The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

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Picture of an eye for Blog post Colour Blindness Day

Colour Blindness Day

06/09/2023 / / 0 Comments

Colour Blindness Day

Colour Blindness Awareness Day was launched in 2015 and is held on September 6th – the birthday of John Dalton. He is credited with being the first person known to realise colour blindness exists. Furthermore, he also introduced atomic theory into chemistry. As a scientist, he became aware that neither he nor his brother saw colours the same way as everyone else. He thought this was because they had blue liquid in their eyes and Dalton left his eyes to science so that research could be carried out after his death. Dalton understood that because both he and his brother were affected, their condition must be hereditary. Over 150 years later DNA proved he had inherited colour blindness. Colour blindness is also known as Daltonism in his memory.

What is Colour blindness?

We’re sure you are aware that not all disabilities are visible. Colour blindness or colour vision deficiency (CVD) is one of those that you may not realise is affecting someone. It affects roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women. The effects can be mild, moderate or severe. You can be born with CVD, or it can start at any age. It can be a side effect of conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis or as a consequence of the eye disease glaucoma. Medications or exposure to certain chemicals can also cause colour deficiencies.

Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure or treatment for inherited colour blindness. Those with the condition will find that they can adapt to it to some extent but may not be able to pursue professions where accurate colour vision is required. If a colour vision deficiency is developed because of illness, injury or medication, addressing the underlying condition may help.

The main symptom of CVD is finding it hard to tell the difference between colours. There are different types of CVD – the most common being unable to fully ‘see’ red, green or blue light. Being ‘red/green colour blind’ means people with it can easily confuse any colours which have some red or green as part of the whole colour. So someone with red/green colour blindness is likely to confuse blue and purple because they can’t ‘see’ the red element of the colour purple.

 

Testing for CVD

There are 2 main tests for colour vision deficiency:

  • the Ishihara test – reading images made up of coloured dots. The Ishihara test is used to detect the most common types of colour blindness, which are categorised as red-green colour deficiencies
  • colour arrangement tests – putting coloured objects in order of what shade they are

 

Colour vision testing is not part of the routine NHS eye test, but you can ask an optician for it if you think you need it.

Effects on daily life:

Driving – More specifically identifying signal lights and colour-coded signs that are designed to stand out such as danger and warning signs.

Colour coded charts – People suffering from colour blindness can have great difficulty reading colour-coded charts and other similar types of activities.

Jobs – Certain job restrictions apply for someone with a colour vision deficiency, such as a train driver.

Education – Not being able to distinguish colours when needed to complete taught activities and assessments.

Living a life full of colour – Something most of us take for granted but it is estimated that someone who is colour blind may only see as few as 10,000 shades of colour compared to someone with normal colour vision who can see up to 1,000,000 distinct shades of colour.

CVD is just one of many disabilities that can hinder the learning experience and make daily activities like using the web difficult or impossible. The demand and need for physical and digital accessibility will only continue to rise, underscoring the critical importance of raising overall disability awareness.

Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier accessibility statement: https://my.napier.ac.uk/wellbeing-support-and-inclusion/accessibility-statement

If you would like advice about how the university can support students and staff with physical disabilities and mental health issues you can contact the Napier Wellbeing, Support and Inclusion team: https://my.napier.ac.uk/wellbeing-support-and-inclusion/disability-inclusion

Hardware available to borrow from the library

We have a range of ergonomic keyboards and mice, noise-cancelling headphones, laptop riser stands and coloured overlays available for everyone to borrow from each campus library. You can use Library Search to see what is available-it helps to select ‘Equipment’ under the Format filter options on the right-hand side.

We also have extra-large monitors and height-adjustable desks in each library, ask at the helpdesks to find out where they are situated.

Our library assistants are happy to help with all your well-being queries.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

Image of students studying for Blog post for Welcome to the library

Welcome to the library

01/09/2023 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to the library

We would like to welcome all our new students to the library and, of course, the library blog. This is a place to keep you informed about the library, such as changes to opening hours, equipment for loan and our library spaces.  Furthermore, we will also post lots of fun items too (check out our Lego and Barbie posts), informative posts (Out and about in Scotland and International Moon Day) and posts raising awareness (World Ocean Day and Stress Awareness Month).

