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Marine Life & Conservation

Most people unaware of ‘forever chemicals’ 

Published

2 months ago

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forever chemicals

A new YouGov survey, commissioned by the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, the Marine Conservation Society, has revealed public concern over the impact of PFAS, commonly known as ‘forever chemicals,’ on both the environment and human health. However, the findings also indicate that awareness of these chemicals remains relatively low among the UK public with 57% of respondents knowing nothing about forever chemicals, and even more (63%) knowing nothing about PFAS.

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are just one group – containing thousands of individual chemicals – of ocean poisons. PFAS make products greaseproof and waterproof, so they are used in items such as cosmetics, non-stick pans, stainproof and waterproof clothing, swimwear, paints, and greaseproof takeaway containers. They are found in every UK home.

forever chemicals

Photo: Alex Ford

Dr Francesca Ginley, Chemicals Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “I’m concerned by the lack of awareness of forever chemicals. These chemicals impact each and every one of us, every day. They are in our homes, in the sea spray and raindrops, in our favourite wildlife, and they last forever. We know they have immune, hormonal and neurological impacts on marine animals like polar bears, sea otters and harbour porpoises.”

A map of UK PFAS pollution in wildlife was published earlier this year by Watershed Investigations, the Marine Conservation Society and the Guardian, identifying official data on more than 1,000 animals to reveal widespread contamination.

PFAS can enter the environment as a result of manufacturing processes. Discarded products sent to landfill result in leaching chemicals into freshwater systems. Water treatment plants don’t currently remove PFAS, therefore they are released in treated wastewater and can also be captured in sewage sludge used to fertilise farmland. After a period of rain, this PFAS-containing sewage sludge can run off into rivers and streams, as well as entering the food chain. It all ultimately ends up in the ocean, with potentially disastrous effects on marine life.

Respondents to the YouGov survey were asked to identify which items they thought contained PFAS or forever chemicals. Among those who were aware of these chemicals, 30% could not identify any common sources of PFAS from the list provided, including non-stick pans, cosmetics, and firefighting foam. Only 24% identified drinking water as containing forever chemicals, despite a recent study showing PFAS were detected in sources at 17 of England’s 18 water firms. 25% of respondents identified greaseproof paper as containing forever chemicals, whilst the most selected item that participants identified as containing forever chemicals at 55% was non-stick pans.

forever chemicals

Photo: Alex Ford

Overwhelmingly, respondents expressed concern about their impact, with 68% stating they were concerned about the impact of PFAS on the environment, and 60% stating they were concerned about the impact of PFAS on their health.

Dr Francesca Ginley, Chemicals Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We need people to be aware of these chemicals and understand their impact so that they can add to our outrage and call for better protections. There is an urgent need to ban these chemicals to reduce the burden of their pollution. We are calling for the UK Government to ban all PFAS from all uses where there are alternatives, without delay.”

The survey also revealed strong public backing for tighter regulations on PFAS. 57% of respondents supported a UK Government ban on PFAS where alternatives are available, whilst only 3% opposed this idea.

The Marine Conservation Society is urging the UK Government to take immediate steps to phase out PFAS and prevent further contamination of the marine environment. The charity is launching its Big Give campaign on Earth Day (22nd April) to raise awareness and funds to support their work in campaigning against the use of PFAS.

Find out more about the Marine Conservation Society at www.mcsuk.org.

Main Image: Alex Ford

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Marine Life & Conservation

Raising Awareness for Scuttle the Cuttle – A Global First in Tackling Microplastic Pollution

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2 days ago

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May 19, 2025

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Addressing the global crisis of ocean plastic pollution, a new innovation is turning the tide—by placing real-world environmental action in the hands of children. Scuttle the Cuttle, a microplastic-collecting tool designed specifically for young users, has been launched as a practical and inspiring way to involve families in beach cleanups.

Crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, Scuttle is a cuttlefish-shaped combination of bucket and sieve. Its engaging design, sustainability credentials, and focus on education make it more than just a toy—it’s a tool for change.

scuttle the cuttle

Designed for Impact

Scuttle’s core purpose is to help remove microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—from beaches. With a mesh size of 2.8mm, Scuttle can collect small plastic fragments and nurdles before they degrade further. This addresses a critical but often overlooked part of the plastic pollution problem.

Built for Young Eco-Heroes

Scuttle is ergonomically designed for both children and adults. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, it allows even the youngest users to contribute meaningfully to beach cleanups. Its approachable design turns environmental action into a fun and empowering activity for children and families.

Circular by Design

From production to end-of-life, Scuttle reflects a strong commitment to the circular economy. Made from 100% recycled ocean plastic and fully recyclable, it is manufactured with long-term use in mind. The product not only removes waste from the environment but also repurposes existing waste in its construction, reducing environmental impact across its lifecycle.

Community and Collaboration

In addition to its environmental function, Scuttle is part of a broader movement to build awareness and encourage local partnerships. It supports responsible sourcing, local collaborations, and community-driven conservation efforts.

Scuttle is now available for purchase and is positioned as the first product of its kind focused specifically on the collection of microplastics through kid-friendly, hands-on cleanup.

For more information about Scuttle the Cuttle, visit odysseyinnovation.com/pages/scuttle.

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Marine Life & Conservation

I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys

Published

4 days ago

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May 17, 2025

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The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.

This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.

“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”

Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph

The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:

Land & Shore Division:

  • Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person

  • DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person

  • KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person

Private Boat Division:

  • Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person

  • Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person

  • Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person

Dive Operator Division:

  • Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)

  • Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)

  • Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)

Special Awards:

  • Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)

  • Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies

Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education

The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.

“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”

Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar

Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.

To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.

Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.

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