environmental service.
Not only the large canals but also the small canals directly connecting the cities and the ocean are major sources of plastics that pollute the ocean. The Zero Plastic small canal strainer has been designed and engineered to fit small canals (including the canals that have a width of 1m) and retain the plastics that flows to the ocean through the water flow. The strainer extends about 1 foot below the water level and 1 foot above the water level. This feature prevents plastics from bypassing the strainer even when the water velocity is high.
Secret Beach in Ahangama is a tourist attraction and renowned for surfing. The plastics flowing through the Ahangama river has adversely impacted on the natural beauty it beholds. To regain its charm, the Zero Plastic Small Canal Strainer was installed in Ahangama River, 20m afar from the Secret Beach on the 24th of October with the participation of Zero Plastic Volunteers and tattoo artists from all over Europe, America, Nepal, India, and Thailand. The plastics that are being collected by the strainer will be sent for recycling through Ahangama Municipal Council.
Zero Plastic National movement is planning to install many more strainers all over the country. The environmental enthusiasts who are willing to corporate in this mission are welcomed with open arms.
Contact : nish@zeroplastic.lk
Rashmi Wickramasinghe
University of Peradeniya