Opening hours

Opening hours are listed on our webpage. Hours will change during trimester 3 and at holiday periods.

Library Search

Library Search is our catalogue which lets you search for books and articles and gives you access to thousands of ebooks and articles.

Book loans

Books can be borrowed from the self-service kiosks using your student card. Loans are for up to 4 months, provided the book is not requested by another user. You will receive a borrowing activity letter each week which will let you know whether your loans have been renewed or if they should be returned.

Click and Collect Service

You can make requests for books using our Click and Collect service. You can request books from any campus library and you can collect them from whichever campus suits you best.

Study spaces

All campus libraries have group study rooms bookable through Resource Booker. Additionally, We also have individual study spaces and collaborative desks which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Laptops

All campus libraries have laptops for loan from our Lapsafes. Loans are for 2 weeks and the safes are self-service, operated using your student card.

Special events

Not only do we help you with all your studying needs, but in addition, we also run events throughout the year so keep a look out for posters and social media posts to see if booking is required. Previous events include an Easter Egg Hunt and Therapets visits.

Library tours

Want to learn about all things Library and get a head start on your studies? You can book a library tour to get all the information you need for your studies!

Get Connected

IT is offering Get Connected sessions at the beginning of term to help with connecting to university Wi-Fi, using the Napier app, multi-factor authentication and any other IT issues you may have. These are drop-in sessions at the times and places listed in the link.

Printing

Printers are available in all campus libraries-make sure that you have enough print credit to complete your job.

Relaxation Spaces

If you need to take some time out from your studies head to our Relaxation Spaces – there’s one on each campus. We have books, games, colouring sheets and suggestions to help you de-stress.

By Vivienne Hamilton

books stack

Information and the Library

28/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Information and the Library

Coming into a library can be daunting for some. Whether it be for the first time or the eleventh time. Having a sense of not knowing where to start with all this vast amount of information available, it can be overwhelming. We understand. And we are here to help.

We want to give a quick breakdown of where you can find information or where to ask for information. Because like we said before, we are to here.

Library Webpages

Starting off the library portal on MyNapier. The library web pages are designed to help you navigate the library. You can find all the information you wish to enquire. From opening hours, to how to find books, to even what to do if the book you need isn’t in our stock. It is all there for you. You’ll find quick links to library search so you can access books, journals and much more. A link to your subject guides which helps you with your course.  There are even some referencing guides. It’s all there.

Contact the Library

If you can’t find what you are looking for on our library web pages, you can always contact us. You can always contact us either through email or phone. Email us at library@napier.ac.uk or phone 0131 455 3500. And you can always speak to us in person. Library Help Desks are at each campus library, open between Monday till Friday, 8.45am to 4.45pm.

Or you can even tweet us @EdNaplib or get in touch on Instagram. Follow our social media accounts for library updates. And of course keep an eye out for new blog posts.

photo source Kimberly Farmer 

International Dog Day Bertie

International Dog Day

26/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

International Dog Day

Everyone knows Librarians love cats, but we are an open-minded and inclusive lot here at Edinburgh Napier and our homes are open to not just fluffy felines but delightful dogs too! Here we showcase some of our Librarian’s gorgeous pups.

So come meet a few of our Staff’s Dogs!

