Tiny Plastics, Big Impacts: A Wake-Up Call on Microplastics at Penn
Plastic pollution has moved beyond oceans and landfills — it’s now in our food, water, and even our bodies. In a creative and eye-opening event at the University of Pennsylvania, students confronted this unsettling reality through a blend of science, shock, and cookies.
As part of Penn Climate Week, the Tiny Plastics, Big Impacts event aimed to transform how students think about plastic consumption. Organized by Joey Wu, a 2024 EarthEcho Marine Plastics Ambassador, in collaboration with Penn researchers and environmental groups, the initiative used innovative outreach to drive home a serious message
Plastic Cookies and Powerful Conversations
Set up along Penn’s busy Locust Walk, the event drew in 250–300 attendees with an attention-grabbing treat: credit-card shaped cookies symbolizing the estimated amount of plastic humans ingest each week — about 4.1 micrograms. The reaction was immediate and visceral. That shock opened the door to deeper conversations.
At nearby tables, Dr. Derek Ho, Dr. Jon Hawkings, and Dr. Samantha McBride — all prominent researchers at Penn — shared their insights on the environmental and health impacts of microplastics. They discussed topics such as the prevalence of microplastics in bottled water brands like Fiji, Dasani, Aquafina, and Liquid Death. Students also participated in the interactive “Plastic Panic” game, exploring practical strategies to reduce their plastic use, and many signed a pledge to lower their plastic footprint.
Pledges with Dr. Jon Hawkings, Joey Wu, Dr. Samantha McBride, Dr. Derek Ho (Left to Right)
Measurable Impact and a Lasting Message
- Over 100 students signed the plastic reduction pledge
- The event reached 2,900 views on social media
- Seven new partnerships were formed between students, researchers, and climate groups
Beyond the numbers, the event sparked genuine enthusiasm and new interest in environmental research, with some students even considering independent research projects on plastic pollution. By combining science, art, and a bit of culinary creativity, Tiny Plastics, Big Impacts showed that environmental education doesn’t have to be traditional — it just has to connect.
“A little creativity in the environmental field goes a long way,” said Joey Wu. “With this experience, I’ve seen how powerful innovative outreach can be in building a movement for climate justice.”
Links: https://www.earthecho.org/news/tiny-plastics-big-impacts-community-education-at-the-university-of-pennsylvania