Continue reading

A photo of 2 Bridges of Scotland at Queensferry

Bridges of Scotland

14/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Bridges of Scotland

On the 30th of August, it will be 6 years since the Queensferry Crossing opened. If you have ever travelled to Fife and beyond by car then you will have crossed it! This lifeline artery was built as a replacement for the old Forth Road Bridge which was beginning to suffer from corrosion in the suspension cables. This resulted in a loss of strength with weakening calculated to accelerate. This would result in traffic restrictions to limit loading and would impact heavily on tourism, logistics and commuting from Fife, Perth, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Highlands. In 2007 Transport Scotland decided to proceed with a replacement bridge. Known as the Forth Replacement Crossing, the bridge was finally named in 2013 following a public vote with Queensferry Crossing receiving the most votes. Scotland has many interesting and attractive bridges and here are a few you may be interested in:

Sluggan Bridge

Remote from a town or village this tall bridge over the River Dulnain seems quite out of place to modern eyes, but at one point this was part of General Wade’s military road and a vital crossing. Originally the crossing was merely a ford, but a two-arch bridge was built in the 1760s. This was swept away in a flood in 1829 and was replaced in the 1830s with the single-span bridge you can see now. Major repairs were carried out to the bridge in 2001/02 by Sustrans as part of the National Cycle Network Route 7. Sluggan Bridge is category A listed and a scheduled monument. The Wade Road is an ancient right of way.

Craigellachie Bridge

This elegant bridge spanning the River Spey is the oldest surviving iron bridge in Scotland. Built between 1812 and 1815 it was designed by the world-famous engineer Thomas Telford. Telford allowed for floods and the bridge withstood a major flood in 1829 when the Spey rose by 4.7 meters. The spandrels are formed of diamond lattice to form a delicate design. The castellated towers that decorate the abutments are hollow with false arrow slits. The bridge, with minor modifications, continued in use until 1963–64 and was bypassed and closed to vehicles in 1972 when its pre-stressed concrete replacement just downstream, was opened. Craigellachie Bridge is now an outstanding historical and scenic amenity used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Forth Bridge

This iconic bridge is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge, but that’s not its official name. It spans the Forth estuary carrying the railway lines connecting the north and south of Scotland, and when it opened it was the world’s longest single-span cantilever bridge. The first design to be approved for a rail bridge across the Forth was by Thomas Bouch. This design was abandoned following the Tay Bridge disaster because that bridge had also been designed by Bouch. In the end, the design by John Fowler and Benjamin Baker was chosen and the bridge opened in 1890. At the busiest point in construction, 4000 men were employed; unfortunately, 57 men died. The bridge carries 200 trains each day and 3 million passengers each year. In 2015 the bridge was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in its 125th anniversary year.

Skye Bridge

The short 500m crossing between Skye and the Scottish mainland was made by ferry until the Skye Bridge opened in 1995. The bridge is a concrete arch supported by 2 piers and it is 2.4 km long with the main arch being 35m high. Although the bridge is free to cross now, this was not always the case. The bridge was built with private rather than government funding. This meant that the private company that owned the completed bridge could charge a toll to cross it. This charge applied to locals and tourists alike which meant that whenever an islander needed to access services or visit family on the mainland, they had to pay the toll. A campaign group SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls) was set up and in 2004 the Scottish Government purchased the bridge and abolished the tolls. The bridge has made Skye much more accessible and in recent years this has caused a large increase in tourism due to exposure on tv programmes promoting the outdoors and the historical fantasy series Outlander. Islanders now complain of rubbish being dumped, busy roads and erosion of paths due to the large numbers visiting Skye.

Scotland’s newest bridge-Lossiemouth East Beach Bridge

The town of Lossiemouth in Moray relied heavily on fishing and when the industry fell into decline in the 1970s the town began to rely on tourism. There are many lovely walks and interesting attractions to visit in the area, but the town’s biggest asset is the several miles long sandy East Beach. With pristine sands and a large dune system, the beach was well used by tourists and in recent years supported a surf school. But in order to get to the beach, the estuary of the River Lossie had to be crossed. Access was by an old wooden bridge and in 2019 a member of the public reported hearing a loud crack as they crossed it. The bridge was surveyed, and it was decided it was a risk to the public, so it was permanently closed. This was devastating to local tourism with shops and hospitality businesses reporting large falls in trade and cancellations of bookings. The estimated collective annual cost of closure was £1.5 million. However, help was to come from an unexpected source. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the UK government put financial help packages in place for hotels, restaurants and shops across the country. This ensured that Lossiemouth’s businesses were protected not only from the effects of the pandemic but from the loss of its biggest tourist attraction.

Meanwhile a tendering process was carried out and eventually, preparation works for a new bridge began in November 2021. The new bridge was completed in April 2022 and was officially opened in May. If you would like to see the bridge, beach and do some people watching, then click here.

 

You can use Library Search to find books and articles on more bridges of Scotland, bridge construction and tourism pressures.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Bakewell Tart

National Bakewell Day

11/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

National Bakewell Tart Day

The flaky, buttery pastry, a good amount of jam and sweet frangipane and the little cherry on top literally is the cherry on top. It’s the Bakewell tart, a legend among baked goods, a classic in baking. National Bakewell tart day is a new celebration, only starting in 2020. Grab a Bakewell tart and let’s get into this delicious day.

History of the Bakewell Tart

Bakewell Tart is accredited to Mrs Graves, the landlady of the White House Inn in Bakewell, Derbyshire England. It was originally called Bakewell Pudding. It was referred to as a pudding due to the original recipe. The cooks were asked to make a jam tart but instead of putting the almond paste into the pastry, they put it on the jam. This created an egg custard which resembled a pudding.

The date of creation is debated, some cite it as early 1820, while others claim 1860. However, it is found in a cookbook dated 1845. From 1900, the Bakewell pudding became the Bakewell Tart. This was mainly due to the egg custard being replaced by a frangipane. Soon a cherry topped, and it became the ‘Cherry Bakewell’. Finally, they were made smaller and became individual. It became the Bakewell Tart that we know today.

Additional Reading

Read about more days of the year here

In the mood for some cooking or baking, check out each well-being collection at our libraries for some cookbooks.

 

Photo source Alan Stephenson

Barbie doll photo for blog post Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

07/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Exploring the Fascinating History of the Doll

No one can be unaware of the new Barbie movie that was recently released and the new conversations it is bringing up. So why not read a bit about her history and Barbie’s place in the cultural Zeitgeist.

Barbie and her Impact on Popular Culture

The Barbie doll is an iconic figure that has had a profound impact on popular culture since her introduction in 1959. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie quickly became a beloved toy for children around the world. With her stylish outfits, glamorous lifestyle, and ever-evolving persona, Barbie captured the imaginations of generations and became a symbol of beauty, fashion, and empowerment.

The Early Years: The Birth of Barbie and her First Appearances

Barbie made her debut at the New York Toy Fair in 1959, where she instantly caught the attention of buyers and the media. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and hourglass figure, Barbie represented a departure from the baby dolls that were popular at the time. She was marketed as a teenage fashion model, and her wardrobe consisted of stylish outfits that reflected the latest trends.

During her early years, Barbie faced some criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and perpetuating gender stereotypes. However, her popularity continued to soar, and she soon became a staple in toy stores and households across the globe. Barbie’s success paved the way for a new era of dolls and toys that focused on fashion, glamour, and self-expression.

The Evolution of Barbie’s Appearance and Fashion Choices

One of the most fascinating aspects of Barbie’s history is the evolution of her appearance and fashion choices. Over the years, Barbie has undergone numerous transformations to reflect changing beauty standards and societal preferences. From her iconic blonde hair to her signature pink outfits, Barbie has always been at the forefront of fashion trends.

In the 1960s, Barbie embraced the mod look with her stylish mini-skirts, go-go boots, and bold prints. In the 1970s, she sported a more natural look with her sun-kissed tan and bohemian-inspired outfits. The 1980s saw Barbie embrace the glitz and glamour of the era with her big hair, shoulder pads, and sparkling accessories. In recent years, Barbie has embraced diversity and inclusivity by introducing dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles.

Barbie’s fashion choices have always been a reflection of the times, and her ability to stay relevant and adapt to changing trends has played a significant role in her enduring popularity.

Barbie’s Cultural Impact and Controversies

As a cultural phenomenon, Barbie has had a significant impact on society and has sparked numerous controversies throughout her history. On one hand, Barbie has been praised for encouraging imagination, creativity, and self-expression in children. Many young girls have looked up to Barbie as a role model and have been inspired by her glamorous lifestyle and career choices.

However, Barbie has also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Some argue that Barbie’s unrealistic proportions and emphasis on physical appearance can negatively impact body image and self-esteem, especially in young girls. Additionally, Barbie has been accused of perpetuating gender stereotypes by portraying women primarily in roles related to fashion and beauty.

Despite these controversies, Barbie has remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture, inspiring countless children and adults alike.

Read more on Barbie in the book: Barbie Culture by Mary F Rodgers, available at Merchiston Library

The Iconic Barbie Cut-out Box and its Significance

One of the most recognizable aspects of Barbie’s packaging is the iconic cut-out box. Introduced in the early years, the Barbie cut-out box allowed children to play with Barbie and her accessories in a miniature world. The box featured a cardboard backdrop, furniture, and clothing that could be cut out and assembled to create various scenes.

The Barbie cut-out box not only provided an interactive and imaginative play experience but also served as a marketing tool. The box showcased Barbie’s extensive wardrobe and accessories, enticing children to collect and play with different outfits. The cut-out box became a symbol of Barbie’s fashion-forward image and added to the overall allure of the doll.

Why not head upstairs in Merchiston Library and check out some of the books on packaging design?

Barbie’s Role in Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

In recent years, Barbie has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Recognizing the need for representation, Mattel introduced dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. Barbie now comes in a range of sizes, including petite, tall, and curvy, allowing children to see themselves reflected in their toys.

Barbie has also partnered with influential figures and organizations to promote inclusivity and empower young girls. Collaborations with the likes of Olympic athletes, scientists, and artists have showcased the endless possibilities and potential that girls have. By expanding the range of dolls and highlighting diverse role models, Barbie has sought to inspire and empower children of all backgrounds.

Barbie’s Influence on Fashion and Style Trends

Barbie has long been a fashion icon, inspiring countless trends and styles over the years. Her ever-changing wardrobe, from glamorous gowns to casual chic ensembles, has captivated the imaginations of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Barbie’s influence extends beyond the toy industry, with her fashion choices often making their way onto runways, magazines, and even real-life wardrobes.

Barbie’s impact on fashion trends can be seen in her collaborations with fashion designers and brands. From high-end designers to fast-fashion labels, Barbie has partnered with renowned names to create limited-edition collections that bring her iconic style to life. These collaborations have not only elevated Barbie’s fashion status but have also cemented her position as a cultural icon with a lasting influence on the fashion industry.

Barbie’s Collaborations and Partnerships

Barbie’s collaborations and partnerships have played a significant role in shaping her image and expanding her influence. Over the years, Barbie has teamed up with various brands, celebrities, and organizations to create special editions and collections that reflect current trends and interests.

Whether collaborating with iconic fashion houses to featuring pop culture icons, Barbie has stayed relevant. By aligning herself with influential figures and brands. These collaborations have not only increased Barbie’s appeal but have also allowed her to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach beyond the toy aisle.

The Future of Barbie: Innovations and Changes Over the Years

As Barbie celebrates over six decades of success, the future looks bright for this iconic doll. Over the years, Barbie has continued to innovate and adapt to changing times. From embracing diversity to incorporating technology into play experiences, Barbie has shown that she is not afraid to evolve and stay relevant.

In recent years, Barbie has embraced digital play experiences, allowing children to interact with her through online games, apps, and social media. This digital integration has opened up new avenues for storytelling and imaginative play, keeping Barbie at the forefront of children’s playtime.

Looking ahead, it is clear that Barbie will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs and desires of future generations. The enduring legacy of this fashionista doll will continue to inspire and empower children around the world.

Barbie’s Enduring Legacy and its Impact on Society

In conclusion, the Barbie doll has had a fascinating history and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. From her early appearances as a teenage fashion model to her current role as a champion of diversity and inclusivity, Barbie has continuously evolved to reflect changing times and societal values.

Despite facing controversies and criticism, Barbie’s enduring popularity is a testament to her ability to capture the imaginations of millions. Her influence on fashion, style trends, and popular culture cannot be overstated. Barbie has not only entertained generations of children but has also inspired them to dream big and embrace their individuality.

Furthermore, as we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Barbie continues to evolve and adapt. With her rich history and enduring legacy, Barbie will undoubtedly remain a cultural phenomenon for years to come.

By Juliet Kinsey

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon. What do you think about Barbie? Let us know in the comments below. Is she new feminist Icon or a simple doll?

Loving our toy theme? Read about the History of Lego on our Blog too.

Image Source: Pezibear on PixaBay

Edinburgh Sunset Princess Gardens

Love Parks Week

28/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

Love Parks Week

In Edinburgh our urban parks offer green space to residents who don’t have access to a garden. They offer opportunities to get out and about in the fresh air, take some exercise, walk your dog, take part in sports and let the children run about and let off steam!

What is Love Parks Week

Love Parks Week was set up to celebrate and support the efforts of volunteers and workers up and down the country to maintain and protect our green spaces and in 2023 it runs from 28th July to 6th August.

Councils will facilitate large maintenance projects such as grass-cutting. Some parks have friend associations which run volunteer events to do extra work to improve their park.  Friends of Braidburn Valley Park run two litter picks in spring and autumn to clear litter from the Braid Burn which runs through the park. This is the type of event that Love Parks Week wants to highlight.

Parks evolved from the deer parks used for hunting in medieval times. With the Industrial Revolution, areas were set aside in towns and cities to give workers some green space. To escape from their cramped living conditions in tenements and terraced houses which didn’t have gardens. With Covid-19 pandemic, urban dwellers used their parks to leave their homes for the one hour per day recommended by the government. They were invaluable to people with no garden of their own. As we return to normal, we can appreciate our parks at any time we choose, and they are being well used. The  Meadows hosts exercise classes, charity and festival events and even cricket! Below is information about some of Edinburgh’s interesting parks.

Edinburgh parks

Holyrood Park

With the cliffs of Salisbury Crags and three lochs, Holyrood Park is a large open space in central Edinburgh. It is more like the deer hunting parks of old. The peak called Arthur’s Seat is part of an extinct volcano. The lochs are home to swans and ducks, and other wildlife. This park is big enough to have roads running through it and in spring the High Road is closed for the annual toad migration. Rangers help the toads awakening from hibernation on Arthur’s Seat across the road to get to Dunsapie Loch.

Braidburn Valley Park

This park was a farm until 1933. It contains several cherry trees planted by Girl Guides in 1935. There is an open-air theatre with tiered seating on the grass slope opposite hosted many performances before World War 2, but these events have declined greatly. There is a permanent orienteering course in the park. Unusually for a park a small fruit orchard has been planted in memory of David Wright, a well-known local greengrocer. The burn running through the park is home to herons and dippers. Just inside the park at the top of the slope running beside Comiston Road there is an old tram shelter. Said to date from the time of the original Edinburgh trams which ran all the way here.

 Saughton Park

This park hosted the Scottish National Exhibition in 1908 showcasing industry, agriculture and engineering. View some film of the event. It opened as a public park in 1910. Containing a rose garden, winter garden, paddling pool and bandstand it contained all the classic elements of a mid-20th century park. Now reflecting more modern trends, the park houses a large skate park which is popular with children and teenagers.

Harrison Park

With the Union Canal running along the top edge of the park. You can catch rowing clubs practising and check out the colourful canal barges moored there.

Try checking out your local park to see if there are any activities you could take part in.  You could just go along to enjoy the open space, plants and wildlife!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Try more summer activities 

Photo source – Julia Solononia 

Image of plastic bottles for blog post July is Plastic Free Month

July is Plastic Free Month

24/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

July is Plastic Free Month

Plastics what’s the big deal?

50% of plastics in the world are made up of lightweight single-use products and packaging materials. The disposal process of these synthetic non-biodegradable plastics has become a problem for the environment, animals, and people.

In 2018 it was estimated between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons of plastics were discarded into the ocean annually, by countries with ocean coastlines.

The Ocean

Once in the ocean, sunlight and seawater react with the plastics. This causes it to become brittle, breaking down and turning into microplastics. These harmful by-products are then ingested by various types of wildlife, such as zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, and mammals. In addition, ocean currents above and below the sea spread the debris over a wider area, and carry the waste back to the shore, where it affects land wildlife.

Cleaning the oceans is a mammoth task and would cost billions, and as such is not a viable solution. The alternative option was to reduce the use of plastics, which would reduce the amount of waste needing disposal, and so the idea of Plastic Free Month was created.

Plastic Free Month

Join the movement and become part of the solution to help reduce plastic pollution. By replacing single use plastics, you use, one step at a time. Together we can have a massive impact on the overall output of single use non-recyclable plastics. The idea has already been embraced by a million plus participants in 190 countries since Plastic Free Month’s began in 2011. By 2021 those taking part had reduced waste by 2.1 million tonnes.

The Plastic Free Foundation

Setup by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz (the founder of the Plastic Free Foundation) and a small team in local government in Western Australia, it has grown to become one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world. Six years after its initial set up in 2011, Plastic Free July, led to the formation of the Plastic Free Foundation Ltd, an independent, not-for-profit charity that would support participants and grow the campaign. Plastic Free July has become a key initiative that allows the organisation to work towards a world free of plastic waste.

Their core mission values are:

  • Honesty and integrity
  • Inclusivity of people, ideas, visions, and approaches.
  • A focus on providing solutions.
  • Authenticity and collaboration.
  • The belief that small changes add up to a big difference.

To find out more about Plastic Free Month and some great ideas on how you can play your part in helping and improving the environment, head over to Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution.

Working to make a difference.

Click on the following link to see how a lab technician and technical assistant at Edinburgh Napier University pioneered a new recycling initiative that has to date (December 2022) re-routed 3,000kg of plastic from general waste to dry mixed recycling.  Lab Plastic Recycling Project (napier.ac.uk)

Or read the blog at: Solving single-use plastic waste with a dynamic duo – The School of Applied Sciences (napier.ac.uk)

By Mo Almas

Read more about the Environment and the world in our article on re-introducing animals to Scotland.

Photo by tanvi sharma on Unsplash

Moon over city

International Moon Day

20/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

International Moon Day

It was way back in the 5th century B.C. that Greek astronomer Anaxagoras correctly surmised that the moon was not a god, but a big rock with mountains on its surface. The sun, too, was a burning rock that “puts brightness into the moon”. These beliefs got him arrested and exiled, but he stuck by them. No doubt Anaxagoras would have been delighted when, 23 centuries later, three US astronauts landed on the big rock.

Apollo 11

It was on 20th July 1969 that Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin touched down on the moon. It was, you’ll recall, “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”.

The Apollo 11 lunar mission, one of the most daring engineering feats ever pulled off, lasted exactly eight days,18 minutes and 35 seconds. That was 54 years ago, but it was only last year that the first International Moon Day was recognised.

You may wonder why the moon needs its own special day. Well, sadly our only natural satellite is not immune from destructive human activity.  According to the United Nations, we need to ensure that moon exploration remains sustainable and peaceful. Indeed, the UN is so concerned about lunar safety that as early as 1967 the General Assembly adopted the “Magna Carta of Space”. The charter sets out principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space.

Article three states that “the moon shall be used by all States Parties exclusively for peaceful purposes” and goes on to prohibit the use of the moon for threatening behaviour and mass destruction.

For more information, see here:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/moon-day

About us (unoosa.org)

As long as we don’t destroy it – or our own Earth – we’ll continue to be fascinated by the moon, and all other celestial bodies. Countless films and dramas have been set on the moon or other non-Earth locations. Fancy rewatching Apollo 13, The Dish or Neil Armstrong – First Man on the Moon?  Just log into BoB through LibrarySearch:

Search · BoB (learningonscreen.ac.uk)

By Lesley McRobb

Read about some Alien fun here 

Photo source Thula Na

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